What does sacrocolpopexy treat?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when muscles and connective tissues no longer hold pelvic organs in their usual position. Sacrocolpopexy is commonly considered when the top of the vagina, the cervix, or the uterus has descended, or when more than one area needs support.

The surgeon places a strip of surgical mesh between the vaginal wall and the strong tissues over the spine-side of the pelvis. This creates a supportive bridge while the tissues heal around it. The operation may be performed after hysterectomy or alongside surgery that addresses uterine prolapse. It does not treat every cause of pelvic pressure, so assessment is needed before choosing it.

Your clinician will assess the pattern of prolapse, bladder and bowel symptoms, sexual concerns, previous operations, and your goals. Discuss whether sacrocolpopexy or pelvic floor repair surgery fits the affected compartments. Ask which route will be used, how surgical mesh applies to your plan, and whether other procedures are needed.

After surgery, follow instructions about wound care, movement, lifting, bathing, and returning to sex. Constipation can strain a repair, so your care team may suggest fluids, fibre, and a suitable stool-softening plan. Recovery varies with the procedures performed together.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, difficulty passing urine, or a wound that becomes red and increasingly swollen. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness.

Which prolapse areas are affected, and what improvement can this operation realistically aim for? What alternatives are suitable? How will mesh be placed and monitored? Which symptoms might need separate treatment, and what restrictions will apply during healing?