What to expect from sacrocolpopexy for uterine prolapse

Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon places mesh through keyhole or open abdominal surgery. The mesh connects the cervix or vaginal top to firm tissue near the sacrum, helping hold the uterus and upper vagina in a more supported position. Your plan may include keeping the uterus, removing it, or repairing a bladder or bowel prolapse at the same operation. The choice depends on your symptoms, examination, health, and preferences.

A catheter may remain briefly after surgery. Soreness around the abdomen, reduced energy, bloating, and light bleeding are possible in the early days. These symptoms should gradually improve rather than become stronger.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, constipation, urinary symptoms, and whether future pregnancy matters to you. Plan support at home and keep essential items within easy reach. Take short walks, rest when tired, and use prescribed pain relief as directed. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and vaginal penetration until cleared. Follow wound, catheter, bowel-care, and appointment instructions carefully; straining with bowel movements can place pressure on healing tissues.

Call your surgical team for a fever, increasing abdominal or pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, unpleasant discharge, a wound that is hot or leaking, persistent vomiting, or inability to urinate. Emergency help is needed for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a suddenly swollen painful leg. Mention a returning bulge, ongoing pressure, urinary leakage, or pain with sex at review so the result and healing can be checked.

Ask whether your uterus will remain, how the mesh will be attached, and whether bladder or bowel repair is recommended. Ask how this may affect menstruation, pregnancy plans, sex, and prolapse symptoms. Confirm restrictions, driving advice, work plans, constipation prevention, follow-up, and the number to call if symptoms worsen.