What is Laparoscopy Pectopexy (Sling Surgery)?
Laparoscopy Pectopexy is an advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, especially uterine or vaginal vault prolapse. Unlike traditional sacrocolpopexy, pectopexy uses the pectineal (Cooper’s) ligament to anchor the prolapsed organ, providing effective support with less risk of bowel complications. This sling surgery restores normal pelvic anatomy and improves quality of life for women experiencing prolapse symptoms.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Pectopexy
Women with pelvic organ prolapse may experience:
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region
- Bulge or protrusion from the vagina
- Difficulty in urination or incomplete emptying
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation or difficulty in bowel movements
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
Procedure / Treatment
Laparoscopy Pectopexy is performed under general anesthesia. The steps include:
- Laparoscopic Access: Small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (camera) and surgical instruments.
- Identification of Pectineal Ligament: The surgeon identifies the strong pectineal ligaments on both sides of the pelvis.
- Placement of Mesh or Sling: A synthetic mesh is attached from the vagina or cervix to these ligaments, creating a strong suspension and correcting the prolapse.
- Securing and Closing: The mesh is secured in place, and the incisions are closed with minimal scarring.
The procedure generally takes 1-2 hours, and patients can return home within 1-2 days with proper post-operative care.
Prevention
While pelvic organ prolapse cannot always be prevented, these measures can reduce risk:
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Regular pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)
- Avoiding chronic heavy lifting
- Treating constipation to avoid straining
- Managing chronic cough effectively
- Seeking timely gynecological evaluation for early symptoms
Benefits of Laparoscopy Pectopexy
- Minimally invasive with small incisions
- Less post-operative pain and faster recovery
- Effective anatomical correction of prolapse
- Lower risk of bowel complications compared to sacrocolpopexy
- Preserves vaginal function and length
- Reduced hospital stay and early return to routine activities
- High long-term success rates
Types of Pectopexy / Related Sling Surgeries
Laparoscopic Pectopexy for Uterine Prolapse
Sling surgery performed to suspend the uterus in women desiring uterine preservation.Laparoscopic Pectopexy for Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Post-hysterectomy prolapse correction by attaching the vaginal vault to pectineal ligaments.Combined Procedures
In some cases, pectopexy is combined with anterior or posterior repair for complete pelvic floor reconstruction.