Prolapse Surgery Sheffield
Professor Swati Jha
At a glance: Prolapse Surgery Sheffield
Prolapse surgery in Sheffield is available privately at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital through Professor Swati Jha — a subspecialty-trained consultant urogynaecologist, FRCOG, and the only RCOG-accredited urogynaecology training programme director in Yorkshire. She offers the full spectrum of native-tissue prolapse procedures including laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, hysteropexy (uterus-preserving), anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, and vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair. She does not use transvaginal mesh. No GP referral is required.
When Do I Recommend Prolapse Surgery in Sheffield?
I do not recommend surgery as the first option for every woman with prolapse. Many women improve with conservative treatment such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, vaginal oestrogen and pessary care.
I usually consider surgery when:
- Conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief
- Prolapse is causing significant functional impairment — bladder emptying difficulty, incomplete bowel evacuation, or obstruction
- The prolapse is severe (POP-Q stage III–IV) and symptomatic
- You want a durable, anatomical correction rather than ongoing pessary management
- Recurrent prolapse after previous surgery requires revision
My decision to recommend surgery is based on your symptoms, your goals and your overall health — not examination findings alone.
All Prolapse Treatment OptionsI Always Consider Non-Surgical Treatment First
Where appropriate, I always consider non-surgical management first. Many women find significant improvement without an operation.
Non-Surgical Options Include
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Vaginal pessary fitting and review
- Vaginal oestrogen (postmenopausal women)
- Lifestyle modification and pelvic floor advice
Conservative management does not preclude future surgery if needed. It is often the correct starting point even when surgery is eventually planned.
→ Non-Surgical Prolapse Treatment SheffieldProlapse Surgery Sheffield: The Procedures I Offer
The procedures I perform are selected around your anatomy, symptoms and goals. I do not use transvaginal mesh in my private prolapse surgery. The choice of operation depends on which compartment is affected, prolapse severity, previous surgery and your personal priorities.
Apical / Vault Prolapse
Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy
Keyhole surgery to restore apical support by attaching the vaginal vault to the sacrum. The gold standard for vault prolapse and a highly durable procedure for post-hysterectomy prolapse.
- Performed laparoscopically — small incisions, faster recovery than open surgery
- Uses a synthetic graft placed abdominally (not vaginally — no transvaginal mesh)
- Most durable repair for apical compartment defects
- May be combined with anterior or posterior repair
Vault / Apical Prolapse
Sacrospinous Fixation
A vaginal procedure to suspend the vault to the sacrospinous ligament. An effective alternative to sacrocolpopexy when laparoscopic surgery is not preferred or appropriate.
- Entirely vaginal approach — no abdominal incisions
- Native tissue repair — no mesh used
- Can be combined with anterior or posterior colporrhaphy at the same sitting
- Shorter operative time than laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy
Uterine Prolapse · Uterus-Preserving
Hysteropexy
Lifts and suspends the uterus without removal. The preferred option for women with uterine prolapse who wish to avoid hysterectomy — whether for personal, cultural or fertility-related reasons.
- Performed laparoscopically (sacrohysteropexy — uterus attached to sacrum)
- Uterus is retained in full
- Good long-term durability with appropriate patient selection
- Uterine pathology must be excluded before this approach is chosen
Cystocele · Anterior Wall
Anterior Colporrhaphy (Anterior Repair)
Vaginal surgery to correct a cystocele — descent of the bladder into the front wall of the vagina. The most commonly performed prolapse procedure. Uses native tissue throughout.
- Incision made along the anterior vaginal wall
- Bladder is repositioned and underlying fascia repaired and plicated
- Can be combined with posterior repair or apical suspension
- May improve associated urinary symptoms
Rectocele · Posterior Wall
Posterior Colporrhaphy (Posterior Repair)
Vaginal surgery to correct a rectocele — descent of the bowel into the back vaginal wall. Addresses symptoms such as incomplete defaecation and the need to digitate to empty the bowel.
