More than 20% of women over 40 in the United States experience pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when a pelvic organ — such as your uterus, vagina, bladder, or small intestine — slips out of its normal position. When this happens, the organs can press against each other or bulge into the vaginal canal.
While many women find relief with less aggressive medical interventions, doctors often recommend surgery when symptoms start to affect quality of life. Robotic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse is one option, but it isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our team includes specialists with extensive experience treating pelvic organ prolapse using both nonsurgical and surgical approaches. We work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, including when robotic surgery is the best approach.
About pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs weaken or stretch. When this support system no longer holds organs in place, one or more may drop lower in the pelvis.
Prolapse is more common in women because certain life events and health changes can weaken the pelvic floor. Common contributing factors include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Aging
- Chronic straining from constipation
- Prior pelvic surgery
When a pelvic organ drops, it may bulge into the vagina or even protrude outside of it. You may see or feel the bulge. Pelvic organ prolapse may also cause other symptoms, such as lower back pain, urinary incontinence, or pain during sex.
When your doctor may recommend surgery
Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. You may start with conservative treatments designed to reduce discomfort and improve pelvic support.
Nonsurgical options may include:
- Eating more fiber to reduce strain
- Adjusting fluid intake to improve bladder symptoms
- Engaging in pelvic floor muscle training exercises
You may also consider using a pessary, a removable device that you place in the vagina that helps support the pelvic organs.
If these interventions don’t improve symptoms or your prolapse is severe, you may need surgery to restore the organs to their normal position.
There are two primary surgical approaches:
Obliterative surgery
Obliterative surgery narrows or closes the vaginal canal to improve pelvic organ support. It’s highly effective but eliminates the possibility of vaginal intercourse, so doctors only consider it for women who are no longer sexually active.
Reconstructive surgery
Reconstructive surgery is more common and aims to restore pelvic organs to their natural position while preserving vaginal function.
Robotic-assisted techniques are options for either approach.
Robotic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse
Robotic surgery combines advanced robotic technology with minimally invasive surgical techniques. During the procedure, your surgeon controls specialized robotic instruments that mimic precise hand movements while operating through small incisions.
Robotic surgery offers several advantages, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced scarring
- Shorter recovery time
- Greater surgical precision
However, robotic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse can take longer to perform than other methods and may not be appropriate for all patients.
Other surgical options
Robotic surgery is only one of several techniques we use to correct pelvic organ prolapse. Depending on your health history and the type or prolapse, we may recommend another approach, such as:
Open surgery
Open surgery is the traditional method and involves a larger abdominal incision to access the pelvic organs. Although recovery time is long, this is the best option for women with significant scarring from prior surgery or certain health conditions like obesity or heart disease.
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small abdominal incisions. It uses a laparoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera that allows us to view the surgical area on a computer monitor. This is a common surgical method for gynecological conditions.
Vaginal surgery
Vaginal surgery corrects prolapse through the vaginal canal. It’s also a minimally invasive technique.
While minimally invasive methods are less risky, traditional open surgery may sometimes provide the safest or most effective solution depending on the patient’s condition.
What’s right for you?
The best pelvic organ prolapse surgery is the one that offers the safest approach and best long-term outcomes for your personal health needs. During your consultation, we review all of your surgical options and their pros and cons. Together, we can decide what method best fits your health needs and goals.
Regardless of the surgical method, most women need to take time off from work and avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks during the recovery period. You also need to avoid vaginal sex for several weeks while your body heals.
For many women, symptoms significantly improve or go away immediately after surgery.
If you’re considering robotic surgery for your pelvic organ prolapse, our team can explain your options so you can make an informed decision about your care. Contact Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, today to learn more. You can also request an appointment online.
