Closure of the Vagina (Vaginal Obliteration)

Surgery Overview

Closure of the vagina is surgery done for an older woman whose uterus has moved from its natural position to press uncomfortably into the vagina (uterine prolapse). This procedure may also be done if an older woman's vagina severely sags or drops into the vaginal canal (vaginal vault prolapse). In this surgery, the vagina is sewn shut. So it is only done if the woman no longer desires sexual intercourse.

Vaginal obliteration is done by removing the entire vaginal lining except for 1 in. (2.54 cm) to 1.5 in. (3.81 cm). The vagina is then sewn shut. If the uterus is still present, a small opening is left in the vagina to allow fluids to drain from the uterus.

Because vaginal obliteration is a relatively brief surgical procedure, it may be done when a woman has one or more severe long-term (chronic) medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, that make a longer procedure more of a risk.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery?