Indications for Surgery
Sacrospinal colpopexy is a surgical procedure recommended for women who are experiencing:
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Vaginal Vault Prolapse: This occurs when the top portion of the vagina collapses after a hysterectomy, causing the vaginal walls to sag and creating a sensation of pelvic heaviness or fullness.
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Uterine Prolapse: In cases where the uterus prolapses into the vaginal canal, this surgery can help restore normal pelvic anatomy.
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): This condition involves the descent of pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, or rectum) into the vaginal canal, causing symptoms like vaginal bulging, pelvic pressure, urinary issues, and bowel difficulties.
This procedure is often recommended when other less invasive treatments have not been successful, or when prolapse symptoms significantly interfere with daily life and well-being.
Pre-Operation
Before undergoing sacrospinal colpopexy, a GP referral is required to ensure that Dr. Li has all the necessary medical history and information to evaluate your suitability for surgery.
In the consultation, Dr. Li will:
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Review your symptoms and medical history to determine if sacrospinal colpopexy is the right choice for you.
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Discuss the details of the procedure and potential risks and benefits.
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Provide specific pre-operative instructions, including recommendations for any tests or assessments you may need to undergo before the surgery.
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and it involves the use of sutures to attach the vaginal vault to the sacrospinous ligaments located in the pelvis to provide structural support.
In some cases, sacrospinal colpopexy can be combined with an anterior-posterior repair to address prolapse in multiple areas of the vaginal canal, depending on the patient’s needs.
Post-Operation Care and Recovery
After surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. A vaginal pack will be placed to control any bleeding, and a catheter will be used for 1 to 2 days to allow proper drainage of the bladder.
In the early stages of recovery, it is important to avoid activities that put strain on the pelvic area, such as lifting, excessive physical activity, or constipation. These activities could place unnecessary pressure on the repair site and potentially affect the healing process.
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Post-operative Recovery: The recovery period for sacrospinal colpopexy can take several weeks, and full recovery will occur within about 3 months. During this time, special care should be taken to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity.
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Follow-up Appointment: Dr. Li will schedule a post-surgery review for 6 weeks to assess the healing process. During this appointment, Dr. Li will ensure that the repair is progressing as expected. Sexual activity should not resume until after this consultation to ensure that the pelvic floor and vaginal vault are properly healed.
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Returning to Work: Depending on your recovery, you may be able to return to work 6 weeks post-surgery. However, any job requiring heavy lifting or physical strain should be avoided for a longer period to allow optimal recovery.
Possible Complications
As with any surgical procedure, sacrospinal colpopexy comes with potential risks and complications. These may include:
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Infection: While the risk is low, infections can occur post-surgery, and appropriate care is taken to minimise this risk.
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Bleeding: Though excessive bleeding is uncommon, it can occur after surgery.
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Urinary Retention: Some patients may experience difficulty passing urine, which could require prolonged catheter use.
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Recurrence of Prolapse: In rare cases, the prolapse may recur after surgery.
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Damage to Adjacent Organs: There is a slight risk of injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum, although this is rare and typically addressed immediately during surgery.
Most women find that the benefits of this procedure significantly outweigh the potential risks, especially when it comes to improving pelvic function, reducing prolapse symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.