Colpocleisis: What to Expect at Home

You had colpocleisis, or vaginal closure surgery. The surgeon removed your entire vaginal lining except for a short part. The vagina was then sewn shut. If your uterus is still present, a small opening was left in the vagina to allow fluids to drain from it.

After the surgery, you can't put anything in your vagina. So the type of sex you have may change.

You may have some light vaginal bleeding for about a week after surgery. You may also have some white or yellow discharge from your vagina for several weeks.

You may go home the day of surgery, or you may stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days. You will probably be able to return to your normal activities in about 4 weeks, but this can vary widely.

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Try to walk each day. Start out by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent blood clots, pneumonia, and constipation.
• Avoid lifting anything that will make you strain—which includes lifting a child, a vacuum, or grocery bags—for about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activities—such as biking, jogging, weightlifting, and aerobic exercise—for about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• You may shower. Pat the area dry when you are done. Do not take a bath for the first week after surgery or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. These things slow healing and recovery. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

• You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fiber supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

• The cut (incision) in the vagina will be closed with stitches that will dissolve over time. Wash the area daily with unscented soap and water and pat it dry.
• Wash your hands before and after touching your incision.
• Keep the area clean and dry. Wear a sanitary pad for any vaginal discharge and bleeding. Change the pad often. Do not douche or use tampons.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more pads in an hour, or you have large clots.
• You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• You have loose stitches, or your cut (incision) comes open.
• You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• You cannot pass stools or gas.
• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
  • Blood in your urine.
  • A fever.