Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a downward descent of the female pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, uterus if present, upper part of the vagina if the uterus is absent or small bowel resulting in a bulge pressing into or out of the vagina.

Prolapse development can be attributed to the damage, stretching and weakening of the support muscles and ligaments in the female pelvis. These support structures keep the bladder, rectum, small bowel and uterus oriented in the appropriate position. Any event that results in damage to these structures can result in POP.

Factors contributing to pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Child birth
• Hysterectomy
• Pelvic trauma
• Aging
• Straining (heavy lifting, defecation, chronic coughing)
• Prior surgery for POP

The pelvic organ prolapse treatment we offer here typically includes non-surgical options. However, for some patients, pelvic organ prolapse surgery is the best option. In most cases, laparoscopic or robotic surgery options—which are less invasive and provide faster recovery—are available. Another pelvic organ prolapse treatment is abdominal repair, which often can be minimally invasive using robotic or laparoscopic techniques.

Each patient's pelvic organ prolapse treatment plan will be determined by their care team based on age, medical history, type of pelvic organ prolapse and personal preferences.

• Laparoscopic surgery
• Robot-assisted surgery
• Pelvic floor therapy
• Pessary (a supportive vaginal insert)