Other Surgical Treatments

Although surgery is not always necessary to treat pelvic floor disorders, we do offer a variety of surgical options for patients who require surgery to correct their problems.

• Placement of Midurethral Sling
  Midurethral slings are synthetic mesh (permanent medical grade plastic material called polypropylene) that is placed under the urethra through a tiny incision made in the anterior vaginal wall. They are often an appropriate and effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. The sling helps to lightly support/compress the urethra during times of increased abdominal pressure (e.g., laughing, running, jumping). Although there is a high cure rate, there are also risks involved in this procedure. Patients and doctors should discuss all options before any surgery.
  
  
• Cystocele and Rectocele Repair 
  ​Cystocele repair is a procedure that reduces vaginal bulge for the correction of bladder prolapse. Rectocele repair is used to treat rectum or large bowel prolapse. Both of these procedures can be performed vaginally.
  
  
• Vaginal Hysterectomy
  A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix. During a vaginal hysterectomy, considered a minimally invasive hysterectomy, doctors remove the uterus and cervix through the vagina. Minimally invasive surgeries offer some benefits over traditional surgeries through an abdominal incision.
  
  
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
  Laparoscopic hysterectomy is another form of minimally invasive hysterectomy, and it can be done in conjunction with laparoscopic pelvic reconstruction for repair of prolapse.
  
  
• Oophorectomy
  An oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries. Doctors sometimes remove the ovaries while performing a hysterectomy.
  
  
• Vaginal Vault Suspension
  Vaginal vault suspension procedures are performed through the vagina and treat prolapse by resuspending the dropped vagina to strong ligaments in the pelvis. It can be an excellent alternative to an abdominal operation for someone with vaginal vault prolapse.
  
  
• Rectopexy
  Rectal prolapse is corrected with this procedure. It can be done at the same time as partial colon resections and/or sacrocolpopexies.
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• Anal Sphincteroplasty
  Surgeons perform anal sphincteroplasty to repair torn anal sphincter muscles and rebuild the perineal body (area between the rectum and vagina). Torn anal sphincter muscles most commonly occur with perineal lacerations as a sequelae of vaginal childbirth and might require surgical repair or revision outside of the postpartum period. The injured muscle is identified and the repair made, strengthening the muscle and tightening the sphincter.
  
  Known as a gracilis muscle transplant, muscle is taken from the inner thigh and wrapped around the sphincter, restoring muscular function to the affected sphincter.

 

• Tibial Nerve Stimulator
  Another device for urinary incontinence is the tibial nerve stimulator. This procedure is less permanent than sacral neuromodulation and ideal for women who want to avoid a procedure in the operating room. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation utilizes a tiny acupuncture needle placed in the skin over the ankle to deliver electrical pulses to the tibial nerve. The pulses then travel to the sacral nerve, helping to control overactive bladder (OAB).

To Request an Appointment

​If you're suffering from a pelvic floor disorder, you don't have to live with the symptoms. To learn about treatment options, call 312.694.7337 to schedule an appointment with one of our urogynecologists.

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