Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy for Pelvic Prolapse

Pelvic prolapse is a common condition that occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support a woman's pelvic organs weaken, causing the organs to drop lower in the pelvis and create a prolapse in the vagina.

This typically occurs after childbirth, hysterectomy or menopause. Affected organs may include the bladder, small bowel, rectum or uterus. Although it is not usually a serious condition, in some cases it can cause painful intercourse, incontinence, and other issues that may require surgery.

Sacral colpopexy is a surgical procedure used to repair apical pelvic prolapse. Traditionally, open abdominal surgery would be necessary to reconstruct the muscles and ligaments that have dropped. Now, with advancements in minimally invasive technology, the surgery can be performed via laparoscopic robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System, which is offered at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

During any sacral colpopexy surgery, traditional or minimally invasive, a transvaginal mesh is inserted into the vagina to reattach the apex to the sacrum. With robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System, this mesh can be inserted and put into place without the need to open the entire abdominal wall.

During the procedure, a tiny camera called a laparoscope is inserted into a small incision in the area between the vagina and the lower abdomen. To allow the surgeon more space and a larger viewing area, carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdominal cavity. Tools inserted into other small incisions are attached to robotic arms that are controlled by the surgeon. The mesh is then put into place with the tools, while the vagina is connected to the sacrum.

A laparoscopic, robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy results in a lower risk of complications, shorter hospital stay and reduced recovery time, as compared to a traditional open surgery.

The da Vinci system has been used in more than a million minimally invasive procedures throughout the world, and has been approved by the FDA as a safe and effective form of surgery.

If your doctor has recommended sacral colpopexy for pelvic prolapse, the experts at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic can help you decide if a robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacral colpopexy is right for you.