- Incision made along the posterior vaginal wall
- Rectovaginal fascia repaired using native tissue
- Often combined with anterior repair or perineal reconstruction
- Improves bowel function in most patients with symptomatic rectocele
Uterine Prolapse · Hysterectomy Route
Vaginal Hysterectomy with Pelvic Floor Repair
Removal of the uterus via the vaginal route combined with pelvic floor repair. Appropriate when uterine prolapse is present and the patient prefers or is better suited to hysterectomy rather than uterine preservation.
- No abdominal incision required
- Pelvic floor repair (anterior, posterior, or vault suspension) performed at the same time
- Suitable when co-existing uterine pathology is present or preservation is not desired
- Apical vault support is always addressed at the time of hysterectomy
How I Choose the Right Prolapse Operation for You
I choose the procedure according to the compartment involved and whether the top of the vagina or uterus needs support. More than one procedure may be needed at the same operation.
| Prolapse Type | Structures Involved | Primary Surgical Option(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cystocele (anterior) | Bladder / anterior vaginal wall | Anterior colporrhaphy | Often combined with apical suspension |
| Rectocele (posterior) | Rectum / posterior vaginal wall | Posterior colporrhaphy | Assess apical compartment simultaneously |
| Uterine prolapse — uterus-preserving | Uterus / apical support | Hysteropexy (laparoscopic) | Exclude uterine pathology pre-operatively |
| Uterine prolapse — hysterectomy preferred | Uterus / apical + anterior/posterior walls | Vaginal hysterectomy with repair | Vault must be supported at same procedure |
| Vault prolapse (post-hysterectomy) | Vaginal vault / apex | Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy or sacrospinous fixation | Sacrocolpopexy preferred for highest durability |
| Multi-compartment prolapse | Multiple | Combined procedures at single sitting | Apical repair is the keystone — addressed first |
| Recurrent prolapse after previous surgery | Variable | Tailored to previous repair and current defects | Requires specialist assessment; often different approach from primary |
My Approach to Prolapse Surgery: Native Tissue Repair Without Transvaginal Mesh
I do not use transvaginal mesh in any private prolapse procedure. All operations use your own native tissue to repair the pelvic floor.
This position reflects both the current regulatory landscape and my clinical judgement. Transvaginal mesh for prolapse repair was paused by NHS England and subsequently banned for new use in the vast majority of cases, following the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review (the Cumberlege Review, 2020).
Where a graft is required for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, this is placed abdominally — not transvaginally — which has a substantially different risk and complication profile.
NHS Mesh Complication Service
I lead the NHS Mesh Complication Service at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals — one of the designated national specialist centres for assessing and managing complications from previous pelvic mesh. This NHS work is separate from my private practice but directly informs my approach to prolapse surgery.
Quick Reference: Graft Use in Prolapse Procedures
- ✓ Anterior colporrhaphy — Native tissue only
- ✓ Posterior colporrhaphy — Native tissue only
- ✓ Sacrospinous fixation — Native tissue only
- ✓ Vaginal hysterectomy + repair — Native tissue only
- ◐ Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy — Abdominal (not transvaginal) graft where required
- ✕ Transvaginal mesh — Not used in any procedure
What You Can Expect After Surgery
Recovery varies by procedure. The outline below shows typical milestones for uncomplicated surgery. I provide your specific discharge advice and follow-up plan in writing after your operation.
Immediately After Surgery (Day 0–1)
You will have a urinary catheter and vaginal pack in place, which are removed before discharge. A physiotherapist will advise on early mobility. Most patients are mobile within hours of surgery.
First Week Home
Rest at home. Short walks encouraged to reduce clot risk. No driving, lifting, or housework. Expect vaginal discharge, which is normal. Pain is typically mild and managed with oral analgesia.
Weeks 2–4
Gradually increase activity. Pelvic floor exercises begin once recommended. No intercourse, tampons, or swimming until cleared at follow-up. Vaginal soreness and light bleeding may continue.
