Sacrocolpopexy

Pelvic pressure, heaviness, or a bulge can be hard to ignore. These symptoms are often linked to pelvic organ prolapse. This happens when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken over time.

If these symptoms are starting to affect your daily life, you may be looking into treatment options. For more advanced cases, sacrocolpopexy can help restore support and relieve symptoms.

If you’re considering sacrocolpopexy in Charlotte, NC or Columbia, SC, understanding how it works and when it’s used can help you feel more confident about your next step.

Sacrocolpopexy is a procedure used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, specifically apical prolapse. Apical prolapse happens when the top of the vagina loses support and begins to drop. This is often seen after a hysterectomy.

To correct the prolapse, a soft surgical mesh is used to support the vaginal walls. The mesh is attached to strong, supportive tissue near the lower spine, an area called the sacrum. This helps lift the vagina back into a more natural position.

The goal is not only to correct anatomy, but to reduce symptoms like:

• Pressure
• Bulging
• Difficulty with bladder or bowel function

Not all women with prolapse need surgery, but sacrocolpopexy may be discussed when:

• Symptoms are persistent or worsening
• A vaginal bulge is noticeable or uncomfortable
• Bladder or bowel function is affected
• Daily activities are becoming more difficult
• Other treatments have failed to provide enough relief

Sacrocolpopexy is usually done using minimally invasive techniques. This includes laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Both of these methods allow the surgeon to work through small incisions in the abdomen.

The following steps help reposition the vaginal tissue while preserving its natural shape and function.

• The vaginal tissue is carefully repositioned
• A mesh graft is attached to the vaginal walls
• The graft is then secured to strong tissue over the sacrum
• The mesh is covered with the body’s own tissue

Some women go home the same day, while others stay overnight. It depends on your health and how the procedure is done. Recovery is a gradual process. It is normal to feel some ups and downs along the way. After surgery, you may notice:

• Mild to moderate discomfort
• Abdominal soreness or bloating
• Fatigue, especially in the first couple of weeks
• Light vaginal spotting or discharge

Recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Many people notice symptom relief before that. During this time, you will likely be asked to:

• Avoid heavy lifting
• Limit strenuous activity
• Hold off on sexual activity for a few weeks
• Return to your usual routine slowly

This procedure restores support at the top of the vagina. After surgery, many women report:

• Relief from pressure and bulging
• Better bladder and bowel function
• A return to more comfortable daily activity

Every surgical procedure carries some risk. A discussion with your doctor can help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your case. These are not common, but possible risks include:

• Infection or bleeding
• Injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder or bowel
• Blood clots
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
• Mesh-related complications
• Recurrence of prolapse over time

Sacrocolpopexy is one option among several for treating pelvic organ prolapse. The right approach depends on:

• Your symptoms
• Your treatment preferences and goals
• What feels manageable for you

Sacrocolpopexy is a surgery used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Doctors may recommend it when symptoms don’t improve or begin to affect daily life.

If you have prolapse symptoms and are considering sacrocolpopexy in Charlotte, NC or Columbia, SC, the next step is to schedule an evaluation. Your doctor can help you decide if this surgery is right for you.

1. Can sacrocolpopexy be combined with other procedures?

Yes. This surgery is often done with other procedures, such as bladder support or treatment for urine leakage, depending on your needs.

2. Will sacrocolpopexy affect intimacy?

This surgery is planned to support normal structure and function. Many women feel more comfortable during intimacy after prolapse is treated.

3. Why is mesh used in sacrocolpopexy?

Mesh is used to support the vaginal walls and help hold them in place. In this procedure, the mesh is placed through the abdomen, which may lower the risk of certain complications seen with older methods.

4. How long does sacrocolpopexy last?

This procedure is meant to be long-lasting. Many women have symptom relief for years, but results can vary based on your body and activity level.