Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is a minimally invasive surgery to treat pelvic organ prolapse using a laparoscope (a thin, long, flexible instrument with a camera and light source at one end). Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the structures that support the pelvic organs (the pelvic floor) become weak. The pelvis is the area between the hip bones and harbors the pelvic organs, which include the uterus, cervix, vagina, intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and urethra. Any of these organs can sag or slip downwards (prolapse) when their supporting muscles and ligaments become weak, torn, or stretched.
Depending on the structure prolapsed, pelvic organ prolapse may be:
- Uterine prolapse: This refers to the prolapse of the uterus and cervix (neck of the uterus) down the vagina. In severe cases, the prolapsed parts may come out through the vaginal opening.
- Vaginal vault prolapse: This type of prolapse can occur in women who underwent surgery for the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). Following hysterectomy, the top of the vagina is repaired to form a vaginal vault. During vault prolapse, the vaginal vault drops down the vaginal canal.
- Cystocele: In this condition, the bladder bulges into the vagina.
- Rectocele: In this condition, the rectum (the last part of the large bowel) bulges into the vagina.
- Enterocele: This refers to the bulging of the small bowel against the vaginal wall. This can occur along with a vaginal vault prolapse.
What happens during a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy?
A laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy surgery involves the strengthening of the pelvic floor. During the surgery, a surgical mesh is attached from the vagina to the tailbone (sacrum). The uterus may be removed if needed with or without the removal of the cervix. Depending on the patient’s age, consent, and family history, the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries may also be removed.
During a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy:
- The anesthesiologist establishes the IV line.
- General anesthesia is given to the patient (the patient sleeps during the procedure).
- The surgeon cleans the area to be operated on and makes four to five small cuts on the abdomen.
- Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen, which creates a better view and space for the surgery.
- The surgeon passed a laparoscope (a thin, flexible, tube-like instrument with a camera and a light source) through one of the incisions. Other instruments are passed through the remaining incisions.
- The surgeon attaches a piece of surgical mesh to the front and back walls of the vagina and then to the sacrum. This suspends the top of the vagina or the cervix back into its normal position.
- The supports of the bladder and/or the rectum may also be strengthened if needed.
- In patients with an inability to control urine (urinary incontinence), a small piece of the mesh may be placed underneath the urethra (the tube that carries urine) to give support when the patient laughs, sneezes, or coughs.
- The surgeon ensures that there are no injuries at the end of the surgery through a small camera that examines the inside of the bladder.
What are the risks of a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy?
The risks associated with a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy are:
- Pain
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Bleeding and bruising
- Delayed wound healing
- Wound infections
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or the lungs)
- Injury to the bladder/bowel
SLIDESHOW
See Slideshowhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17939-sacrocolpopexy/procedure-details
Top What Is a Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy? Related Articles
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
How Long Does Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery Take?
Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss procedure that takes about two to three hours. In this surgery, usually reserved for morbidly obese people who haven't responded to diet and exercise, a surgeon makes changes to the stomach and small intestine to alter the way you absorb and digest the food.How Long Does It Take to Recover From Laparoscopic Surgery?
When done for the treatment of medical conditions, the recovery may vary depending on the type of treatment. After a major surgery, such as a laparoscopic hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), removal of the ovaries or removal of a kidney for the treatment of cancer, it may take up to 12 weeks to recover. The patient may be able to resume their activities within 3 weeks of a minor laparoscopic surgery, such as an appendix removal.Recovery Time for a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus. The recovery is faster, and post-operative discomfort is minimal with a laparoscopic hysterectomy.Thoracoscopic vs. Laparoscopic Myotomy
Myotomy can be performed as a laparoscopic, thoracoscopic or an open surgery.Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and kidney infections in women, infants, and men.What Causes Sacroiliitis and Is It Serious?
Sacroiliitis is a condition where the sacroiliac joint is inflamed. Learn what causes sacroiliitis, how sacroiliitis is diagnosed, and what is done to treat sacroiliitis.What Is Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation?
Tubal ligation or tying tubes is a permanent birth control surgical procedure for women who no longer want children. In this surgery, both of your fallopian tubes (the tubes on either side of your womb that collect eggs from the ovaries and transport to the womb) are tied or blocked so that the sperms and eggs cannot be met for fertilization.What to Expect After a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?
The first 24 hours after hysterectomy, patients may experience some vaginal bleeding that tapers off. If the bleeding seems to be getting heavier rather than lighter, the physician should be notified immediately.