13 November 2020 Author : Rui Leal Pelvic organ prolapse has a high prevalence in women. The disorder may not be associated with any symptoms or these are not bothersome, but, more often, it significantly interferes with quality of life and surgery is necessary to resolve it. Surgical techniques for correcting pelvic organ prolapse emerged over a century ago, with the first publication of surgical prolapse correction technique in 1877. In this, a vaginal obliterative surgery followed by perineorrhaphy (perineum suture) was described. The surgical techniques for the treatment of prolapses have evolved significantly and, in the last decades, techniques have been developed that allow maintaining sexual function and correcting prolapse, with excellent results. The most frequently surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse are: Classic anterior colporrhaphy for correcting cystocele or bladder prolapse; Classical posterior colporraphy for correcting rectocele or rectal prolapse; Vaginal hysterectomy with suspension of the vaginal vault to the uterosacral ligaments or hysteropexy, in situations of uterine prolapse. In the surgical treatment of vaginal vault prolapse, different techniques are also possible, namely sacrocolpopexy or vault suspension to the sacrospinous ligaments. The high success rate, low recurrence rate and the rare significant associated morbidity make vaginal obliterative surgery a valid and beneficial alternative for some women. The criteria to consider this possibility are: Absence of desire to maintain vaginal function; Advanced age; Presence of risk factors for recurrence; Presence of comorbidities with high surgical or anesthetic risk for classic corrections. The decision on the type of surgical technique most suitable to be used in cases of pelvic organ prolapse depends on the individual assessment of each case and must be made by a team specialized in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, preferably multidisciplinary . Meet the obstetrics-gynecology team from Hospital da Luz network . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
