What is pelvic floor reconstruction?
Pelvic floor reconstruction describes a group of surgical procedures that treat pelvic organ prolapse. Your pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissue. All of these tissues work together to support and control your pelvic organs: the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.
When you have pelvic organ prolapse, one or more of these organs move out of place due to weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. This condition can result from childbirth, surgery, or repeated heavy lifting.
Pelvic organ prolapse treatment usually begins with nonsurgical methods, like a pessary. If conservative treatments aren’t effective, the expert team at Bela Vida Urogynecology may recommend surgery.
What are different types of pelvic organ prolapse?
The type of pelvic floor reconstructive procedure you need depends on the kind of pelvic organ prolapse you have. Various types of pelvic organ prolapse include:
- Cystocele, which involves the bladder
- Rectocele, which involves the rectum
- Enterocele, when bowel comes into the vagina
- Uterine prolapse, which involves the uterus
- Vaginal vault prolapse, which causes the top of the vagina to drop
Your provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology carefully evaluates your condition and recommends the best type of surgery for you.
What are different types of pelvic reconstructive surgery?
Depending on your needs, the team at Bela Vida Urogynecology may perform one of the following pelvic floor reconstruction procedures:
- Native tissue repair, which uses your own tissues to support pelvic organs
- Surgery using vaginal mesh if your tissues aren’t suitable for native repair
- Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery
- Traditional, open surgery
The team at Bela Vida Urogynecology also specializes in treating complications that may occur with previous surgeries using vaginal mesh.
What should I expect from pelvic floor reconstruction?
First, your provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology spends as much time as you need to discuss the potential risks and benefits of pelvic floor reconstruction so you can make an informed decision about your health.
If you both agree that pelvic floor reconstruction is right for you, they describe the specific procedure you need and explain what to expect.
Recovery time varies based on the type and extent of your procedure, but even minimally invasive surgeries require about a few weeks off from work and vigorous exercise. You should also avoid sex for several weeks after the procedure.
To learn more about pelvic reconstruction surgery, call Bela Vida Urogynecology or book an appointment online today.