Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)
What is Cystocele?
Cystocele; It is the herniation of the bladder (urinary bladder) into the vagina. The reason is the weakening of the tissues around the vagina and cervix. It is most commonly seen in those who have had multiple and difficult births. The natural folds in the part where the urinary bladder sags are erased and it becomes shiny and smooth. The patient's complaint is usually a feeling of fullness and a mass in the vagina. If there is also prolapse in the urinary tract, urinary incontinence may also be observed in patients. Advanced cystoceles can progress to the point of coming out of the vagina, especially during straining.
What are the risk factors for cystocele?
The cause of cystocele is the weakening of the support tissues and pelvic muscle structures between the bladder and vagina. Risk factors that may cause this are:
· Difficult vaginal (normal) birth,
· Having given birth to multiple births,
· Giving birth to a large baby,
· Obesity,
· Menopause,
· Advanced age,
· Having undergone hysterectomy (uterus removal),
· Constipation,
· Lifting heavy loads,
What are the symptoms of cystocele? ?
The most important symptom is a protrusion, lump, sagging or swelling in the front or upper part of the vaginal entrance. Some patients only mention a feeling of pressure and heaviness. Frequent urination and dysuria (burning during urination) may occur. A feeling of the bladder not being fully emptied and urinating more easily after pushing this protrusion in may be observed in some patients. Additionally, if there is a urethrocele, that is, prolapse of the external urinary hole (urethra), urinary incontinence may occur.
How is the treatment of cystocele?
The treatment of cystocele is surgery. However, not every cystocele may need to be treated. The patient must have many complaints and want treatment. In surgical treatment, anterior colporrhaphy (preliminary repair) is performed. This surgery can be performed by re-approximating the traditionally separated/torn support tissues or by supporting the support tissues that have lost their strength by using synthetic materials called mesh.
Read: 0
