Ambulatory Procedure >>
Colpocleisis (Lefort Procedure)
When patients have a uterine prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse such that the cervix or vagina apex descends past the introitus or vaginal opening there obviously has been a loss of support to this area. In a healthy, sexually active woman the vagina may be surgically attached to the sacrospinous ligament, sacrum or fascia support system. Although these reconstructive techniques are effective, they can be associated with occasional serious complications such as severe hemorrhage or major nerve injury.
In those frail elderly women who do not wish to be sexually active in the future we have found that total colpocleisis is a simple, safe, and effective surgical procedure that reliably relieves these women of their symptoms without the potential hazards of vaginal suspension. The procedure is called a total colpocleisis for patients who do not have a uterus and have complete vaginal vault prolapse and a Lefort colpocleisis for patients who still have a uterus. Total colpocleisis procedure is often coupled with a tension free vaginal tape (TVT sling) sling procedure for urinary incontinence. Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore were the first surgeons to report on coupling these two procedures in elderly patients utilizing local anesthesia. The colpocleisis procedure is done through the vagina and essentially closes the vagina on the inside. The patient can no longer engage in sexual intercourse due to the closing up of the vagina. Colpocleisis is an extremely effective operation which:
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