Pelvic Reconstruction

Pelvic reconstruction reconstructs the pelvic floor with the goal of restoring the organs to their original position. Surgeons do some types of reconstructive surgery through an incision in the vagina. They do others through an incision in the abdomen or with laparoscopy.

The types of pelvic reconstruction include the following:

• Fixation or suspension using your own tissues (uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous fixation) — Surgeons do these procedures through the vagina. They may involve less recovery time than those performed through the abdomen. A procedure to prevent urinary incontinence may be done at the same time.
• Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy — Surgeons do these these procedures through the vagina. As a result, recovery time usually is shorter than when they do surgery through your abdomen.
• Sacrocolpopexy and sacrohysteropexy — These abdominal procedures may result in less pain during sex than procedures performed through the vagina.
• Surgery using vaginally placed mesh — Mesh placed through the vagina has a significant risk of complications, including mesh erosion, pain, and infection. Because of these risks, doctors usually use vaginally placed mesh for women in whom previous surgery has not worked. They may also use it for women who have a medical condition that makes abdominal surgery risky, or whose own tissues are too weak to repair without mesh.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. You usually need to take a few weeks off from work. For the first few weeks, you should avoid vigorous exercise, lifting, and straining. You also should avoid sexual intercourse for several weeks after surgery.