Weeks 4–6 (Most Patients)
Return to desk work and light activities. Follow-up appointment with Professor Jha. Most women are driving again by this point following anterior/posterior repair or vaginal hysterectomy.
Weeks 6–8 (Laparoscopic Cases)
Return to work following sacrocolpopexy or hysteropexy. Aerobic exercise such as swimming or walking can typically resume.
12 Weeks
Lifting restriction lifted. Return to gym, running, and high-impact activity. Sexual intercourse typically cleared at 6-week follow-up if healing is satisfactory.
Long-Term
Ongoing pelvic floor awareness is essential. Prolapse can recur — particularly if risk factors such as constipation, obesity, or low oestrogen are not addressed. Annual review is recommended.
What Results Can You Expect From Prolapse Surgery?
Published outcomes for native-tissue prolapse surgery are well-established. The figures below show reported success rates in the peer-reviewed literature at medium-term follow-up.
| Procedure | Anatomical Success | Symptom Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior colporrhaphy | 70–80% | 80–90% |
| Posterior colporrhaphy | 76–96% | 80–90% |
| Sacrocolpopexy (laparoscopic) | 78–100% | 85–95% |
| Sacrospinous fixation | 63–98% | 85–90% |
| Hysteropexy | 85–92% | 85–95% |
Ranges reflect variation across published series. Success is variously defined as anatomical stage ≤1 or subjective symptom resolution. Individual outcomes depend on prolapse severity, prior surgery, and patient factors.
Reducing Recurrence Risk
- Long-term pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Avoid constipation and chronic straining
- Maintain healthy weight
- Vaginal oestrogen post-menopause where appropriate
- Avoid heavy lifting long-term
- Annual follow-up or as advised
Why Women Choose Me for Prolapse Surgery in Sheffield
Subspecialty training, surgical volume and depth of experience matter in prolapse surgery — particularly for complex or recurrent cases.
RCOG Subspecialty Accreditation
The highest level of urogynaecology training available in the UK. Only 14 training centres are accredited; Professor Jha directs the Sheffield programme — the only one in Yorkshire.
3,000+ Prolapse Surgeries
High surgical volume correlates with lower complication rates and better outcomes. Professor Jha has performed the full spectrum of prolapse procedures over 15+ years in NHS and private practice.
Consultant-Led Throughout
I personally lead every consultation, examination, operative decision and follow-up. There are no registrar-led clinics and no handover between assessor and surgeon.
No Mesh — Principled Position
Professor Jha leads the NHS Mesh Complication Service. Her position on transvaginal mesh reflects both regulatory guidance and 15 years of observing mesh-related complications firsthand.
Recurrent Prolapse Expertise
Revision surgery after failed prolapse repair is technically more demanding than primary surgery. Professor Jha has specific expertise in the assessment and surgical management of recurrent prolapse.
Research-Active Surgeon
150+ peer-reviewed publications. RCOG Lindsay Stewart Award 2024. Honorary Professor, University of Sheffield. Her clinical practice is informed by active research in urogynaecology and pelvic floor disorders.
Your Questions About Prolapse Surgery Sheffield
When is surgery recommended for prolapse?
Surgery is recommended when conservative treatment — pelvic floor physiotherapy and pessary fitting — has not provided adequate relief, when prolapse is causing significant functional impairment (bladder or bowel emptying difficulty), when the prolapse is severe and symptomatic, or when the patient prefers a durable anatomical correction rather than ongoing management. Not all prolapse requires surgery; the decision is based on symptoms rather than examination grade alone.
What prolapse surgery is available privately in Sheffield?
Professor Jha offers the full range of procedures privately at Spire Claremont and Circle Thornbury: laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, hysteropexy (uterus-preserving), anterior colporrhaphy, posterior colporrhaphy, and vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair. The appropriate procedure depends on which compartment(s) are affected and your individual circumstances.
Does Professor Jha use mesh in prolapse surgery?
No. Professor Jha does not use transvaginal mesh in private prolapse surgery. All procedures use the patient's own native tissue. She leads the NHS Mesh Complication Service at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals — one of the nationally designated specialist centres for managing mesh-related complications. This experience directly informs her approach.
