Sacrocolpopexy

What is sacrocolpopexy?

Sacrocolpopexy is a procedure that uses soft, synthetic mesh to correct damage to a woman’s pelvic floor resulting from pelvic organ prolapse (POP). POP occurs when one of the organs in the pelvic floor (bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel or rectum) falls from its natural position in the body. The mesh used in sacrocolpopexy is initially supported by friction from the strap-like arms of mesh material woven through the pelvis. The final support is created when body tissues grow through the mesh.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Sacrocolpopexy is a minimally-invasive robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery that lasts 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. It can also be performed following a hysterectomy to provide long-term support of the vagina. Via abdominal or laparoscopic access, the synthetic mesh is inserted into the body and is suspended from the sacrum (a large triangular bone at the base of the spine). Sacrocolpopexy has lower failure rates than vaginal suspension but is slightly more invasive.

What are the associated risks?

Complications associated with this procedure are uncommon. But you may experience difficulty urinating and possible injury to your bowel, bladder, nerves or blood vessels. There is also a small risk of the mesh material entering the vaginal canal. Failure is extremely rare.

What can I expect from the recovery process?

Women who undergo robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy usually experience minimal bleeding and pain. Patients usually only stay in the hospital one night and have a fast recovery time. You should also avoid sexual intercourse, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks following the procedure.

Schedule an appointment in Southern California

If you experience the symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse, such as intense pelvic pressure and/or a bulge in the vagina that can be seen or felt, schedule an appointment at South Bay Urology. Dr. Shelby Morrisroe will diagnose your condition and determine if sacrocolpopexy is right for you. To schedule an appointment at our practice in Torrance, California, request one online or give us a call at (310) 542-0199.