Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair: Explore Your Options Surgically
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic tissues, like the bladder, the uterus, and the rectum, move out of their normal positions to push against vaginal walls. This can result in discomfort, urinary difficulties, or even bowel problems. Many people find it difficult to search for a pelvic organ incontinence treatment. Some individuals may need surgery to restore normal function and anatomy. This article provides information on the pros and cons of various surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse treatment.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Types
Before you can decide on the best surgical solution, it is essential that you understand the different types and causes of pelvic organ prolapse.
- Prolapse of the Bladder (Cystocele):Urinary symptoms are caused when the bladder slides into the vagina.
- Rectocele (Rectal prolapse):Often causing bowel movement problems, the rectum bulges and enters the vagina.
- Uterine Relapse:The uterus prolapses into the vaginal canal.
- Enterocele:The small intestinal pushes in the vaginal spaces.
- Vaginal prolapse:A prolapse in the vaginal vault can occur following a surgery.
Pelvic Organ Repair Options: Surgical Procedures
- Anterior Vaginal Repair (Colporrhaphy)
Indication: Primarily Used for Cystocele Repair
Procedure: This procedure involves an incision made in the wall of the uterus to access and reinforce weakened areas in the wall and bladder. The supporting tissues are tightened using sutures to return the bladder to its natural position.
Return to Normal Activity: Patients are usually admitted for a few days in the hospital and can resume their usual activities within a six-week period. During recovery, it is generally recommended that strenuous or heavy lifting be avoided.
- Posterior Genital Repair
Indication: Use for rectocele repairs.
Procedure: The same as anterior repair, an incision is made on the vaginal surface to tighten up and reinforce tissues between the rectum & vagina.
Healing: Healing is similar in time to anterior healing but with an emphasis placed on not straining the bowels.
- Vaginal Hysterectomy
Indication: For uterine Prolapse.
Procedure: The vaginal cannula is used to remove the uterus. This procedure can be combined to repair multiple organs if they are all affected.
Recovery: In general, the hospital stay will last a maximum of two days. A recovery period between six and eight weeks is recommended.
- Sacral Colpopexy
Indicates: Used for vaginal vault prolapse.
Procedure: This involves attaching the upper part of the uterus to the sacrum. (a bone on the lower spine). This provides long-term support and is performed through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
Postoperative Recovery: After a hospitalization of between one and 2 days, patients can expect to recover for about 6 weeks. Recovery is often faster and postoperative pain is reduced with minimally invasive surgery.
- Sacrohysteropexy
Indication: For uterine Prolapse, when the patient desires to retain the uterus.
Procedure: Similar sacral colpopexy. The uterus, however, is lifted up and attached with mesh.
Recovery Hospitalization for and recovery from sacral colpopexy.
- Uterosacral Ligament Retraction
Indication: Applied for prolapse of the uterine vault or vaginal vault.
Procedure: Shortening and reattaching the uterosacral to the vaginal peak to provide support. It can be done vaginally.
Recovery: Recovery Times vary depending on the surgical approach but generally involve a few nights in the hospital as well as several weeks of restrictions.
- Mesh Addition
Indication: This is used when additional support may be needed to correct significant prolapse.
Procedure: The synthetic mesh is placed in order to provide additional support to the weakened tissue. Mesh is often used in conjunction with other surgical methods like sacral collpopexy and colporrhaphy.
Recovery: The recovery process is similar to those of other prolapse surgeries. Synthetic materials may require additional considerations.
Considerations
Pelvic organ prolapse treatments are not immune to risks. They include infections, bleeding, and complications associated with anesthesia. Some of the risks that are associated with prolapse surgery are:
- Mesh problems (erosion and pain)
- Recurrences
- Incontinence urinaire or fecal
- Nerve damage
- Sexual dysfunction
The surgeon can guide you based on how your body is feeling and the extent of the prolapse.
Conclusion
Many surgical options exist to correct this condition. Every surgical procedure comes with its own benefits and possible risks. Therefore, it’s important to speak to a doctor to determine what treatment is best for your specific needs. With the right pelvic-organ prolapse treatment, patients can experience significant relief in symptoms and an improvement in the quality of their life.
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