What happens during a sacrocolpopexy operation?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when support tissues weaken and the bladder, bowel, uterus, or top of the vagina descends. During sacrocolpopexy, the surgeon places mesh between the prolapsed vaginal wall and the supporting tissues near the sacrum. The mesh acts as a scaffold while healing occurs. The uterus may be kept or removed depending on the prolapse pattern and agreed plan.

The approach may be open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted. The choice depends on anatomy, previous operations, general health, and surgical expertise. Sacrocolpopexy is one form of [Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/pelvic-floor-repair-surgery/), and [Surgical Mesh](/materials/surgical-mesh/) should be discussed in detail before consent.

Before surgery, review medicines, constipation, smoking, bladder symptoms, and plans for work and lifting with your team. Afterward, walking is encouraged as advised, but heavy lifting and strenuous activity are restricted while tissues heal. Keep follow-up appointments and ask when driving, sex, exercise, and bathing can resume. Report new vaginal bleeding, discharge, urinary problems, or a return of bulging.

Contact the surgical team urgently for fever, worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, heavy bleeding, inability to pass urine, painful leg swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness. Sudden severe symptoms after discharge should be assessed through emergency services.

Ask which organs are prolapsed, which surgical route is proposed, whether the uterus will remain, how mesh is placed, what alternatives exist, and what recovery limits apply. Ask how recurrence, mesh problems, bladder or bowel changes, and sexual discomfort would be managed.