What is the Recovery Time for Prolapse Repair?

Surgical recovery times vary depending on the procedure performed and can also vary for each individual person. In general, the recovery period and post-operative restrictions are very similar for both vaginal prolapse repairs and for da Vinci Robotic prolapse repairs. Vaginal prolapse repairs typically take about 2.5 hours and patients usually stay in the hospital for one night. Occasionally patients will stay for two nights for comfort reasons. Restrictions after surgery include no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 2 weeks. Patients with more vigorous exercise routines (such as CrossFit or competitive sports) may be advised to wait 6 weeks before returning to these activities. At the time of surgery, sutures are placed along the inside of the vagina, these dissolve over 6 to 8 weeks. Vaginal rest is advised (no intercourse or tampon use) for 6 weeks, to allow the area to heal while the sutures are dissolving. The only restriction on driving is while patients are taking narcotic pain medications post operatively, which varies from a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the individual needs of the patient. For robotic prolapse repairs, the surgery usually takes 3 to 4 hours and the restrictions and recovery time are very similar. For the robotic repair, 5 small incisions (approximately 1cm in length) are made across the abdomen (one above the belly button and two on either side of this). The skin incisions are closed with a dissolvable suture and surgical glue is applied on the skin. Patients can shower normally and the glue comes off on its own after about 2 weeks. Patients are often seen for a nurse visit a few days after their surgery and then at 2 weeks and 6 weeks for post-operative exams. We are always available by phone following a surgical repair should any questions or concerns arise outside of clinic hours.