What is Laparoscopic Cystocele Repair Surgery?
Cystocele is a condition of prolapse in the anterior region of the pelvic. It is usually associated with the prolapse of the bladder.
Cystocele presents discomforting conditions and can be treated through surgical or non-surgical methods.
The non-surgical symptoms can be treated depending on the intensity of the prolapse. The symptoms in themselves decide if the condition can be treated non-surgically.
A severe anterior prolapse is a condition with one or more organ prolapse.
Mild conditions of prolapse do not show obvious symptoms, and do not need specific treatment but need to be monitored.
Laparoscopic Cystocele Repair Surgery: Non-Surgical Treatment
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
These are a set of exercises especially for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, often referred to as Kegel's exercise.
These exercises offer good support for your bladder and other pelvic organs. They would relieve a patient of the symptoms but do not reverse the extent of the prolapse.
- Pessary:
A pessary is a vaginal supportive device that is implanted in the pelvic region to support the pelvic organs.
It is a plastic or a rubber ring that merely acts as a support, but does not cure the prolapse, or relieves the patient of the symptoms.
The doctor instructs how the device can be installed and removed to clean it regularly and maintain hygiene. Although it is a temporary and merely supportive measure, and not a curative one.
Some other care you can take at home to control the cystocele symptoms are -
Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation.
Avoid lifting heavy lifting that could put stress on the pelvic region and aggravate the prolapse symptoms.
The patient should keep the cough in control, as it might again put pressure on the pelvic area.
Weight management, especially in the abdominal area.
Laparoscopic Cystocele Repair Surgery: Surgical Treatment
Under laparoscopic surgery, three to four incisions are made in the abdomen, and carbon dioxide gas is passed through the incision to inflate the abdomen.
The doctor passes a thin tube with a lighted camera at one end called a Laparoscope. This camera guides the doctor in performing the procedure by looking at the nearby screen.
In cystocele repair, the doctor works on relapse of the anterior organs of the pelvic region and tries to strengthen the pelvic wall either through the natural tissues or by making use of a surgical mesh.
Once the process is completed, the incisions are sutured.
In some severe cases of anterior prolapse, the doctor might also perform a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Open Surgery
Open surgery can be performed through the abdominal or vaginal way. The doctor makes a big cut in the abdomen below the navel or in the vaginal region, to gain access to the prolapse.
The doctor carries out the same procedure as a laparoscopic one, only through an open approach for better reach and visibility.
Laparoscopic Cystocele Repair Surgery: Risks associated
Cystocele repair and associated risks-
Urinary incontinence
Painful intercourse
Bladder injury
Urinary retention
Infection
Formation of fistula (an abnormal opening between two organs).
