Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical procedure that treats pelvic organ prolapse that may occur due to the weakening of the normal support of the pelvic floor. It is treated laparoscopically by making small incisions or cuts.

What are the different types of prolapse?

There are different types of prolapse that include-

• Uterine prolapse- The uterus and cervix drops down the vaginal canal
• Vaginal vault prolapse- The top of the vagina drops down the vaginal canal
• Cystocele- Bladder bulges into the vagina
• Rectocele- Rectun bulges into the vagina

What causes genital prolapse?

Some common reasons for genital prolapse are listed-

• Vaginal Childbirth
• Lifting heavy objects or doing extreme physical activities
Conditions that increase the abdominal pressure
• History of hysterectomy
• Aging
• Heredity

When the muscles and tissues that hold the pelvis, including the vagina, uterus, cervix, bladder, urethra, intestines, and rectum become weak and do not provide enough support to the pelvis, the genital prolapse happen.

How Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy is done?

The following steps are involved in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy-

• The doctor gives general anesthesia to reduce the discomfort during the surgery.
• On the abdomen, the doctor makes around four to five incisions and inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide. The gas helps the doctor to get a better view of the uterus and perform the surgery.
• The doctor inserts a laparoscope through one of the incisions, which is telescope-like equipment equipped with a camera and performs the surgery.
• A piece of mesh is stitched along the back walls and top of the vagina and secured to the ligament over the lower backbone. In some cases, it is also stitched in the front wall to provide support to the vagina and prevent its prolapse.

Depending upon the condition and the severity, the doctor may remove the uterus, leave the cervix, or remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It all depends upon the patient’s condition. If the muscles around the rectum are not strong enough to provide support to the bladder, the doctor may repair it through the vagina during the surgery. The surgery takes around 2 to 3 hours, again depending upon the severity of the condition.

What to expect after the surgery?

Once the surgery is over, the doctor will close the incisions. It is advised to keep the incisions clean, dry, and open to the air to reduce the chances of infection and promote faster recovery.

Other aftercare precautions are-

• Take plenty of rest
• Stay at home for the first two nights after the surgery
• Do not indulge in heavy physical activities
• In the case of gas pain or abdominal swelling due to surgery, take a warm shower or use heating pads to reduce the discomfort
• Take medications as per the instructions of the doctor
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Move slowly in the stairs and use the railing

What is the recovery period?

It takes around 2 to 4 weeks for a complete recovery, which depends upon the severity of the surgery. You may take a shower after 48 hours of the surgery. However, do not swim or soak in water until six weeks of the surgery.

Are there any risks involved?

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is a minimally invasive technique. Being a surgical procedure, there are a few risks involved. However, if you consult an expert and experienced surgeon, the chances of risks decreases.

Dr. Sumina Reddy is one of the best gynecologists in Hyderabad. With years of experience and profound knowledge, she can deal with any complex gynecological case easily. She has dealt with many cases of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy successfully.

Visit Dr. Sumina Reddy Clinic to know more about laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.