How long does recovery take after prolapse surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Anterior/posterior colporrhaphy: return to light activities in 4–6 weeks; no heavy lifting for 12 weeks. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy or hysteropexy: return to desk work in 6–8 weeks; full activity at 12 weeks. Vaginal hysterectomy with repair: 6–8 weeks before driving or returning to office work. All procedures carry a 12-week lifting restriction as a minimum.
What is the difference between anterior repair and sacrocolpopexy?
Anterior colporrhaphy repairs a cystocele — bladder descent into the front vaginal wall — using native tissue through a vaginal incision. It addresses the anterior compartment. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy restores apical (top) support by suspending the vaginal vault to the sacrum. They address different anatomical compartments and are often performed together when both are prolapsed.
Can I have prolapse surgery and keep my uterus?
Yes. Hysteropexy is a laparoscopic uterus-preserving procedure that lifts and supports the uterus without removing it. It is appropriate for women with uterine prolapse who wish to avoid hysterectomy. Uterine pathology must be excluded pre-operatively. It is a recognised, guideline-supported option with good long-term success rates in appropriately selected patients.
Is prolapse surgery available on the NHS in Sheffield?
Yes. Professor Jha is also a Consultant Urogynaecologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital (Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust). NHS waiting times vary. Her private practice at Spire Claremont and Circle Thornbury offers faster access, with pre-operative assessment and surgical scheduling to suit your availability.
What does private prolapse surgery cost in Sheffield?
Initial consultation: £205. Follow-up: £125. Surgical costs vary by procedure and hospital fees. Professor Jha accepts BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, and WPA. Self-pay fixed-price packages are available at both hospitals. Contact admin@swatijha.com or call 07990 251036 for a surgical estimate.
What is the success rate of prolapse surgery?
Success rates depend on the procedure and how success is defined. Anatomical success rates for anterior and posterior native-tissue repair are 70–90% at medium-term follow-up. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy has subjective success rates of 85–95% for vault prolapse. Recurrence remains possible, particularly in the presence of unaddressed risk factors. Lifelong pelvic floor awareness is important regardless of procedure.
What happens if prolapse recurs after surgery?
Recurrent prolapse requires specialist assessment and a different surgical approach from the primary procedure. Professor Jha has specific expertise in recurrent and complex prolapse surgery. Not all recurrences require reoperation — some are managed conservatively. A structured reassessment is the starting point in all cases.
Can prolapse surgery be performed without removing my uterus?
Yes. In many women I can correct prolapse while preserving the uterus using uterine-preserving surgery such as hysteropexy. This depends on the type of prolapse, uterine health, your symptoms and your personal preference.
What happens if I do nothing about my prolapse?
Prolapse is not usually dangerous, but symptoms may gradually worsen. Some women remain stable for years, while others develop increasing vaginal bulge symptoms, bladder difficulty or bowel symptoms. I base treatment on symptoms and quality of life, not on examination findings alone.
Will prolapse surgery improve my bladder symptoms?
Many women notice improvement in bladder symptoms after prolapse repair, especially if the prolapse is affecting bladder emptying. However, prolapse surgery is not primarily designed to treat urinary incontinence, and some women need separate bladder treatment.
Can prolapse return after surgery?
Yes. No prolapse operation can guarantee that prolapse will never recur. My aim is to provide the most durable repair possible while helping you reduce long-term risk factors such as constipation, heavy lifting, low oestrogen and excess weight.
Do I need a GP referral for private prolapse surgery in Sheffield?
No. You can self-refer directly to Professor Jha's private practice. Contact admin@swatijha.com or call 07990 251036. Appointments are available on Tuesday and Friday at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield.
Where Is Prolapse Surgery Performed in Sheffield?
For private prolapse surgery in Sheffield, I operate at two established private hospitals, both CQC-registered and staffed by experienced anaesthetic and theatre teams.