Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy - Overview
This operation corrects vaginal vault prolapse (a prolapse involving the top of the vagina) for patients who have undergone a hysterectomy (womb removal) in the past.
This treatment aims to reduce the prolapse and restore proper vaginal shape and function. It can also be performed alongside repair for bladder or bowel prolapse.
What are the reasons for having Sacrocolpopexy?
The primary condition sacrocolpopexy treats is vaginal vault prolapse. It can also be used to correct bladder or bowel prolapse to some extent if they are also present alongside.
A sacrocolpopexy will only be offered to you after thorough discussion with your healthcare specialist. This decision will depend on personal factors and the nature and extent of your prolapse.
At Well Woman Clinic we perform Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy:
Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions on the tummy through which the procedure can take place. There is some evidence that laparoscopic surgery reduces the number of wound infections and the amount of blood loss.
Risks of Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy:
- Recurring Prolapse - This procedure does not always stop you from getting another prolapse, despite being highly effective in treating them.
- Failure to cure symptoms - Sometimes your symptoms may continue despite the prolapse being fixed.
- Bladder Problems - Incontinence usually improves following surgery, but can sometimes start or become worse. You can also develop stress incontinence.
- Painful sexual Intercourse - This often improves with time.
- Damage to nearby organs - This usually involves the bladder or bowel, but the risk is very low.
- Mesh erosion - Mesh can erode nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel. This may require a further operation to trim the mesh.
- Infection - The mesh and surrounding tissues may become infected but this is rare and can usually be treated by antibiotics.
Pre/Post Procedure Instructions:
How can I prepare for my surgery?
It's important to be as healthy as possible for your surgery. This will reduce the risks of complications and speed up your recovery. When you know you're going to have a sacrocolpopexy you should:
- Stop smoking
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Excercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight (or lose weight if you're overweight)
A pre-assessment appointment, a few days prior to your procedure, may also be required. This can involve having blood tests and a general health check-up. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions about your surgery.
What should I expect following my Sacrocolpopexy procedure?
You may be able to go home the same day as your procedure, before this:
- Drip - A drip will be provided so that you are hydrated until you can drink normally. This is normally removed within 24 hours.
- Catheter - You may need a catheter to drain the bladder. This is usually removed the morning after surgery or later the same day.
- Drain - You may require a drip if there has been above average bleeding during your operation. This is usually taken out the next day.
- Slight Vaginal Bleeding
Recovery:
- You can drink fluids straight after the procedure and will be encouraged to eat as soon as possible.
- Hospital stay will usually last one to two days. We can provide a sick note if required.
- It is important to start light excercises and activities, and to follow any advice you have been given. This will reduce the risk of clots.
- Bath or shower as usual.
- You will likely feel tired and need rest during the day. This will improve over the course of a month or so.
- You should be able to return to work after 6 weeks or 3 months if your job involves heavy lifting or high physical effort.
- You can have sexual intercourse whenever you feel comfortable. This will usually take around 6 weeks. You may wish to use lubrication.
