Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

Pelvic floor reconstruction is a group of surgical procedures used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened or damaged, often due to childbirth. Other causes include repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease, or surgery.

The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support and control the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. The pelvic floor holds the structures in your pelvis in place.

When these weak or damaged muscles are no longer able to support the weight of the pelvic organs, one or more organs may drop or "prolapse" below their normal positions and press against the walls of the vagina. These sagging or falling organs can cause pain, discomfort, pressure in the vagina, and urinary and bowel dysfunction, among other symptoms.

When nonsurgical treatments aren't effective, pelvic floor reconstruction is used to restore the normal structure and function of the female pelvic organs. Surgery to correct pelvic support problems can be performed either through the vagina or the abdomen depending on the support problem.

There are several procedures for correcting pelvic organ prolapse, depending on the type of prolapse (bladder, rectal, uterine or vaginal).