A Three-Dimensional Solution to Uterine Prolapse With Robotic Surgery

Uterine Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence SurgeryWritten on 16.12.2022.

Written by Prof. Dr. Taner Usta Obstetrics and Gynaecology — Gynaecologic Robotic Surgery

Operations are performed at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital with the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

When the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor weaken for any reason and can no longer provide the support the uterus requires, the condition known as uterine prolapse arises. Deprived of this support, the uterus gradually slips down towards the vagina and in some cases protrudes out of the vagina.

Although it is seen frequently, particularly in women who have had more than one vaginal delivery or who have reached menopause, uterine prolapse can occur in women of almost any age.

Attention; In Many Cases Uterine Prolapse Does Not Occur Alone. Prolapse of Other Organs May Accompany It!!!

In many cases, uterine prolapse is also accompanied by prolapse of the bladder and the rectum (where the stool is finally stored). Therefore, these must be evaluated in detail during the examination. This detailed evaluation forms the most important first step affecting the success of the subsequent treatment process.

Uterine prolapse is assessed in four different stages according to its severity. The mild, moderate, severe and extreme stages of prolapse are easily distinguished from one another by their symptoms and complaints and by gynaecological examination. Today, thanks to operations performed with robotic surgery, uterine prolapse can be treated completely.

Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse

First-degree (early) prolapse usually causes no symptoms at all. It is often seen in women who have had a vaginal delivery. However, symptoms begin to appear with moderate prolapse. The most common symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic region, organs protruding out of the vagina as a mass, and urinary incontinence in some patients.

Both Urinary Incontinence and Inability to Pass Urine May Be Seen With Uterine Prolapse!!!

In addition to these, vaginal bleeding, recurrent bladder infection, constipation and difficulty during sexual intercourse are also among the symptoms of uterine prolapse. In first-degree prolapse, preventive treatments are usually preferred. However, in cases where the condition has progressed, surgical intervention becomes unavoidable

In the stage of extreme prolapse, a hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed, is performed. In recent years this procedure can be carried out easily with robotic surgery.

Robotic Surgery Operation

Today, robotic surgery is among the most frequently preferred methods for hysterectomy. Because it provides a three-dimensional and magnified image compared with the conventional laparoscopic method, allows more precise interventions and creates a comfortable operating environment for both the doctor and the patient, the operation can be performed more successfully and in a shorter time with robotic surgery.

Is It Always Necessary to Remove the Uterus in Uterine Prolapse?

For uterine prolapse it is not always necessary to remove the uterus. Uterine prolapse can be treated by suspending the uterus from the strong ligaments inside the abdomen, without removing it. These difficult operations, which involve very fine details, can be performed more easily with robotic surgery. In addition, performing the operation through a small incision with robotic surgery also significantly reduces the patient’s hospital stay and the recovery period after the operation. Since the patient undergoes the minimum possible intervention with robotic surgery, the risk of damaging the surrounding tissues during the operation and the risk of complications developing in the area afterwards are greatly reduced.