If you suffer from a organ descent, know that surgery is not the only solution available to get you through this. Find out what other options you can consider before surgery, including perineal rehabilitation.
When should organ descent be performed?
Before considering organ descent surgery, it is important to explore all available options. THE perineal rehabilitation sessions are a perfect example.
Perineal rehabilitation as first-line treatment
If you suffer from a prolapse, your healthcare professional may have prescribed medications for you. perineal rehabilitation sessions before offering you an operation.
Indeed, it is recommended to practice a long perineal rehabilitation (at least 3 months) before proposing any surgery to treat organ descent. For Eve for example, perineal rehabilitation allowed him to avoid a second operation.
Re-educate your perineum before an operation
Perineal rehabilitation can perhaps help you heal And you avoid an operation. In all cases, rehabilitation makes it possible to better tolerate the surgical procedure and of recover better Next.
Dr. Fleur Story, urologist, explains why re-educate your perineum before an operation can be beneficial and can limit problems related to surgery.
A pessary to limit symptoms
During this rehabilitation, the physiotherapist or midwife may suggest the installation of a pessary. This is a small device that is installed in the vagina and who mechanically supports prolapse. A pessary will not treat the symptoms but will allow you to control.
Of the hygienic and dietary measures will also be put in place. They often include adapted physical activity, possible weight loss or stopping smoking if necessary.
If none of these solutions are beneficial or effective for you, a surgical management is then indicated.
Operate on a prolapse: ask for several opinions
If, despite perineal rehabilitation, the state of your prolapse has not improved, it is likely that your healthcare professional will advise youoperation.
Also, when the descent of organs is at a advanced stage and causing disabling symptoms, a surgical treatment can be offered in association with treatment for modifiable risk factors.
This surgical proposal is generally discussed in multidisciplinary pelvi-perineology consultation meeting, particularly in cases of complex prolapse.
The proposed surgical solution may not suit you or not meet your expectations. Know that there is several types of surgery to treat prolapse. It may therefore be appropriate to seek a second opinion from another doctor or healthcare professional.
How to perform organ descent?
The choice of surgical technique depends on the type of genital prolapse, of the symptoms, comorbidities and patient expectations.
Dr. Marine Lallemant, clinical head of obstetrics and gynecology at Besançon University Hospital who takes care of patients suffering from organ descent on a daily basis, explains to us the different types of operation which exist.
- There promontofixation with synthetic prosthesis : this technique consists, by laparoscopy, of interposing a prosthesis between the vagina and the bladder and/or between the rectum and the vagina. This prosthesis is fixed on a very strong ligament in front of the sacrum (straps).
- There vaginal autologous surgery : the anatomical defect is corrected with vaginal tissue.
- THE colpocleisis : this surgery consists of closing the vagina.
- There vaginal surgery with synthetic prosthesis : this surgical technique is rather pending (risks too high, only in case of last resort).
The results of these surgeries are satisfactory. A recidivism of organ descent is always possible, but rather variable from one patient to another.
Convalescence after prolapse surgery
Following the operation, a analgesic treatment and a anticoagulant treatment are administered. You can stay hospitalized between one and three days. Surgery and convalescence are of course subject to a work stoppage.
A total rest is requested for the first week and the resumption of daily activity must then be done gradually. One month after the operation, a control appointment is generally fixed.
The surgeon will decide at that time on the resumption of the sexual relations, baths, swimming pool… Be careful, prolapses are sometimes due to age, a recurrence is always possible despite a successful operation.
Pain after prolapse surgery
The surgical consequences are generally little painful, which constitutes both an advantage and a disadvantage.
The disadvantage is that the patient feels good and overestimate sometimes its recovery. She wants to return to activities that are too intense too soon.
This is why it is imperative to observe a total rest the week following the operation and follow the surgeon’s instructions to the letter. In particular, wait to have the green light from the doctor for the resumption of daily and sporting activities.
Returning to sport after organ descent surgery
The resumption of sport is not recommended after an operation for organ descent for a duration between one and three months.
This is the surgeon who can allow to return to sport and he will certainly advise you toavoid sports with jerks or abdominal hyperpressure (for example: trampoline, crossfit, intense running, etc.). The main risk is the recurrence of prolapse.
Always wait for the surgeon's advice before returning to sport if you have had surgery for a prolapse.
In conclusion, the operation constitutes an excellent solution for prolapses resistant to rehabilitation. It is also a good alternative when the prolapse is at one stage too advanced.
Generally the operation is successful, the prolapse is reduced and the patient does not suffer from pain too intense.
On the other hand, it should be mentioned that the recurrence is always possible. It is essential to follow the instructions given by the surgeon who operated on you.
