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Native Tissue Repair for Incontinence and Prolapse pp 89–101Cite as

Anterior Colporrhaphy

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Abstract

Anterior vaginal wall prolapse is defined as clinically evident descent of the anterior vaginal compartment. This may be the result of a midline, lateral or transverse fascial defect. Oftentimes, the patient does not experience symptoms until the anterior prolapse descends to the level of the introitus. Associated symptoms may include: pelvic pressure, palpation of a vaginal bulge, voiding difficulties (the need for positional voiding), urinary incontinence, and interference with sexual activity. Younger patients may complain of the inability to retain a tampon. Surgical correction of the anterior vaginal wall defect is indicated when the prolapse has a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life.

The objective of the anterior colporrhaphy is to fold and tighten the layers of the vaginal muscularis and adventitia overlying the bladder (also called the pubocervical, pubovesical, or endopelvic fascia). This surgical procedure should be tailored to the specific site(s) of anterior compartment defect, and is most suited for the central (midline) defect. Patients should be assessed for stress urinary incontinence and other compartment defects, which can be corrected concomitantly.

When compared to non-native tissue repairs, the anterior colporrhaphy is associated with fewer complications. It does have a higher long-term failure rate but is the recommended procedure for patients with no history of prior repairs.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Jubilee C. Tan MD (Instructor)

  2. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Tracey Wilson MD

Authors
  1. Jubilee C. Tan MD
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  2. Tracey Wilson MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tracey Wilson MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA

    Philippe E. Zimmern

  2. Division of Urology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA

    Elise J. B. De

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© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Tan, J.C., Wilson, T. (2017). Anterior Colporrhaphy. In: Zimmern, P., De, E. (eds) Native Tissue Repair for Incontinence and Prolapse. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45268-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45268-5_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-45266-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-45268-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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