In women, the bladder is supported by the front wall of the vagina. According to WebMD, as women age, or after childbirth, the vagina wall can weaken, which can lead to a condition known as bladder prolapse. Symptoms of bladder prolapse include incontinence, discomfort, feeling full in the pelvic region, uncomfortable or painful sex, difficulty urinating, or, in severe cases, tissue of the bladder may protrude from the vagina.

Not all bladder prolapse patients require surgery. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor in mild cases of bladder prolapse. In other patients, doctors may prescribe estrogen replacement therapies to strengthen and repair the muscles of the vagina. Yet, in more severe cases, women may need surgery.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there are two types of surgery available to treat bladder prolapse: obliterative surgery and reconstructive surgery. With obliterative surgery, the vagina is narrowed or closed off, to support the bladder. However, women who undergo this procedure are no longer able to engage in sexual intercourse. Reconstructive surgery involves the reconstruction of the pelvic floor to put the bladder back in its original position. This kind of surgery can be performed through an incision in the vagina, or through laparoscopy.

Dr. Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, L.L.C. is a urogynecologist in Hackensack, New Jersey who performs minimally-invasive reconstructive surgery. Dr. Shakiba is on the cutting-edge of reconstructive surgery. He trained at Yale New Haven Hospital and the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. He is also the Division director of Urogynecology at Hackensack University Medical Center. When you are considering pelvic reconstructive surgery, you want a leading doctor in the field. Dr. Shakiba uses the da Vinci ® surgical method, a minimally-invasive method that results in smaller incisions, thus lowering the risk of blood loss and damage to nerves in the sensitive pelvic region.

Bladder prolapse reconstructive surgery can be performed using a variety of methods depending on your medical needs. The four main types of reconstructive surgery for bladder prolapse include:

  • Ligament suspension. Suspension of the bladder is achieved by using the patient’s own tissue. This procedure may require less recovery time than other methods. The procedure is performed through the vagina.
  • Colporrhaphy. Similar to ligament suspension, this procedure uses a woman’s own tissue to repair the pelvic floor and support the bladder.
  • Sacrocolpopexy. In this procedure, the vaginal vault is attached to the sacrum with a surgical mesh.
  • Sacrohysteropexy. In this procedure, the cervix is attached to the sacrum with a surgical mesh.

In general, surgeries using vaginal mesh carry greater risk of complications and infections. Your surgeon will usually recommend less-invasive methods first. Most patients resort to Sacrocolpopexy and Sacrohysteropexy only when other surgical options have failed.

If you are suffering from pain and discomfort due to a prolapsed bladder, you are not alone. Many women experience these symptoms after childbirth or as they age. A qualified urogynecolist in Hackensack, New Jersey, like Dr. Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, L.L.C.may be able to help you understand your options and help you find the best method to treat your condition.

 

Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, L.L.C.

211 Essex Street, Suite 402

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Tel:(201)- 301-2772