Pelvic Prolapse Specialist

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs drop from their normal place and push against the walls of the vagina. This can happen when the group of muscles that hold the pelvic organs, commonly referred to as the pelvic floor, are weakened or stretched. Pelvic organs that can prolapse include the bladder, small bowel, rectum, and uterus. This can cause significant pain and feeling of pressure.  As many as 1/3 of women experience a prolapse or similar condition during their lifetime. This can be devastating and have a negative affect on sexuality.

What causes prolapse?

Prolapse is caused by damage to the pelvic floor, which generally occurs as a result of pressure in the abdomen. The most common causes of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Pregnancy, labor, or childbirth
• Chronic cough
• Obesity
• Constipation and straining
• Treatment of cancer of the pelvic organs
• Hysterectomy

Women with weak connective tissue, which may be genetic, are at higher risk of pelvic organ prolapse.

What are the signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?

The most common signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis
• A lower back ache
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Constipation

What kind of prolapses can occur?

The type of prolapse present depends on the organ that has prolapsed. The following terminology is used to differentiate:

• Urethrocele – Urethral prolapse
• Cystocele – Bladder prolapse
• Uterine prolapse – Prolapse of the uterus
• Vaginal vault prolapse – Prolapse of the vagina
• Enterocele – Prolapse of the small bowel
• Rectocele – Prolapse of the rectum

How are prolapses treated?

Surgery is used to treat pelvic organ prolapses. Dr. Swainston uses robotic-assisted technology to provide minimally invasive options for patients. Sacrocolpopexy, uterosacral ligaments suspension, vaginal vault suspension, and pelvic organ prolapse repair are all names used to describe a robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery designed to lift the apex of the vagina into the correct position and support both pelvic organs and the vaginal structure.

How successful is surgery?

Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse is highly successful, achieving the desired results in 85-100% of patients. While few doctors have the technology and training to provide robotic-assisted options, these surgeries produce the same success rate with decreased risk due to the minimally-invasive nature of laparoscopic procedures and the precision associated with robotics in surgery.

We offer Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, and Fibroids. Call us to book your appointment today.