Treatment

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Surgery for Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Choose a preferred language

Vaginal vault prolapse is when the vagina loses its support and drops toward the opening. Sometimes it drops beyond the opening. This can happen after the uterus has been removed. Surgery is done to fix the problem and ease your symptoms.

Side view cross section of female pelvis showing a removed uterus.Side view cross section of female pelvis showing prolapsed vaginal vault.


The surgical procedure

A vaginal vault suspension may be done. This type of surgery can be done through the vagina or the belly (abdomen). The vagina is attached to strong tissue in the pelvis or to the sacrum. This is a bone at the base of the spine that forms the back of the pelvis.


Possible risks and complications of surgery

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Risks of anesthesia

  • Damage to nerves, muscles, or nearby pelvic structures

  • Blood clots

  • Prolapse occurring again


Your incisions

During surgery, the surgeon reaches your pelvic organs through the vagina or the belly. A cut (incision) may be made in the vaginal wall. If surgery through the belly is done, the surgeon makes a few small cuts to insert tiny laparoscopic tools. Or the surgeon makes one larger cut. This larger cut can be up and down (vertical) or across (transverse).

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN

Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C

Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
user headset icon

Need Help? We're Here for You

Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.

1-800-510-9132
quit smoking icon

Call NC Quitline

Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:

1-800-784-8669
car and bus icon

Schedule Transportation

Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.

1-800-510-9132
Stethoscope icon

Provider Directory

Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist? 

Provider Directory
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Tubal Sterilization Surgery

Tubal sterilization is one of the most effective forms of birth control. It blocks the egg from being fertilized by sperm. This prevents pregnancy.

Read article
OB/GYN
Understanding Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

If you decide on hysterectomy, your health care provider may suggest using a type of surgery called laparoscopy. This method has many benefits compared to open surgery. These include a faster recovery and less time in the hospital.

Read article
OB/GYN
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Surgery for Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (urine leakage) can be treated during pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The goal of surgery is to hold the urethra and bladder firmly in place to prevent leakage and relieve your symptoms.

Read article
OB/GYN
Understanding Ovarian Cystectomy

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgery that removes a cyst from your ovaries. It's usually done only if the cyst is large or painful.