Background:
Pelvic floor defects can occur for many reasons. Common causes include the vaginal delivery of a large infant, or the tissue trauma resulting from a prolonged labor process. Over time tissue weakness in the pelvic floor can result in the prolapse of the uterus, bladder, or rectum to the level of the vaginal opening or beyond. In severe cases the entire uterus and vagina can appear as a large mass completely protruding out of the vaginal opening. Common symptoms of prolapse include pelvic pain and pressure, sexual pain, frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, constipation, and vaginal bleeding.
Procedure:
Many treatment options exist including pelvic floor exercise, pessary placement, and surgical repair. Dr Farnam offers all of these therapies including vaginal pelvic reconstruction. He is trained in all forms of pelvic support surgery including sacrospinous fixation, uterosacral ligament suspension, and mesh procedures. Texas Gynecology and Laser Surgery Center is a referral practice for evaluating and treating the most complicated degrees of prolapse. In some cases of recurrent prolapse, laparoscopic sacral-colpopexy is required. This procedure has a very high success rate and is considered the ‘gold standard’ for apical prolapse. However it is a very intricate procedure, and physicians must have advanced training to become proficient. The apex of the vaginal is supported by a synthetic mesh material. This mesh is then affixed to the strong and durable sacral anterior longitudinal fascia.
