Uzm. Dr. Ertan Özen
GynaecologyVerified
- 36+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Gynaecological Surgery
Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy
What anterior and posterior colporrhaphy (front and back vaginal wall repair) is, how it treats a bladder or rectum bulging into the vagina, what evidence says about success and recurrence, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, recovery restrictions, risks and how to choose a gynaecologist.
A written plan with the surgeon's name and the full price — usually within 24 hours.
- Category
- Gynaecological Surgery
- Hospitals
- 2
- Verified
- 2
- Price from
- Price on request
Verified surgeons for Anterior and Posterior Colporrhaphy
2 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Zehra Neşe Kavak
GynaecologyVerified
- 36+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy in Turkey: what is the operation?
Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, often called a front and back vaginal repair or "A and P repair", is an operation that tightens and supports both the front and back walls of the vagina. The front wall lies against the bladder and the back wall against the rectum. When the supporting tissue (fascia) between them weakens, usually after childbirth, with age or after menopause, the bladder can bulge into the front wall (cystocele) and the rectum into the back wall (rectocele). A gynaecologist makes a cut inside the vagina, lifts the vaginal skin, stitches the weakened tissue back to a stronger position and trims and closes the skin. There is no cut on the abdomen. Gynaecology departments in Turkey perform this operation routinely, often together with other repairs.
This guide explains when both walls need repair, what the evidence says, what it costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, what recovery is like and which questions to ask. For related care see our gynaecology treatments in Turkey.
What symptoms does a front and back vaginal wall repair treat?
Prolapse of both walls produces a mix of symptoms. Typical are a feeling of heaviness or a bulge at or beyond the vaginal opening, a sensation of "sitting on a ball", difficulty fully emptying the bladder, frequent urination, urine leaking with coughing, difficulty opening the bowels that sometimes needs a finger pressed on the vaginal wall, and discomfort during sex. Many women with a mild prolapse have no symptoms and need no treatment.
Surgery is considered when symptoms bother you and pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes or a vaginal support ring (pessary) have not helped or are not wanted. The NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend trying non-surgical options first for many women.
How is anterior and posterior colporrhaphy performed?
The operation is done under general anaesthesia or a spinal block, usually taking 45 to 90 minutes. The surgeon first repairs the front wall: a cut along the midline, separation of the vaginal skin from the bladder, stitching of the supporting tissue to pull the bladder back up, and trimming of excess skin. Then the back wall is treated in the same way, with the surgeon bringing together the tissue between rectum and vagina, sometimes with support to the pelvic floor muscles. The skin is closed with dissolving stitches, and a vaginal pack and urinary catheter may stay in for a day.
Most women stay in hospital one to two nights. Extra procedures, such as removing the uterus, support of the top of the vagina or a sling for stress leakage, change the length and the price.
Does the repair work, and does the prolapse come back?
For most women a native-tissue repair (using your own tissue, without mesh) relieves the bulge and the heaviness, and many report better bladder and bowel emptying. The honest limit is that prolapse can recur because the same weak tissue is used. Studies and national guidelines report that anatomical recurrence is not rare in the years after surgery, although fewer women report symptoms returning. Factors that raise the risk include a large prolapse, chronic coughing, constipation and straining, obesity, heavy lifting and further vaginal births.
Vaginal mesh is a separate topic: because of complications, regulators in the UK have restricted mesh for prolapse repair, and the FDA has banned it for transvaginal prolapse in the US. A reputable clinic will explain whether any implant will be used and why.
Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges for a front and back repair, not hospital quotes. They depend on the type of anaesthesia, the hospital room, the length of stay and whether other procedures are added. Each hospital confirms its price in a written quote.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,500 – €6,000 |
| United Kingdom | €5,500 – €12,000 (private) |
| United States | €9,000 – €25,000 |
| Germany | €4,500 – €10,000 |
What changes the price: a combined repair is dearer than a single wall; adding a hysterectomy, sacrospinous fixation or a continence procedure raises the quote; so do private rooms and extra nights. A package normally includes pre-operative tests, the operation, anaesthetist, hospital stay, medication and transfers. Ask for the list in writing and whether follow-up at home is covered.
Front and back repair or a single wall repair: how do the options compare?
The choice follows the examination, not a template. If only the bladder wall has dropped, an anterior repair alone is enough; the separate guide to gynaecology treatments lists the related operations. If only the rectal wall has dropped, a posterior repair is sufficient. When both are affected, doing them together avoids a second anaesthetic.
| Option | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy | Bladder and rectum both bulging into the vagina | Recurrence possible; longer healing than single wall |
| Single wall repair | Prolapse limited to the front or back wall | Does not treat the other wall |
| Pessary and pelvic floor training | Mild to moderate prolapse, women who prefer to avoid surgery or are unfit | Does not repair tissue; pessary needs regular care |
Top-of-vagina or uterine prolapse is treated by other operations that a surgeon may combine with colporrhaphy.
