Laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the pelvic organs drop down and press against the vagina, causing a bulge or protrusion.
Pelvic organ prolapse surgery is used to restore the normal structure and function of these pelvic organs, relieving symptoms that include pain, discomfort, pressure, and urinary and bowel dysfunction.
Laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse surgery uses very small, specialized surgical instruments inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to see and operate on the pelvic organs without having to use a long incision.
This minimally invasive approach offers several advantages over a vaginal approach or traditional open surgery, including:
- Shorter hospital stays (many patients go home the same day or the next morning)
- Less pain
- Less blood loss
- Less scarring
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
- Fewer complications
- Better view of the pelvic organs and support defects during surgery
- Better suspension of the vagina, through greater visibility and access
- Lower risk of recurrence
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are several procedures for correcting pelvic organ prolapse, depending on the type of prolapse:
- Bladder prolapse (cystocele or fallen bladder) – the bladder drops down into the vagina
- Rectal (rectocele, posterior wall prolapse or fallen rectum) – the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina
- Uterine prolapse – the uterus drops down into the vagina
- Vaginal vault prolapse – the top of the vagina drops, often after a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
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