Get the Facts About Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair Procedure
“[I’m] thrilled there was a simple solution that could make me feel right again.”
– Liz
Choosing a Specialist
Finding the right physician to treat your prolapse is another important step in seeking surgical treatment. There are several specialists that may treat prolapse, but even within each specialty, there will be physicians who specialize in certain conditions and treatment options.
Taking time to do your research can make all the difference in the care you receive. Remember to ask questions, get references and ask doctors about their success rates for each surgical procedure you consider. Be your own advocate to find the best fit for you.
- Gynecologists specialize in health care for women, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive organs. This is a broad specialty, so it is essential to ask questions to understand what surgeries each gynecologist specializes in.
- Urogynecologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive and urinary tract systems. They offer surgical treatments for both pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence
- Urologists provide care for both men and women and focus on the urinary tract and urogenital system – the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Some, but not all urologists perform pelvic floor repair surgeries.43
Before making a decision, remember to ask any questions you have. This will help you feel confident in your health care provider. Seek information on health-care provider review sites and ask to speak to past patients, if possible. You should feel completely comfortable with your pelvic organ doctor choice and know that they are listening to your questions and answering them in detail, as well as providing you with information on current research of pelvic organ surgery and recovery.
Get the Facts About Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair Procedures
It is essential to understand why your surgeon may be recommending a particular treatment for your pelvic organ prolapse repair. You should also ask your surgeon about any specialized training they’ve received in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and overall patient experiences.
Are You a Candidate for a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair Procedure?
Before scheduling your pelvic prolapse surgery, ask your surgeon about all aspects related to the procedure you will be receiving, including surgical mesh.
Is prolapse repair right for you?
There is a lot of talk about using mesh in prolapse repair procedures these days, and it is essential to be informed before you make a decision. Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide if using mesh is a good option for treating your medical condition. Here are a few major factors to keep in mind.
Prolapse repair procedure is something you should consider if you have:
- A severe prolapse that affects your everyday life45
- Had prior procedures or non-surgical treatments that haven’t eased your symptoms45
These are things you should discuss thoroughly with your doctor.
There are additional factors that can determine whether a prolapse repair procedure using mesh may or may not be a good fit for you. Have a thorough conversation with your doctor about your medical history, your current medical condition and your expectations regarding this medical procedure to permanently implant a medical device in your pelvic area before making your final decision.
Your Decision
As with most things in life, this decision has risks and benefits that must be weighed. There are some risks that come with any surgery, including prolapse repair surgery, whether you use your own native tissue or a graft.
Are there any risks with prolapse repair?
Mesh-reinforced prolapse repair is not appropriate for every patient. There are many considerations to discuss with your doctor, such as your medical and surgical history when deciding whether a procedure with surgical mesh is right for you. Find a list of what to discuss with your pelvic surgeon on the Safety Information page.
What to Expect
The Surgery
Your surgeon will review the correct preparations you should take prior to your procedure. Your doctor can perform the surgery through the vagina or it can be laparoscopically through an incision in the abdomen.46
The length of the procedure will vary, depending on whether the procedure is performed alone or in conjunction with another procedure. The graft material will be placed vaginally or abdominally to correct the pelvic floor defect and to restore your pelvic floor to its natural state.46
Your Pelvic Recovery
Although every pelvic prolapse patient’s recovery process is different, there are general, recovery guidelines that apply to most pelvic floor procedures.47
- It is common to spend one to four days in the hospital, depending on the type of surgery performed.
- Physical strain, sexual intercourse, and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
- Patients often can resume other normal activities after two weeks or at the physician’s discretion
Your physician will provide you with more specific details about your pelvic organ recovery process, and he or she may have other recommendations based on your individual needs.
Follow your physician’s recovery directions carefully. Even though you may not be feeling any pain from your surgical procedure, your body needs time to heal properly from the pelvic organ surgery and allow the graft material to incorporate within your body’s natural tissue.
Contact your physician immediately if you have any problems after your surgery. It’s crucial to tell them if you have bleeding, pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or sign of infection occurring at any time during your recovery. Your physician will give you a more detailed list of possible adverse events that can happen. Continue with your annual and other routine check-ups and follow-up care.