Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery

Pelvic floor reconstruction is a group of surgical procedures used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened or damaged, often due to childbirth. The pelvic floor includes the ligaments, muscles, connective tissue, and nerves that support/control the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The pelvic floor supports the structures in your pelvis in place. When these damaged muscles are no longer able to support the weight of the pelvic organs, one or more organs may drop below their normal positions and press against the walls of the vagina. These falling or sagging organs can cause pain, discomfort, urinary and bowel dysfunction, pressure in the vagina, among other symptoms. Also, it is entirely possible to not have any symptoms at all.

Symptoms of Pelvic Prolapse

  • Painful intercourse
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • A sensation of pelvic pressure
  • Feeling as if something is falling out of the vaginal opening.
  • Stretching or pulling sensations in the groin or pain in the lower back.

Surgical Treatment Options

The aim of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery is to restore pelvic organs to their original position. Reconstructive surgery can be performed through an incision in the vagina by laparoscopic surgery, or robotic surgery.

Types of Pelvic Reconstruction Procedures

  • Suspension of a pelvic organ using the patient’s tissue.
  • Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy.
  • Sacrocolpopexy and sacrohysteropexy.
  • Surgery using vaginally placed mesh.

Other Types of Pelvic Reconstruction Procedures

Colporrhaphy – Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure performed on the walls of the vagina, used to correct a cystocele and rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder drops into the vagina, while a rectocele occurs when the rectum drops into the vagina.

Sacrocolpopexy – Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical procedure performed to correct apical prolapse with or without anterior/posterior wall defects. Apical prolapse includes the vaginal vault and uterine prolapses. Vaginal vault prolapse occurs when the roof of the vagina fall; uterine prolapse occurs when the roof of the vagina fall; uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops into the vagina.

Sacrohysteropexy – Sacrohysteropexy is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct uterine prolapse. This procedure also utilizes a surgical mesh to lift the organ

Recovery After Pelvic Reconstruction

Women can expect to feel better and stronger each day, but may need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery and 1 to 2 weeks from vaginal surgery. It is vital to avoid any heavy lifting during recovery, so that the incision can heal. Of course, each patient is different to recovery time varies. Follow-up care is a key part of a successful treatment, make sure and go to all appointments and call your doctor or nurse line if you are having issues.