Manchester operation (surgical treatment of uterine prolapse)

Restoring women’s health and preserving the uterus in case of prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a problem that significantly impairs a woman’s quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, urination disorders, and delicate aesthetic issues. Patients often fear seeking medical attention, believing that the only solution is a complete hysterectomy.

However, modern gynecology offers organ-preserving alternatives. At St. Luke’s Clinic, we successfully perform the Manchester operation — a classic and highly effective surgical intervention that allows reliable fixation of the uterus in the correct anatomical position, preserving the organ itself.

What is the Manchester operation?

This is a complex plastic surgery performed exclusively through vaginal access (through the vagina), without any incision on the abdominal wall. It combines several surgical stages for complete restoration of the pelvic floor:

• Amputation of the elongated cervix: in case of prolapse, the cervix often stretches and elongates. The surgeon removes its excess.
• Uterine fixation (ligamentopexy): the doctor uses the patient’s own strong ligaments (cardinal ligaments), suturing them in front of the cervix. This creates a reliable “hammock” that lifts and holds the uterus in its natural place.
• Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy: plasty (suturing) of the vaginal walls to eliminate bladder prolapse (cystocele) and rectal prolapse (rectocele).

Indications for surgery

Gynecological surgeons at St. Luke’s Clinic recommend the Manchester operation to patients (most often in the premenopausal and menopausal periods) who have been diagnosed with:

• Incomplete uterine prolapse (the organ is prolapsed but does not completely extend beyond the genital fissure).
• Pronounced elongation and hypertrophy of the cervix.
• Prolapse of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, accompanied by urinary incontinence or bowel problems.
• The woman’s desire to definitely preserve the uterus (in the absence of oncological or other severe pathologies requiring its removal).

Advantages of treatment at St. Luke’s Clinic

We care about your comfort and safety at every stage of treatment:

• No scars: all manipulations are performed inside the vagina, leaving an ideal cosmetic result.
• Organ-preserving approach: preservation of the uterus maintains the normal anatomy of the pelvic floor and the woman’s psychological comfort.
• Minimum pain: the absence of abdominal trauma makes the postoperative period significantly easier.
• Safe anesthesia: the operation lasts about 1.5–2 hours and is performed under reliable spinal or general anesthesia.

Rehabilitation features

Recovery after the Manchester operation takes place in the comfortable conditions of our hospital, where you will spend 2–3 days under round-the-clock medical supervision. Complete tissue healing takes about 1.5–2 months.

Important rules for the postoperative period:

• It is strictly forbidden to sit at a right angle for 2–3 weeks (it is allowed to lie, stand, or sit on an orthopedic cushion) to avoid suture dehiscence in the perineum.
• Restriction of weight lifting (no more than 2-3 kg) and physical activity for 2 months.
• Sexual abstinence until full recovery (usually 6–8 weeks).
• Bowel function control (constipation prevention).

Do not delay solving a delicate problem. Modern surgery allows you to regain comfort quickly and safely. Make an appointment for a consultation with specialists at St. Luke’s Clinic.