Learn about Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Sacrocolpopexy Surgery

Do you sometimes feel a heaviness or pressure in your lower abdomen, as if something like a ball is coming out of your vagina? This is actually a health condition that many women experience, but are a little hesitant to talk about in society. In medical terms, we call this Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Don't worry, this is normal. Today we are talking about a very successful treatment for this condition, the Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

Simply put, what is pelvic organ prolapse?

Imagine that the important organs in our pelvis, such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum, are suspended in a hammock made of mesh. This hammock is our pelvic floor muscles. These muscles and ligaments hold all these organs in place. However, for some reason, when these muscles become weak or stretched, the hammock sags, and the organs in it also start to sag, that is, towards the vagina. That is what we call pelvic organ prolapse. There are several types of this, depending on the organ that is being lowered.

• Uterine prolapse: The uterus and cervix descend into the vagina . Sometimes they can even be seen outside the vagina.
• Vaginal prolapse: The upper part of the vagina descends in a person who has had a hysterectomy .
• Cystocele : Prolapse of the bladder into the vagina.
• Rectocele: Protrusion of the rectum into the vagina.
• Enterocele : Protrusion of the small intestine into the vaginal wall.

What are the reasons that cause this situation?

Often, there can be more than one cause for this condition. The main causes are:

• Normal childbirth : Especially having a heavy baby or having a difficult delivery can damage the pelvic floor muscles.
• Aging : Muscles naturally weaken with age.
• Pelvic surgery: This condition can also occur due to previous surgeries.
• Frequent heavy lifting : Jobs or exercises that involve heavy lifting.
• Increased pressure in the abdomen: due to things like prolonged coughing, frequent straining due to constipation , etc.
• Genetic causes: Some people may be born with weak pelvic muscles and connective tissue.

Do you also have these symptoms?

The table below lists some common symptoms experienced by many people with this condition.

So, what is this surgery called Sacrocolpopexy?

Simply put, Sacrocolpopexy is a surgery to bring the pelvic organs back into their correct position and hold them in place. In this, the surgeon uses a special surgical mesh. This mesh acts like a bridge, connecting the upper part of the prolapsed vagina to the lowest bone of your spine (sacrum). This provides good support for the prolapsed organs, pulling them up and into place. Most of the time, this surgery is done laparoscopically . That is, instead of making a large incision in the abdomen, about 4-5 very small holes are made and a camera and delicate instruments are inserted through them. This results in less recovery time and less pain. Sometimes robotic technology is also used for this. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend removing the uterus (hysterectomy) at the same time as this surgery. It depends on your health history, cancer risk, and your preferences.

Things to consider during recovery after surgery

To ensure a quick and successful recovery after surgery, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover.

What are the success and risks of this surgery?

This surgery is a very successful treatment . The success rate is as high as 90%. This means that if 10 people undergo the surgery, 9 will get good results. However, like any surgery, Sacrocolpopexy surgery can have some risks. It is important to be aware of them in advance.

• Damage to surrounding organs such as the bladder and intestines.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.
• Blood clots.
• Problems with the mesh used (e.g., the mesh coming out of the vaginal wall).
• Pain persists even after surgery.

These risks are very low. Your surgeon will explain all of this to you, so there is no need to be afraid.

When to seek immediate medical advice

If you experience any of the following symptoms after returning home from surgery, call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• Fever over 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) or chills.
• Severe pain that cannot be controlled even with painkillers.
• Surgical incisions become red, swollen, or ooze a foul-smelling fluid .
• Vaginal bleeding that is heavy enough to soak more than one pad per hour.
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor .
• Inability to urinate for hours or passing very little urine.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pain and swelling in the legs.

Don't ignore these symptoms. Early treatment can prevent serious conditions. Uterine prolapse, Sacrocolpopexy, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Surgery, Women's Health, Vagina, Bladder prolapse, Laparoscopy, Surgical mesh