1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Surgery Services
  4. Surgery Care - Blue
  5. da Vinci Surgery (Robot-Assisted)
da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy (Uterine/Vaginal Prolapse)

da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy (Uterine/Vaginal Prolapse)

Vaginal prolapse occurs when the network of muscles, ligaments and skin that hold the vagina in its correct anatomical position weaken. This causes the vagina to prolapse (slip or fall) from its normal position.

Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, reducing support for the uterus. The uterus then slips or falls into the vaginal canal.

Image of examples of prolapse

Vaginal prolapse can cause the following symptoms:

  • a feeling of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis
  • tissue protruding from your vagina
  • painful intercourse
  • pelvic pain
  • difficulties with urination and bowel movements

Risk factors for vaginal prolapse include:

  • multiple vaginal deliveries
  • age
  • obesity
  • hysterectomy
  • collagen quality
  • smoking

Vaginal Prolapse Treatment - Sacrocolpopexy

Sacrocolpopexy has traditionally been performed as an open vaginal prolapse surgery. A six- to 12-inch horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen in order to manually access the pelvic organs, including the uterus. While the success rate of open abdominal sacrocolpopexy is high, recovery time can be long, including a five- to six-day hospital stay.

Another approach, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, offers a minimally invasive alternative to open vaginal prolapse surgery. But this approach is generally considered to be technically challenging due to the extensive suturing and dissection required coupled with the limitations of traditional laparoscopic technology.

Image of the difference between an open and a da Vinci incision for sacrocolpopexy surgery.

If your doctor recommends sacrocolpopexy, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive da Vinci robotic surgery.

For most women, da Vinci robot-assisted surgery offers numerous potential benefits over a traditional open approach to sacrocolpopexy:

  • significantly less pain
  • less blood loss and need for blood transfusions
  • less scarring
  • shorter hospital stay
  • shorter recovery
  • fewer complications

da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy also allows your surgeon better visualization of anatomy, which is especially critical when working around delicate and confined structures like the uterus and vagina.

Hear from a da Vinci Surgeon

Meet Dr. Kathryn Arendt, an EvergreenHealth surgeon who performs the da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy.

Learn More about da Vinci Robotic Sacrocolpopexy

If you are a candidate for uterine or vaginal prolapse surgery, talk to an EvergreenHealth surgeon who performs da Vinci sacrocolpopexy. To find a surgeon, you can:

  • Search our Find a Doctor for Surgery - Uterine Prolapse (robotic).
  • Call the EvergreenHealthline at 425.899.3000 and press "1" at the prompt.

For additional information on the da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy:

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient- and procedure-specific. While sacrocolpopexy performed using the da Vinci robot-assisted surgery is considered safe and effective, this procedure may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.