After becoming more proficient over that last few years and with the availability of the Davinci Robotic System, I have now added laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy to the procedures I can offer to patients. Sacrocolpopexy is considered the "gold standard" surgery for severe vaginal prolapse. It is a surgery that uses a synthetic mesh to help the body develop a strong support of the upper vagina to repair prolapse. From inside the abdomen, the mesh is sewn to the front and back of the vaginal wall. A tail of mesh is then sewn to a ligament along the front part of the sacrum.
Again this is a surgery that has been done for years by the "open" technique. For many years now it has been performed laparoscopically and with robotic assistance. The same benefits from laparoscopy apply in this situation also. These include similar operative times, much shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery and faster return to work when desired.
Some complications may occur with this procedure whether it is performed laparoscopically or open. These include bleeding, bowel or bladder injury and occasionally mesh rejection or infection. Thankfully these complications are rare.
The advances in laparoscopic surgery are very exciting to me. Every week I see the benefit it has in women's lives as they are faced with a difficult decision for surgery. They are thrilled and grateful to know that there is an option that does not require weeks off of work and days away from home.
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