What to expect from pelvic floor repair surgery for cystocele

A cystocele, also called bladder prolapse, occurs when the tissue between the bladder and vagina weakens or stretches. Before surgery, your team reviews medicines, anaesthesia, bladder symptoms and whether other areas of the pelvic floor also need attention. The repair is commonly performed through the vagina, with weakened supporting tissue brought together; the exact approach depends on your examination and surgical plan.

Afterward, soreness, light bleeding and temporary changes in urination can occur. A catheter may be used for a short period while bladder emptying is checked. Your clinician will explain wound care, pain relief and when follow-up is needed.

Arrange help with shopping, meals and lifting during the early recovery period. Take prescribed medicines as directed, keep the area clean and prevent constipation with fluids, fibre and any recommended stool-softening plan. Avoid vaginal insertion, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until your surgical team clears them. Gentle walking is often introduced gradually, with activity increased according to comfort and review.

Contact your surgical team promptly for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, inability to pass urine, calf swelling or shortness of breath. New or persistent difficulty emptying the bladder also needs review rather than being treated as a routine part of healing.

Ask which part of the prolapse will be repaired, how urination will be checked, which activities are restricted, and what symptoms should trigger an earlier appointment.