Pelvic Floor Prolapse

The organs of the pelvis include the vagina, uterus, cervix, bladder, urethra, intestine, and rectum. These organs are held in place by muscles, ligaments, and other supporting tissue. When this support system becomes stretched, weakened, or torn, the organs can slip out of place and drift downward, pressing against the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs which the supporting structures of the pelvic floor become weakened, causing one or more organs to drop downward, creating a bulge or protrusion

What to expect during pelvic floor prolapse surgery

When non-surgical treatments don’t provide relief, surgery is usually the best option for moderate-to-sever pelvic organ prolapse. It’s possible to surgically treat the prolapse with or without removing the uterus. Removing the uterus is an option for women beyond their childbearing years, but will have a longer recovery period.

The Ambulatory Surgical Center of Utah uses laparoscopic surgery, which requires general anesthesia, to create very small incisions in the abdomen. A long, thin surgical instrument with a small camera at the tip is then inserted. This allows surgeons to see a magnified view of the pelvic area while they perform surgery, rather than making a much larger, open incision. Most often, the prolapsed organ is returned to its original position and anchored with a synthetic material.

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery

While still considered major surgery, the minimally-invasive laparoscopic approach offers several advantages over a vaginal approach or traditional open abdominal surgery, including:

Less blood loss due to limited tissue disruption
Less scaring: Three small incisions versus four to six for open abdominal surgery
Same-day surgery versus a hospital stay which tends to be much more affordable
Improved cosmetic recovery with less scarring
Faster recovery and return to normal activities
Fewer complications than open or transvaginal surgery

Recovering after minimally-invasive surgery

Recovering from pelvic organ prolapse takes about two weeks. Your gynecological surgeon at ASCU may recommend limiting activities, such as lifting, exercise, and sexual activity, for about six weeks to promote healing.

Pelvic Floor Prolapse

What to expect during pelvic floor prolapse surgery

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery

Recovering after minimally-invasive surgery

Gynecological Surgeons

Carrie Gordon, MD

Amber Vegh, MD

Alex Larson, MD

Scott Rynearson, DO