Prolapse Repair Surgery: Restoring Pelvic Anatomy Through Small Incisions
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the supporting structures of the pelvis — ligaments, fascia, and muscles — weaken or fail, allowing the bladder, uterus, or rectum to descend from their normal anatomical positions. When prolapse causes significant symptoms — pelvic pressure, a visible or palpable bulge, urinary dysfunction, or sexual discomfort — and conservative management has not provided adequate relief, surgical repair is the most durable treatment available.
Dr. Andrei performs laparoscopic and robotic prolapse repair at McLaren Lapeer, McLaren Flint, and Henry Ford Rochester hospitals — correcting the anatomical defect through small incisions rather than a large abdominal opening. The specific repair technique depends on which compartments are involved, the degree of prolapse, and the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Prolapse repair is not performed at Lapeer County Surgery Center — these procedures require hospital-level support and the availability of overnight stay when clinically appropriate.
What Prolapse Repair Surgery Addresses
Pelvic organ prolapse can involve the anterior compartment (bladder), posterior compartment (rectum), apical compartment (uterus or vaginal vault), or any combination. Dr. Andrei evaluates the complete picture at your consultation.
Anterior prolapse (cystocele)
The bladder descends into the front wall of the vagina — causing pelvic pressure, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary urgency, and in severe cases a visible bulge. Anterior colporrhaphy or paravaginal repair restores the anterior vaginal wall.
Apical prolapse (uterine or vault)
The uterus or, after hysterectomy, the vaginal apex descends toward or through the vaginal opening. Sacrocolpopexy — laparoscopic or robotic — suspends the apex to the sacrum using a lightweight mesh for durable long-term support.
Posterior prolapse (rectocele)
The rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina — causing difficulty with bowel emptying, pelvic pressure, and the need to manually assist defecation. Posterior colporrhaphy reinforces the posterior vaginal wall.
Multi-compartment prolapse
Prolapse frequently involves more than one compartment simultaneously. Dr. Andrei addresses all defects in a single operative session when clinically appropriate.
Vault prolapse after prior hysterectomy
After hysterectomy, the vaginal apex may prolapse in the absence of uterine support. Laparoscopic or robotic sacrocolpopexy is the most durable surgical repair for apical vault prolapse.
Recurrent prolapse after prior repair
Women whose prolapse has recurred after a prior surgical repair — evaluated individually to determine the cause of recurrence and the most appropriate revision approach.
Laparoscopic and Robotic Prolapse Repair
Dr. Andrei performs prolapse repair using laparoscopic and robotic techniques that restore pelvic anatomy through small incisions — avoiding the large abdominal opening, prolonged hospital stay, and extended recovery of open surgery.
The gold standard surgical repair for apical vault and uterine prolapse — suspending the vaginal apex or cervix to the anterior sacral ligament using a lightweight mesh.
- Laparoscopic or robotic approach through small incisions
- Mesh attached to the vaginal apex and sacral promontory
- Most durable long-term repair for apical prolapse
- Same-day or next-morning discharge for most patients
- Recovery of 4–6 weeks
For anterior and posterior compartment defects — reinforcing the vaginal walls using the patient’s own tissue without permanent mesh.
- Anterior colporrhaphy for cystocele repair
- Posterior colporrhaphy for rectocele repair
- Combined with sacrocolpopexy when apical support is also needed
- Performed laparoscopically or in combination with vaginal approach
- Hospital stay typically same-day or 1 night
“Prolapse repair is one of the most meaningful surgeries I perform — because patients who have been limiting their activity, avoiding social situations, and managing symptoms for years leave with a level of function they thought they had lost permanently.”
Consultation Through Recovery
Prolapse repair at Lapeer Women’s Health follows a structured pathway from evaluation through return to full activity.
Consultation and Pelvic Examination
Dr. Andrei performs a thorough pelvic examination to characterize the type, compartments, and severity of prolapse. She discusses the surgical options and recommends the specific repair approach based on your anatomy and goals.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Lab work, medical clearance, and pre-operative instructions are coordinated. Pelvic floor physical therapy before surgery may be recommended for selected patients to optimize tissue quality.
Surgery and Discharge
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Andrei performs the laparoscopic or robotic prolapse repair. Duration is typically one to three hours. Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay.
Recovery and Pelvic Rest
Prolapse repair requires a six-week pelvic rest period — no intercourse, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise. Dr. Andrei sees you at two weeks and at six weeks for full clearance and assessment of the repair.
Recovery After Prolapse Repair Surgery
Prolapse repair recovery requires pelvic rest to allow the repair to heal fully before it is subjected to the stresses of normal activity.
Most patients go home the same day or the following morning. Pelvic cramping and fatigue managed with oral medication. Light walking encouraged from day one.
Desk work and light household tasks progressively resume. Driving resumes once off narcotic medication. Pelvic rest restriction remains in place throughout.
Dr. Andrei confirms healing and clears you for full activity — including intercourse and exercise — at the six-week follow-up. The six-week restriction protects the repair during its most critical healing phase.
Questions About Prolapse Repair Surgery
Prolapse Is Correctable.
Quality of Life Can Be Restored.
If pelvic pressure, bulge, or urinary symptoms are affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrei. She evaluates the type and severity of prolapse and recommends the surgical approach matched to your anatomy.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.