Who is a suitable candidate, and when should you wait?
Women with bothersome symptoms, a confirmed front and back prolapse on examination and no wish to have more children are usually the best candidates, because childbirth after repair can undo it. You may be advised to delay if you are planning a pregnancy, are a heavy smoker, have an untreated urinary infection, a chronic cough, severe constipation or uncontrolled diabetes, or if you are not well enough for an anaesthetic. A urine test, and sometimes urodynamic (bladder pressure) tests, help the surgeon decide whether a continence procedure is also needed. Send your previous notes and scan results before travelling.
Your trip to Turkey and recovery, week by week
Most women stay four to six nights, which covers the hospital stay, the removal of the catheter and a check before the flight. Recovery follows a predictable course.
- Days 1–3: mild to moderate pain, light bleeding or discharge; catheter removed; short walks.
- Weeks 1–2: rest, avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle; stitches dissolve.
- Weeks 2–6: light activity and desk work for many; avoid straining, heavy lifting, intercourse and tampons.
- After six weeks: check-up, then gradual return to exercise and sex if healing is complete.
Prevent constipation with fibre, fluids and stool softeners if advised, since straining stresses the repair. Short flights are usually allowed once the surgeon has checked you.
What are the risks of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy?
Every operation carries risks. Reported problems include bleeding or a collection of blood (haematoma), infection, urinary infection, difficulty passing urine for a few days, injury to the bladder or bowel (rare), pain during sex (dyspareunia), a narrowed vagina if too much tissue is removed, recurrence of prolapse and, uncommonly, new bladder or bowel symptoms. Blood clots and anaesthetic complications are possible, as with any surgery. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the NHS describe these in patient information. Ask the surgeon how they manage a complication and who will treat you once you are home.
How do you choose a gynaecologist and hospital?
Look for a specialist gynaecologist with regular experience of pelvic floor surgery, a licensed hospital with an anaesthetist and a ward with female staff if that matters to you, and a written plan and price before you pay a deposit. Red flags include a quote without an examination or records review, promises that prolapse will never return, vague answers on mesh, no named surgeon and no plan for follow-up. Read how our process works and ask for a plan through our free quote page; the hospital reviews your notes and replies in writing.
What should you ask the clinic before you book?
- Does my examination show both front and back wall prolapse, and do I need other procedures too?
- Will any mesh or implant be used, and if so why?
- What is your experience with this operation, and what are the recurrence and complication rates in your practice?
- What does the price include, and what if I need an extra night?
- Who arranges my check-ups at home, and can my own gynaecologist receive the operation report?
Hospitals with Gynaecology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
It is an operation that repairs both the front and back walls of the vagina, supporting the bladder and the rectum. It treats cystocele and rectocele through a cut inside the vagina, without an abdominal incision.
Most women notice relief of the bulge and heaviness, and often better bladder and bowel emptying. Prolapse can return over time because the repair uses your own tissue, so recurrence risk should be discussed.
Approximate ranges are €2,500 to €6,000 in Turkey, against about €5,500 to €12,000 privately in the UK. Added procedures and the length of stay change the price; the hospital confirms it in a written quote.
Light activity is possible within one to two weeks and many women return to desk work after two to four weeks. Heavy lifting, sex and strenuous exercise usually wait about six weeks.
You are anaesthetised during surgery. Afterwards there is soreness and pressure in the vagina and perineum for several days, usually managed with simple painkillers and rest.
It can. Anatomical recurrence is not rare in the years after native-tissue repair, although fewer women report symptoms returning. Avoiding constipation, heavy lifting and extra weight lowers the risk.
Standard colporrhaphy uses your own tissue and stitches, not mesh. Mesh for prolapse is restricted in the UK and banned for transvaginal use in the US, so ask any clinic whether an implant is planned.
Surgeons usually advise waiting until childbearing is complete because pregnancy and vaginal birth can strain the repair. Discuss your plans before choosing the timing.
It is a common operation with a good safety record, but it carries risks such as bleeding, infection, painful sex and recurrence. A specialist gynaecologist should explain them and how they are handled.
Plan for about four to six nights: the operation, one to two nights in hospital, catheter removal and a check before the flight. Combined procedures may mean a longer stay.
Patient stories