PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE—TREATMENT OPTIONS

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An estimated 34 million women worldwide are affected by prolapse, and a majority of them simply live with the symptoms for years because they are too embarrassed to discuss the issues with their doctor. As a result, they may not even be aware that simple solutions to restore the body and bring relief are readily available.

As with many other conditions, both non-invasive and surgical solutions may be considered for most types of pelvic organ prolapse. In most cases, our physicians will try a non-surgical approach before recommending surgery. There are factors, however, that may indicate that surgery is the most efficient and effective treatment from the outset. 

Non-Invasive Therapies

Conservative therapies include strengthening the pelvic floor through Kegel exercises and the use of vaginal cone weights, and supporting the pelvic floor through use of a pessary.

Kegel exercises consist of contracting and relaxing the muscle groups of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscles respond to use and exercise just like the other muscles in the body. The more they are worked, the stronger they become. Strong pelvic floor muscles help support the bladder, urethra and all other pelvic organs, which leads to improved bladder control and decreased leakage of urine. As with all exercises, Kegels must be repeated regularly in order to see and maintain results.

Vaginal cone weights are used to help women identify and exercise the specific muscles of the pelvic floor. Some women have difficulty isolating the pelvic muscles and unintentionally exercise their buttocks or stomach muscles instead. Cone weights inserted into the vagina can only be held in place by the pelvic floor muscles, so women can be assured they are working the correct muscles.

Pessaries are medical devices that are inserted into the vagina or rectum and used to support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, vagina or rectum. Similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm, a pessary is most commonly used to treat uterine prolapse. It may also be effective treating stress urinary incontinence, a retroverted uterus, cystocele and rectocele.

Surgical Solutions

Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse may be considered when conservative measures fail, as well as when the patient’s health and/or quality of life is significantly impacted. Physicians will consider and evaluate all aspect of the patient’s individual condition, including any associated bladder dysfunction. The surgical approach is generally based on a number of variables, including the type and degree of prolapse, any anatomic irregularities, and the patient’s age and activity level.

Laproscopic Colpopexy - minimally invasive surgery where permanent sutures are placed laproscopically to elevate the vaginal apex.

Transvaginal Procedures - Minimally invasive vaginal procedures using sutures with your own tissue or augmentation with biologic or synthetic grafts. Our surgeons have exposure to, and experience with, the most advanced transvaginal techniques available. Importantly, each patient is unique and the physicians at GMIC will personally evaluate your specific symptoms before providing you with your treatment options.

DaVinci Robotic Sacrocolpopexy— A surgical procedure to correct vaginal vault prolapse, sacrocolpopexy involves implanting a permanent material to hold the vagina in correct anatomical position. Glen Meade Incontinence Center uses a state-of-the-art surgical system, call the DaVinci Robotic system, to transform this formerly open surgery into a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions. Benefits include a shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery time, as well as significantly less pain, scarring and risk of infection.

Learn more about DaVinci Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

 

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