Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
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Before we start talking about “what is pelvic floor reconstruction?”, our experts at Happy Urology first want to share what condition leads to needing the reconstruction surgery. It is called pelvic organ prolapse. That is when the organs that make up the pelvic floor are weakened or damaged. It can be caused by childbirth, surgery, or repeated heavy lifting.
Our South Florida Urologists specialize in Pelvic floor reconstruction and can help restore not only the structure but also the function of your pelvic floor.
What Is The Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is made of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissue that holds your rectum, vagina, uterus, cervix, and bladder in place. When these parts are damaged or weakened, this is when you can experience pelvic floor prolapse. This is when one or more of the pelvic organs slips out of position and presses into or out of the vagina.
There are different types of pelvic prolapse that have to do with which organ is moved:
- Cystocele: prolapsed or dropped bladder. Cystocele can lead to recurring UTIs, frequent or urgent urination, a feeling of heaviness in the vagina, and more.
- Rectocele: Also known as posterior vaginal prolapse. Rectocele is when the tissues between the vagina and lower part of the colon weaken, causing the rectum to bulge through the vaginal wall. Symptoms include pressure in the rectum, difficulty moving bowels, or feeling that the rectum isn’t empty after a bowel movement.
- Uterine Prolapse: When this occurs, the uterus can drop down into or protrude out of the vagina. It can happen to women of all ages but is more common in older women, especially those who have already gone through menopause.
- Enterocele: Enterocele is when the small intestine drops into the vagina, creating a bulge.
Pelvic floor reconstruction can start through non-surgical options like pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or a vaginal pessary. PFMT, where patients will learn exercises to help pelvic pain, works for mild cases but not moderate or advanced prolapse. The main alternative is the vaginal pessary which is a round-shaped device that is placed in the vagina and acts as a support for the pelvic organs.
Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Surgery
What is pelvic floor reconstruction? Well, there are different variations of the procedure based on the needs of the patient:
- Native tissue repair, which uses the patients’ tissue to support pelvic organs
- Surgery using vaginal mesh if the patients’ tissues aren’t suitable for native repair
- Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery
- Traditional, open surgery
When it comes to pelvic floor repair, you should always consult a doctor with any pelvic-related concerns. The more information you receive, the better the condition can be assessed, and then the best course of action can be taken for each patient.
Contact Us Today!
If there are concerns about your pelvic floor, contact us today to make an appointment.
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