Uterus conserving surgeries for Prolapse

Uterus-preserving surgery for prolapse is a type of surgery which intents to correct structures of the pelvic organs when prolapse is present, with the uterus being left intact. This is especially common among ladies who for cultural or personal or reproductive reason want to keep their uterus. These operations employ methods that help correct the abnormalities or disease affecting the human pelvic organs without undertaking a hysterectomy which is the surgical removal of the uterus.

Understanding Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is an illness that is characterized by the unearthing of the uterus…this occurs because of relaxation of the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor hence causing the uterus to slip down to the level of or even outside the vaginal canal. Some of the symptoms of this condition are difficulty bearing weight on the pelvis, leaking of urine and possibly painful intercourse. Preserving surgical management is an option to classical hysterectomy by trying, in some way, to cure the prolapse without resecting the uterus.

Types of Uterus-Preserving Surgery

Some of the prolapse treatment surgeries that help in saving the uterus are:

1. Sacrohysteropexy: Removing all the reproductive organs and attaching the fallopian tube to the sacral bone using surgical mesh. In this way the mesh maintains the position of the uterus, which means it prevents it from going any further down.
2. Hysteropexy with Uterosacral Ligament Suspension: The uterus is transposed in this procedure and sutured to the uterosacral ligaments-strong ligaments that can bear such loads as the uterus.
3. Manchester Procedure: This involves shortening of the uterosacral ligaments by variable amount along with some portion of the cervix. Pulling the uterus upwards to the higher level in the pelvis is part of the procedure. It proves effective in patients whose prolapse complication grade is mild to moderate.
4. Laparoscopic Uterine Suspension: This procedure is uterine suspension, assisted by small abdominal incisions and through the means of minimal access devices to the pelvic walls or sacrum.

Advantages of Uterus Preservation Surgeries

The advantages of these types of surgeries are:

• Uterus Preservation: The foremost advantage is the preservation of the uterus, which is of major concern for women wanting to retain their uterus.
• Minimally Invasive Alternatives: Many of the surgeries can be performed laparoscopically. This leads to decreased recovery time, pain, and very minimal scarring.
• Better Quality of Life: All the repair surgeries for prolapse eliminate symptoms that might have ranged from pelvic pressure to leakage and sexual discomfort.

Recovery and Postoperative Care

Recovery post-uterus-preserving prolapse surgeries typically include:

• Hospital Time: The hospital stay ranges from one to two days depending on the nature of the surgery used.
• Pain Control: Pain is mostly minimal and can be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Activity: Patients are advised not to lift heavy weights or engage in sexual intercourse for about 6 to 8 weeks to give the healing process some time.

Possible Risks and Complications

There are several risks involved in the surgery, just like any other surgery, and they include:

• Prolapse Recurrence: It may at times happen again, especially in scenarios where the actual cause of prolapse has not been corrected, e.g. weak pelvic muscles.
• Infection: This may happen, though it’s least expected when good postoperative care is followed.
• Mesh Complications: If mesh is used in the procedure, it may be extremely rare to experience mesh erosion or infections, for which further management may be required.

Conclusion

In cases of uterine prolapse, conservative surgeries of the uterus are a very good and quite preferable alternative to hysterectomy for women. These procedures contribute to keeping the uterus in its place, with correction of prolapse symptoms, and bring physical and psychological benefits. Plan to undergo surgery because of uterine prolapse. You may start by discussing all the options with your healthcare provider and consider the most available preserving-surgery methods for your case.