Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery
Pelvic floor reconstructive surgery is recommended by urologists as a corrective measure for individuals experiencing pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders. While commonly attributed with women, men may also undergo pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.
What is pelvic floor reconstructive surgery?
Patients undergo pelvic floor reconstructive surgery to correct pelvic floor disorders most commonly attributed to pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse occurs when a pelvic organ drops from its normal position into the pelvic region, the vagina, or outside of the body. There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse that can affect the following organs:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Uterus
- Small bowel / intestines
- Sigmoid colon
- Rectum
- Vagina
Prolapses can include anterior vaginal prolapse, posterior vaginal prolapse, and apical prolapse.
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 (open surgery), by laparoscopic surgery, or robotic surgery.
Types of reconstructive surgery options may include the following:
- Suspension of a pelvic organ using the patient’s tissue.
- Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy.
- Sacrocolpopexy and sacrohysteropexy
- Surgery using vaginally placed mesh.
Colporrhaphy
Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure that is performed to on the walls of the vagina. It is used to correct a cystocele and rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder drops into the vagina. A rectocele occurs when the rectum drops into the vagina.
Sacrocolpopexy
Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical procedure that is used to correct apical prolapse with or without anterior / posterior wall defects. This procedure uses mesh, but is not associated with the same risks of vaginal mesh exposure, Dyspareunia (painful intercourse), or pelvic pain.
Apical prolapse includes vaginal vault and uterine prolapses. Vaginal vault 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 surgical mesh to lift the organ.