Closure of the vagina (vaginal obliteration)
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Surgery Overview
Closure of the vagina is surgery done for an older woman whose uterus has moved from its natural position to press uncomfortably into the vagina (uterine prolapse 
). This procedure may also be done if an older woman's vagina severely sags or drops into the vaginal canal (vaginal vault prolapse ). In this surgery, the vagina is sewn shut, so it is only done if the woman no longer desires sexual intercourse.
Vaginal obliteration is performed by removing the entire vaginal lining except for
Because vaginal obliteration is a relatively brief surgical procedure, it may be performed when a woman has one or more severe long-term (chronic) medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, that make a longer procedure more of a risk.
What To Expect After Surgery
General, regional, or local anesthesia may be used for vaginal obliteration. You may stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days. You will probably be able to return to your normal activities in about 4 weeks, but this can vary widely. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 2 weeks and increase your activity level gradually.
Why It Is Done
Vaginal obliteration is done to correct severe uterine or vaginal vault prolapse in an older woman who no longer desires sexual intercourse or whose other chronic health problems make a longer surgical procedure more dangerous.
How Well It Works
Vaginal obliteration is an effective treatment for vaginal vault or uterine prolapse. Sometimes, a surgical procedure for urinary incontinence is done at the same time.
Risks
Complications of vaginal obliteration are uncommon.
What To Think About
The main point of vaginal obliteration is speed and simplicity. This procedure is usually best for women with chronic health conditions because a more extensive or complicated surgery could be dangerous.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
Credits
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | May 21, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 21, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen |
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