Overview

A prolapsed urinary bladder, also known as cystocele, occurs when the bladder drops or bulges into the vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and supportive tissues. This condition is commonly seen in women, especially after childbirth, aging, or menopause.

When the bladder loses its normal support, it may cause discomfort, difficulty in urination, and a feeling of pressure in the pelvic region. If non-surgical treatments such as pelvic floor exercises or lifestyle changes do not improve the condition, surgical correction may be recommended.

Surgery aims to restore the bladder to its normal position and strengthen the surrounding tissues to prevent further prolapse.

Body Area Involved

• Urinary bladder
• Vaginal wall
• Pelvic floor muscles

Type of Treatment

• Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Causes of Bladder Prolapse

Bladder prolapse develops when the pelvic floor muscles become weak or stretched, reducing their ability to support the bladder.

• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
• Aging and loss of muscle strength
• Hormonal changes after menopause
• Chronic constipation or straining
• Heavy lifting over long periods
• Previous pelvic surgery

Common Symptoms

Women with a prolapsed bladder may experience:

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
• A bulge or lump felt inside the vagina
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
• Frequent urination or urinary leakage
• Discomfort during physical activity or standing for long periods

Preparation Before Surgery

Before surgery, the doctor performs a detailed examination to confirm the severity of the prolapse and determine the most suitable treatment approach.

• Physical pelvic examination
• Urine tests to rule out infection
• Ultrasound or imaging of the urinary system
• Bladder function tests if needed
• Routine blood tests and anesthesia evaluation

Patients may also receive instructions about fasting and medications before surgery.

Surgical Procedure

The goal of surgery is to restore the bladder to its normal position and strengthen the pelvic support structures.

• The procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
• The surgeon makes a small incision through the vaginal wall.
• The bladder is gently repositioned to its normal location.
• The weakened tissues and muscles supporting the bladder are tightened and repaired.
• In some cases, a supportive mesh or graft may be used to strengthen the pelvic floor.
• The incision is closed with absorbable stitches to allow proper healing.

Post-Surgery Care

After surgery, patients are monitored for a short period in the hospital. Proper care is important for successful recovery.

• Pain relief medications may be prescribed
• Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities
• Maintaining proper hygiene helps prevent infection
• Follow-up visits help monitor healing and bladder function

Recovery

Recovery time may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s health condition.

• Most patients can return to light activities within 2–3 weeks
• Complete healing may take about 4–6 weeks
• Doctors may recommend pelvic floor exercises to strengthen muscles and prevent recurrence

Possible Risks

Although bladder prolapse surgery is generally safe, some possible risks may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Temporary difficulty urinating
• Recurrence of prolapse in rare cases

Proper surgical care and follow-up reduce the chances of complications.

Benefits of Surgery

Surgical correction of bladder prolapse provides several important benefits:

• Restores normal position of the bladder
• Improves bladder control and urinary function
• Reduces pelvic pressure and discomfort
• Improves quality of life and daily activities

Early diagnosis and timely treatment help prevent complications and ensure better long-term outcomes.