Outpatient Laparoscopic Sacralcolpopexy

What Is Laparoscopic Sacralcolpopexy?

Laparoscopic sacralcopopexy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vaginal prolapse. A mesh graft is attached to the inside of the body to provide additional support to the pelvic organs during this procedure. In some cases, a sacralcolpopexy is performed in conjunction with a hysterectomy.

What Happens During the Procedure?

A laparoscopic sacralcolpopexy is performed with specially designed surgical instruments including a laparoscope, which is a long slender tube with a light and camera mounted on the end. The surgeon makes 4 small incisions in the patient’s abdomen and inserts the instruments through those incisions to perform the procedure inside the patient’s body. The doctor attaches a medical grade mesh to the top of the vagina and a strong ligament overlying the sacrum to provide additional support to the pelvic organs. The laparoscope sends a live video feed to a monitor in the surgical room that allows the doctor to see inside the patient’s body without having to open the patient’s abdomen, like in traditional incisional surgery. Laparoscopic procedures are safer and much less painful for patients, so recovery times are decreased and the risk of infection and scarring is lessened.  Our doctors have performed thousands of these procedures and the average time of this operation in the hands of Southeast Urogyn doctors is less than 1 hour.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

After surgery, you will spend time resting and recovering from anesthesia and under observation. Once you have fully alert and are able to empty your bladder you will be released to rest at home. There is usually very little pain associated with this surgery so you can resume your normal activities quickly. It is recommended to take at least a week off of work to allow your body time to rest and recover. You will be able to shower as normal and can eat and drink normally. If you use a narcotic pain medication, you should use a stool softener also as these medications are very constipating. You should avoid strenuous exercise and any heavy activities or significant straining until you have a follow-up appointment with the doctor. You will be given a booklet that explains the recovery process and do’s and do not’s in more detail but generally, the recovery is minimal with little pain. The biggest complaint is difficulty getting your normal energy level back and this is common with any type of surgery.