Food & Nutrition

Laparoscopic Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition in women, especially after childbirth, aging, or menopause. It occurs when one or more pelvic organs—such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum—descend from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This condition can cause a variety of distressing symptoms, including a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, urinary and bowel problems, pain, and general discomfort that can affect daily life.

Traditionally, many prolapse repairs have been performed through vaginal surgery. However, laparoscopic surgery has emerged as an effective and less invasive alternative for selected patients. Laparoscopic procedures are performed using small incisions in the abdomen, through which a camera and specialized instruments are inserted. This allows surgeons to correct prolapse with precision while minimizing tissue trauma.

In laparoscopic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, the displaced organs are repositioned to their normal anatomical location. This is achieved through suspension techniques, sometimes with the assistance of a surgical mesh that provides additional support and long-term stability. By restoring the organs to their proper position, the surgery helps relieve symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary difficulties, bowel dysfunction, pain, and discomfort.

One well-known example of this approach is laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy, a procedure used to treat uterine prolapse while preserving the uterus. During this operation, the uterus is lifted and attached to the sacrum (a bone at the base of the spine) using a supportive material, often mesh. This restores normal pelvic anatomy and maintains both function and appearance.

The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include smaller scars, reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery. Many patients are able to return to their daily activities sooner, with improved quality of life and long-lasting symptom relief.

In Sri Lanka, laparoscopic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse is currently available only in a limited number of specialized centers. As awareness and expertise grow, this advanced technique has the potential to become more widely accessible, offering women a modern and effective option for the management of pelvic organ prolapse.