What is sacrocolpopexy?

Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical procedure used to treat vaginal vault or uterine prolapse, which are two types of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Your pelvic organs, including your bladder, rectum, urethra, uterus and vagina, are held in place by a group of muscles called the pelvic floor. Sometimes, your pelvic floor may weaken, letting the pelvic organs drop out of place. In sacrocolpopexy, a surgeon uses mesh to lift the organs back into place and secure them.

Sacrocolpopexy Patient hugging and posing for a photo with their husband

Types of sacrocolpopexy surgery

Sacrocolpopexy can be performed through open surgery or minimally invasive surgery.

Why might I need a sacrocolpopexy?

As a result of pregnancy and childbirth, muscles can become weaker and unable to support your vagina. Excess weight and having had a hysterectomy may also cause vaginal prolapse symptoms.

Sacrocolpopexy can help relieve the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, such as:

  • Aching, full or heavy feelings in the vagina
  • Feelings of something falling from the vagina
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Problems with emptying the bladder or bowel
  • Problems with using tampons

Your doctors may suggest other solutions for pelvic organ prolapse, such as pelvic floor exercises or a device called a pessary. However, if these solutions do not work for your situation, you may need surgery to move and keep your pelvic organs in place.

Some vaginal prolapse surgeries, such as colpocleisis and colporrhaphy, may close or narrow the vaginal canal. Sacrocolpopexy, on the other hand, is suitable for women who are still sexually active. Women who plan to have children are not candidates for sacrocolpopexy.

How to prepare for a sacrocolpopexy

Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prepare for your surgery. Tell them about all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, herbs, vitamins and supplements. Before the procedure, you may need to stop some, like blood thinners.

If you smoke, quit before surgery, as it can delay healing. Ask for help from your provider if needed.

Avoid eating or drinking after midnight the night before your surgery. Report any recent health changes, such as a fever, to your provider.

Follow all additional instructions and complete any required tests.

Steps

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm
  • Chest X-ray to evaluate heart and lungs
  • Urine sample to test for infections
  • Blood tests for infection, anemia and kidney function

The sacrocolpopexy procedure

Sacrocolpopexy typically takes about two to four hours. It may be performed by itself or in combination with other procedures, such as hysterectomy or removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Before the procedure

At the hospital, your team will tell you what to expect as you go into surgery. You will receive intravenous (IV) medication to sleep through the procedure. You may be given antibiotics before and after the surgery to help prevent infection.

Understanding the results

Sacrocolpopexy is generally effective at relieving symptoms of vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele (small bowel prolapse). Your provider will check you about two weeks after surgery to see that you are healing well and check for relief of prolapse symptoms.

However, prolapse may return after surgery. Avoiding constipation, lifting heavy weights and maintaining a healthy weight may help keep prolapse from returning.

Sacrocolpopexy doctor reviewing patient results