Sacrocolpopexy: What to Expect

Prior to Surgery 

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood thinners.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.
• Let your doctor know if you could be or are pregnant.
• Discuss any possible bleeding disorders or other medical conditions that you may have.
• You will have blood samples taken in case you need a blood transfusion.
• Do not smoke. This will help you to recover quicker.

On the Day of the Surgery

• You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After Surgery

During a hospital stay, you may:

• Be asked to sit on the side of the bed and walk on the same day at surgery
• Have a tube, or catheter, that comes from your bladder
• Have a drain that comes out through your surgical cut
• Be encouraged to do breathing exercises
• Wear special stockings to prevent blood clots
• Receive shots under your skin to prevent blood clots
• Receive pain medicine into your veins or pills

Recovery: What to Expect in the Next Few Weeks

• Most women feel better within the first week following surgery; however, do not lift, push or pull any heavy objects until after your doctor says it is OK.
• Full recovery takes six weeks to allow for internal healing.

Alternative Names

Vaginal vault prolapse repair surgery; robotic prolapse surgery

Prolapse Surgery Q&A

What does the procedure involve?

Patients undergo the procedure using general anesthesia (completely asleep.) Five small incisions are made in the lower abdomen for the camera, three robotic instrument arms and one for sutures and mesh materials. A small piece of mesh is used to anchor the cervix, vagina and bladder to the sacral bone and tissues are sewn over the mesh to form a barrier between the mesh and surrounding pelvic organs.

How are incisions made?

Very tiny incisions (less than ½ inch each) are made using a magnified 3-dimensional high-definition vision system and wristed instruments that bend and rotate to enable the surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.

How long do I stay in the hospital?

Normally, a 23-hour hospitalization or less is required. In some cases, an overnight stay may be necessary.

What is the recovery time?

Most women are fully recovered within a week; however, patients are asked to refrain from heavy lifting, pulling or pushing for six weeks after surgery. This gives time for internal stitches to heal.

What are the outcomes of the procedure?

This is a very successful procedure with 90 to 95 percent of women getting relief from their discomfort.