Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Overview
It is estimated about 35% of women will develop some form of pelvic organ prolapse, also known as pelvic floor dysfunction, in their lives. Pelvic organ prolapse is characterized as a disorder in which one or more of the pelvic organs drop from their normal position. If the symptoms of this disorder are severe, or if non-surgical treatments do not correct the issue, a pelvic floor reconstruction may be recommended by Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, board certified OBGYN serving the communities of Plano, Frisco, and Dallas, Texas.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
The pelvic floor consists of numerous muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support and control the vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum. When one or more of these pelvic floor organs drop from their normal position, pelvic organ prolapse is often diagnosed.
This condition is commonly associated with childbirth, a hysterectomy, other gynecologic surgeries, repeated heavy lifting and certain chronic diseases.
What are Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Symptoms of this condition vary from woman to woman, depending on the amount of organs involved and how much they have dropped. In almost all cases, symptoms are made worse with certain physical activities, such as prolonged standing, jogging, jumping, bicycling and coughing. The most common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:
- Urinary incontinence and other bladder issues
- Feeling pressure in the vaginal wall
- Painful sexual intercourse
- A full feeling in the belly
- A pull or stretch in the groin area
- Constipation and other bowel problems
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Vaginal vault- Top of the vagina in women who have had a hysterectomy
- Cystocele- Front (anterior) wall of the vagina, usually with the bladder
- Rectocele- Back (posterior) wall of the vagina, usually with the rectum
- Enterocele- The pouch between the rectum and back wall of the uterus, usually with a part of the small intestine
Pelvic Floor Reconstruction as a Treatment Option
If symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are mild, Dr. Eisenberg commonly begins treatment with non-surgical measures. Patients are often encouraged to perform Kegel exercises, obtain a healthy weight, eliminate caffeine and avoid heavy lifting.
A pelvic floor reconstruction may be recommended if symptoms are severe or if conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms. The surgery is designed to reconstruct the pelvic floor with the overall goal of restoring dropped organs to their original position.
Some pelvic floor reconstructions are performed through an incision in the vagina, while other procedures are performed through an incision in the abdomen (laparoscopy). Dr. Eisenberg will select the appropriate surgical method based on the severity of the condition. He will then explain the procedure and post-operative rehabilitation protocols in great detail with each patient.
For additional resources on pelvic organ prolapse, or to discuss pelvic floor reconstruction with an OBGYN in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area, please contact Dr. Dennis Eisenberg.