Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

What is a pelvic surgery?

Obliterative Surgery: A type of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in which the vagina is narrowed or closed off to provide support for prolapsed organs. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A condition in which pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder, drop downward.

What is a pelvic reconstructive surgeon?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction can find help at the UI Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery Service. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or surgery. ... Urge incontinence-loss of urine preceded by a strong urge (also known as overactive bladder)

Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

The goal of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery is to restore normal pelvic floor anatomy and give you the best possible chance at maintaining a normal quality of life. There are times when a non-surgical approach (vaginal pessary) is not optimum and the patient chooses to have surgery.

The choices and types of surgery that you may consider will depend on:

Anatomy

Overall health

Prior surgeries

Current medical conditions

Training and skills of the surgeon

When considering these surgeries, the doctor will engage you in a detailed discussion about all of these issues, along with your lifestyle, activity goals (including sexual function) and any risks.

The surgical procedures may be minimally-invasive, where small incisions are made in the abdomen, and may be performed laparoscopically or with the robot-assisted da Vinci. Other procedures may be performed through an incision in the vagina or the abdominal cavity. The surgeon will discuss these various approaches with you.

In addition to the surgery, your doctor may recommend pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation (Incon Therapy) as a complement to surgery. This relationship is similar to the role of physical therapy in orthopedics. You should discuss this option with your healthcare provider to determine if Incon Therapy would assist in your treatment and recovery.