Vaginal vault prolapse

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Vaginal vault prolapse

Vaginal vault prolapse is a type of pelvic organ prolapse that can occur following surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). When the top of the vagina loses the support of the uterus, it often sags or drops into the vaginal canal.

The amount of the drop in a vaginal vault prolapse can vary from a slight sag into the vaginal canal to a complete drop, where the top of the vagina bulges outside of the vaginal opening.

Most women with a vaginal vault prolapse will also have bulging of the small bowel (enterocele) into the vagina. Other bladder and bowel problems, such as urinary incontinence and constipation, are likely to occur with vaginal vault prolapse.

Vaginal vault prolapse may be treated with a special device that holds the vagina in place (vaginal pessary). Surgery sometimes is needed to repair vaginal vault prolapse.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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