Pelvic Prolapse Treatment
Treating pelvic prolapse may require either minor lifestyle changes or specific surgeries depending on the type and extent of damage.
Non-surgical pelvic prolapse treatments are sometimes indicated when symptoms are mild.
- Lifestyle changes - diet, weight loss, quitting smoking
- Pelvic floor exercises - Kegel exercises may help strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Pessaries - removable plastic or silicone rubber devices inserted into the vagina to provide support to areas of pelvic prolapse
Minimally Invasive Pelvic Prolapse Surgery
We use minimally invasive surgical techniques instead of open abdominal surgery wherever possible. The advantages of the minimally invasive approach include smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery time. The surgical treatment we perform depends on the prolapsed organ.
- Cystocele Repair - Cystocele, or bladder prolapse, is the most common type of pelvic
prolapse, and is often associated with urinary incontinence in women. The surgery
replaces weakened tissue with lightweight mesh or a tissue graft, which is then
attached to the vaginal wall to support the bladder.
If cystocele occurs alongside stress incontinence, Dr. Safir will perform a “sling
procedure” to correct urethral hypermobility and other causes of stress incontinence.
- Uterine Prolapse Repair - Hysterectomy is the standard treatment for uterine prolapse,
but is not practical for women who still want to have children. Fortunately, Dr.
Safir has extensive experience performing uterine prolapse surgery while preserving
the uterus. This technique is called uterine suspension. Dr. Safir’s preferred method
of uterine suspension is known as a posterior intravaginal slingplasty, which replaces
the sacrospinous ligament supporting the uterus with a mesh sling.
- Rectal Prolapse (Rectocele) and Small Bowel Prolapse (Enterocele) Repair
- These procedures correct weakness in the tissue between the vagina and the rectum
or bowel. Synthetic mesh or another form of tissue replacement is used to reinforce
the area, preventing the rectum or bowel from causing pain by bulging into the back
wall of the vagina.
- Vaginal Vault Prolapse Repair (Vaginal Vault Suspension) - Vaginal
vault prolapse occurs when the upper part of the vagina separates from the ligaments
that normally support it, allowing it to descend into the vaginal canal. It can
occur as a side effect from a hysterectomy, but can be effectively treated.
Vaginal vault suspension with an intravaginal slingplasty - the technique used in uterine prolapse repair - is a very effective way to stabilize the prolapsed vagina.
Dr. Safir is a specialist in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Safir is recognized as an expert in pelvic reconstructive surgery not only in
Los Angeles urology circles, but also by urologists nationwide. This unique specialty
makes him one of the most sought-after urology surgeons in the country. Under his
leadership, the Southern California Center for Advanced Urology has successfully
treated many patients with all types of pelvic prolapse.