For women facing anterior vaginal wall prolapse, mesh-free graft options including VNEW and DermaPure are changing how surgeons approach repair.
What is Prolapse?
Prolapse is a condition in which the ligaments and muscles that keep pelvic organs in place become weak and drop from their original position. If the floor of the pelvis is too weak, the organs can drop into the vagina and cause pressure. The symptoms may vary depending on the type of prolapse a woman experiences. A vaginal prolapse occurs when muscles get weak, and organs bulge or slip in or out of the vagina. A pelvic prolapse isn't life-threatening. The condition could affect daily life but is treatable.
Symptoms and Causes of Uterine Prolapse
Symptoms may include pelvic, lower back, or abdominal pain, sagging uterine tissue, application insertion, and bladder or bowel issues. Walking or standing for extended periods can worsen symptoms. If the prolapse is minor, symptoms may not be noticeable. Discomfort may become more pronounced if the condition becomes more advanced. Tissue, ligaments, and muscles of the pelvic floor may become damaged and weak due to causes including:
Menopausal muscle tone loss
Lifting heavy objects
Pregnancy or vaginal childbirth
Pelvic surgical procedures
Straining or coughing spells
Problems with obesity
Medical care is essential to prevent complications that may include bowel or urinary problems, damage to the vaginal or cervical wall, and urinary retention, which could cause kidney damage.
Uterine Prolapse Stages
To determine the type of prolapse a patient has, the doctor must do a pelvic exam and determine the stage of the prolapse. The first stage occurs when the upper portion of the uterus drops down into the upper vagina region. In stage 2, the uterus drops into the lower vagina. A portion of the uterus is visible from the opening of the vagina in stage 3. In stage 4, the uterus slips out from the opening of the vagina. Options for treatment may vary, depending on the severity of the problem, the preferences of the patient, the patient's general health and age, and additional types of prolapse.
What is Cystocele Repair?
Cystocele repair is also referred to as a bladder lift. More than 120,000 cases of the disorder are surgically treated in the United States each year. Traditional cystocele surgery may involve a uterine suspension in which the surgeon lifts the uterus and attaches it to the sacrospinous ligament. This procedure is done when the cervix or uterus falls from the vaginal canal.
VNEW and DermaPure Treatments
VNEW and DermaPure are advanced, mesh-free treatments that are safe alternatives to traditional cystocele surgery. The biologic grafts offer more successful outcomes with fewer complications and better healing. DermaPure and VNEW are recommended for patients with moderate to severe prolapse and previous procedures that weren't successful. The biologic grafts restore strength to the pelvic floor, provide comfortable pelvic floor support, and are designed to improve the patient's quality of life without synthetic mesh.
Learn More About Your Options
If you're interested in learning more about VNEW and DermaPure, contact us to discuss treatment options with our care team. We'll provide you with the information you need to make a qualified decision regarding your treatment.