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Posterior colporrhaphy is surgery to repair weakness in the back wall of the vagina. It is commonly used to treat a rectocele, which occurs when the rectum bulges toward the vagina. The surgeon reinforces the supporting tissue with stitches through an incision inside the vagina. The procedure may relieve a vaginal bulge or pressure.
read more about posterior colporrhaphy ...Surgery may be considered when a rectocele causes bothersome symptoms. These can include vaginal pressure, a bulge, or difficulty emptying the bowel. A clinician examines the prolapse and discusses nonsurgical options before recommending an operation. Treatment depends on symptoms and the extent of the prolapse.
The surgeon makes an incision along the back wall of the vagina. Stitches bring the weakened supporting tissue together to reinforce the area between the vagina and rectum. The vaginal incision is then closed, usually with dissolvable stitches. The rectum itself is generally left in place.
Vaginal soreness and light bleeding or discharge can occur after surgery. The care team may recommend avoiding heavy lifting, straining, and vaginal intercourse while the repair heals. Preventing constipation can reduce pressure on the surgical area. The surgeon provides a follow-up plan based on the procedure performed.
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, and injury to nearby organs. Some people develop pain during intercourse or continue to have bowel symptoms. The prolapse can also return after repair. A surgeon can explain how the planned operation addresses the symptoms present.
No. The surgeon repairs the supporting tissue behind the vaginal wall while leaving the rectum in place.
Posterior colporrhaphy is a common surgical method for repairing a rectocele. Other approaches may be used in selected cases.
It may help bowel symptoms caused by a rectocele, but constipation can have other causes. Symptom relief is not certain.
Yes. Pelvic organ prolapse can recur even after a repair has healed.
Colporrhaphy: Purpose, Procedure, Results & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23324-colporrhaphy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Posterior Colporrhaphy. Atrium Health Navicent. https://navicenthealth.org/service-center/women-s-services-navicent-health/posterior-colporrhaphy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Rectocele. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546689/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Rectocele Repair: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/16610-rectocele-repair. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/surgery-for-pelvic-organ-prolapse. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.