PELVIC PROLAPSE SURGERY
Overview
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that effects women. The tissue and muscles of the pelvic floor can no longer support the pelvic organs show as the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra and rectum. Pelvic organ prolapse (PO) cause these organs to drop downward and pulse int or out of your vaginal canal.
Pelvic organ prolapse surgery addresses the underlying cause, repositioning the prolapsed organs and searing them to the surrounding tissues and ligaments.
In some cases synthetic mesh is used to hold the organs in place.
Indications
Pelvic organ prolapse surgery is generally advised for those with severe symptoms of pelvic fullness or pressure, incontinence, uncomfortable intercourse, pain in the pelvic area unrelated to menstruation, lower back pain and difficulty to fully void stools. Surgery may be advised for different types of pelvic organ prolapse including:
- Cystocele - in which the bladder has dropped into the vagina.
- Enterocele - in which the small intestine bulges into the vagina.
- Rectocele - when the rectum bulges into the vagina.
- Uterine Prolapse - where the uterus drops into the vagina.
- Vaginal Vault Prolapse - in which the top of the vagina loses its support and drops.
What happens during pelvic organ prolapse surgery?
There are many types of surgeries that can be done for pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery may involve repairs to any pelvic organs, including the various parts of the vagina, the perineum (the region between your vagina and anus), bladder neck and anal sphincter (anus). The goal of surgery is to eliminate your specific symptoms. These surgeries may be done using laparoscopic techniques with small incisions and a thin tube-like tool known as a laparoscope. This laparoscope is fitted with a camera and light which allows your surgeon to visualize the organs while operating. Alternatively, some surgeries may be done through the vagina, without incisions, using similar tools. These approaches allow for quicker and easier recovery with minimal pain.
Depending on the underlying cause for the prolapse, surgery may involve reconstruction as well as:
Depending on the underlying cause for the prolapse, surgery may involve reconstruction as well as:
- Repositioning the vaginal wall (vaginal vault prolapse surgery)
- Repositioning of the bladder (cystocele surgery)
- Repositioning the urethra (urethrocele surgery)
- Repositioning of the rectum (rectocele surgery)
- Repositioning of the small intestine (enterocele surgery)
What to expect after surgery
The recovery time after surgery will largely depend on the type of pelvic organ prolapse surgery performed. In general you can expect a day or two in hospital before being discharged. While in hospital you may have a catheter placed to drain urine from the bladder. After surgery, you will likely be able to return to your normal activities in about 6 weeks. Until then you will need to refrain from heavy lifting, any sort of straining and long periods of standing.
■ YouTube video: Sigmoied prolaps
■ YouTube video: Sigmoied prolaps