Pelvic Organ Prolapse - it's common; it's treatable
Pelvic Organ Prolapse affects as many as one in three women past the age of 45. Now a new minimally invasive surgical technique offers promising long-term results.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is surprisingly common. By the time the age of 80 is reached, one in 10 women will have required surgery for the condition. It affects daily life, limiting physical activity and sexual function. Depending on its severity it can cause considerable discomfort or even pain, and disturbance in bowel and bladder function.
The symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse include loss of bladder - and possibly bowel - control; difficulty in voiding; urinary frequency; problems with bowel movements; feelings of pelvic or vaginal heaviness; recurrent bladder infections; excessive vaginal discharge; discomfort or lack of sensation during intercourse.
Not all women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse have symptoms that require treatment but if the symptoms are compromising their quality of life surgery is often/generally the most definitive treatment.
ETHICON™ Women's Health & Urology have introduced GYNECARE PROLIFT® Pelvic Floor Repair Systems. This comprises a revolutionary, minimally-invasive technique which offers promising long-term results for women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse. The surgeon uses a soft synthetic mesh, designed to support prolapsed pelvic organs – the mesh is similar to that used in abdominal hernia repair, which has achieved great success.
How does it work?
The GYNECARE PROLIFT® mesh procedure is performed through very small incisions inside the vagina. It has a number of advantages over traditional surgery - it can be completed in less than half the time, patients may experience less pain, quicker recovery, and should be able to go home the next day. Most patients resume normal daily activities within three to four days and completely recover in a two to three week period. During this time there should be very little interference with daily activities although lifting, strenuous exercise and intercourse will need to be avoided for up to six weeks. After the recovery period sexual function can be resumed as normal vaginal anatomy should be restored.
GYNECARE PROLIFT® is appropriate for almost all patients suffering from Pelvic Organ Prolapse, including those who are overweight, elderly or who have previously undergone surgery for prolapse or stress incontinence. It is not, however, suitable for women who have not completed their families, nor for children. There's a confidential Women's Health Careline for more information on 0845 850 0305. This is a telephone helpline staffed by trained health professionals open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All calls are in complete confidence. Alternatively patients can visit womenshealthsolutions.co.uk.
Additionally, you can click here to download our latest leaflet "Pelvic Organ Prolapse: get the facts, be informed, make your decision."
Published in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing's Practice Nurse Association
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