da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy (Uterine/Vaginal Prolapse)

Vaginal prolapse occurs when the network of muscles, ligaments and skin that hold the vagina in its correct anatomical position weaken. This causes the vagina to prolapse (slip or fall) from its normal position.

Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, reducing support for the uterus. The uterus then slips or falls into the vaginal canal.

Vaginal prolapse can cause the following symptoms:

• a feeling of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis
• tissue protruding from your vagina
• painful intercourse
• pelvic pain
• difficulties with urination and bowel movements

Risk factors for vaginal prolapse include:

• multiple vaginal deliveries
• age
• obesity
• hysterectomy
• collagen quality
• smoking

Vaginal Prolapse Treatment - Sacrocolpopexy

Sacrocolpopexy has traditionally been performed as an open vaginal prolapse surgery. A six- to 12-inch horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen in order to manually access the pelvic organs, including the uterus. While the success rate of open abdominal sacrocolpopexy is high, recovery time can be long, including a five- to six-day hospital stay.

Another approach, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, offers a minimally invasive alternative to open vaginal prolapse surgery. But this approach is generally considered to be technically challenging due to the extensive suturing and dissection required coupled with the limitations of traditional laparascopic technology.

If your doctor recommends sacrocolpopexy, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery.

For most women, da Vinci robot-assisted surgery offers numerous potential benefits over a traditional open approach to sacrocolpopexy:

• significantly less pain
• less blood loss and need for blood transfusions
• less scarring
• shorter hospital stay
• shorter recovery
• fewer complications

da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy also allows your surgeon better visualization of anatomy, which is especially critical when working around delicate and confined structures like the uterus and vagina.

Hear from a da Vinci Surgeon

Meet Dr. Kathryn Arendt, an Evergren surgeon who performs the da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy.

Patient Stories

"The only thing that I feel — is that I feel great!"

You might say it’s a picture perfect ending for 62-year-old Lynnette Dillon. She and her husband are retiring from their full-time jobs to pursue their hobby and passion – traveling across the Northwest in their mobile photography lab to shoot motorcycle races.

Patient: Lynnette Dillon

Learn More about da Vinci Robotic Sacrocolpopexy

If you are a candidate for uterine prolapse surgery, talk to an Evergreen gynecologist or urogynecologist who performs da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy.

For additional information on the da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy:

• Download our brochure
• Visit www.davincisurgery.com

Find an Evergreen surgeon who performs sacrocolpopexy

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient- and procedure-specific. While sacrocolpopexy performed using the da Vincirobot-assisted surgery is considered safe and effective, this procedure may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.