Uterine prolapse
is the skidding or falling of the uterus into the vaginal canal from its
normal position in the pelvic cavity. This slipping of the uterus takes
place because of the weakened connective tissues and muscles.
This happens in women who have had many vaginal births, when the woman
is deficient in estrogen hormone due to menopause and old age. People
suffering from obesity and constant cough are more prone to this uterine
prolapse. Another rare factor that causes uterine prolapse is pelvic tumor.
Severe constipation and pushing aggravates the condition of this uterine
prolapse.
The symptoms of the prolapsed are low backache, reoccurrence of bladder
infections, painful intercourse, vaginal bleeding or discharge, uterus
and cervix pop out through the vaginal opening, frequent urination, and
heaviness in the pelvis.
The patient may feel as if she is sitting on a small ball.
Most of the symptoms aggravate when sitting or standing for a long period.
A pelvic examination shows how far the uterus protrudes. Treatment is
necessary only when the condition is severe. This uterine prolapsed is
treated with vaginal pessary or surgery.
Vaginal pessary is a plastic or rubber device that when inserted inside
the vagina holds the uterus in its place. Surgery is necessary depending
on the condition of the prolapse, the age and general health of the woman.
Surgery is also opted when the patient wants to retain the vaginal function
and for future pregnancies.
Types of Prolapse Surgery
There are different types of surgery procedure depending on the type of
prolapse.
Uterine prolapsed – A laparoscopic uterine suspension is done
in combination with vaginal vault suspension. In this procedure, the tip
of the vagina is attached to strong ligaments to the back of the pelvis,
which gives support to the vagina. This surgery is less invasive, takes
a very short time, and has quick recovery.
Vaginal prolapsed – In this surgery, the vaginal vault suspension,
the vagina is attached to firm connective tissues to the back of the pelvis.
This is also a short duration surgery procedure done with efficiency.
Cystocele – There are three types of cystocele and the treatment
is modified according to the type. These are treated with laparoscopic
surgery by an expert surgeon.
Rectocele – The colporrhaphy process done in the rear repairs
and closes the tough tissue superimposing the rectum. A latest surgical
procedure helps the patient to rectify the problem very easily.
Enterocele – Here the procedure closes the strong tissue on
the top of the vaginal wall restoring its fibro muscular arrangement.
All the above procedures are done vaginally or in the laparoscopic method.
Laparoscopic surgery gives a better picture of the problem aiding the
surgeon to operate with ease. As the pelvis floor problem are many it
is better to repair and rectify all the problems in one surgery.
Surgical repair of the uterine prolapsed usually needs a vaginal hysterectomy
where the uterus along with some vaginal tissue is removed. Surgeons prefer
vaginal procedure as it is less painful.
Laparoscopy procedure is opted due to its small incisions, less stay in
the hospital, clear view of the problem assisted by the camera and quick
recovery.
