Sacrocolpopexy

Sacrocolpopexy is an operation for pelvic organ prolapse. The surgeon places a strip of surgical mesh or another support material between the prolapsed vaginal walls and the front of the sacrum, a strong bone at the base of the spine. The operation may be performed through keyhole incisions or an open incision, and the uterus may be retained or removed depending on the plan.

Sacrocolpopexy supports prolapsed pelvic organs by attaching the vagina or cervix area to strong tissue near the sacrum, usually with mesh.

After surgery, the team monitors pain, bladder function, bleeding, bowel activity, and movement. Walking is encouraged as recovery begins, but lifting, strenuous exercise, and vaginal intercourse are restricted until the surgeon confirms healing. Fatigue can last beyond the first days. Follow-up checks assess wounds, bladder or bowel symptoms, vaginal healing, and whether the support is working for you.

The frequency of complications varies with the surgical approach, your health, and the surgeon's experience, so a personal consultation is needed rather than a single universal figure. Possible problems include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to the bladder, bowel, ureters, or blood vessels, difficulty emptying the bladder, mesh exposure, pain with intercourse, and prolapse in another area. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, chest symptoms, or inability to pass urine.

Sacrocolpopexy is intended to restore support and ease bulging, pressure, or related bladder and bowel symptoms, but it cannot promise that every symptom will disappear or that prolapse will never recur. Durability differs between people and compartments. Ongoing pelvic-floor care, bowel management, healthy movement, and follow-up can help address factors that place strain on the repair.

The repair supports the vaginal apex or nearby prolapsed structures rather than treating every pelvic symptom. Mesh remains in the body and can have material-specific complications. Your surgeon should explain whether the uterus will remain, how access will be made, what other repairs are planned, and how sexual, bladder, and bowel concerns may be affected.

It may be considered when pelvic organ prolapse causes pressure, a vaginal bulge, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, or disruption of daily activities and non-surgical measures have not provided enough relief. The choice depends on the prolapse location, prior operations, general health, future pregnancy plans, sexual goals, and your preferences.

The team gives anaesthesia and places you safely for surgery. The surgeon reaches the pelvic organs through the agreed route, identifies the prolapsed structures, and attaches support material to the vagina or cervix area and the sacrum. They check nearby organs, close the incisions, and move you to recovery for observation. The exact steps change if other repairs are needed.

Arrange transport, meals, and help with children, work, and lifting. Take short walks and increase activity gradually within the surgeon's instructions. Keep wounds dry or dressed as directed, prevent constipation with the recommended plan, and attend follow-up. Contact the surgical team if pain, discharge, bleeding, urinary symptoms, or bowel symptoms are worsening rather than settling.

Every operation has anaesthetic and surgical risks. Sacrocolpopexy can also affect bladder or bowel function, cause new pain, lead to infection or bleeding, or require treatment for a recurrent prolapse. Mesh may become exposed through vaginal tissue, contract, or contribute to pain. Ask how complications are recognised, managed, and followed over time.

Depending on the prolapse and your goals, alternatives may include pelvic-floor physiotherapy, a vaginal pessary, observation with symptom monitoring, or another operation such as Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery. Discuss how each option affects recovery, sexual activity, future pregnancy, the uterus, and the possibility of further treatment. Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Uterine Prolapse explain the conditions being treated.

Seek a licensed gynaecologist or urogynecology team experienced in prolapse surgery. Ask how often they perform the proposed approach, whether mesh is planned, what recovery restrictions apply, and who handles problems after discharge. Bring a list of bladder, bowel, sexual, and pelvic symptoms so the treatment goal is specific.