Does cystocele and rectocele repair surgery hurt?

A patient undergoing cystocele or rectocele surgery does not feel pain during the procedure because local or general anesthesia is administered prior to the surgery. However, patients experience vaginal discomfort for up to two weeks after the procedure.

A cystocele is a fallen bladder and occurs when connective tissue stretches or tears, allowing the bladder to move into an abnormal position. It is surgically repaired by moving the bladder back into position and sewing it into place.

A rectocele is a fallen rectum, which occurs when there is damage to the supporting tissue between the rectum and vagina. To repair this, the surgeon stitches the torn areas of tissue back together.