How is laparoscopic colpopexy surgery performed?

Laparoscopic colpopexy is performed through four small keyhole (0.5-1 centimeter) incisions across the mid abdomen. Through these small incisions, fine laparoscopic instruments are inserted to dissect (cut) and suture (stitch). A high-powered telescopic lens attached to a camera device and inserted into one of the keyhole incisions enables excellent visualization of the pelvic organs.

The vagina and pelvic organs are then re-suspended internally to the bony surface of the sacrum (tailbone) with a combination of sutures and a supportive mesh or graft. If needed, a bladder suspension, vaginal hysterectomy, and rectocele (rectum) repair can be accomplished at the same time via a vaginal incision. A Foley catheter (bladder catheter) is placed to drain the bladder. A gauze packing is also placed in the vagina at the end of the procedure.

The length of operative time for laparoscopic colpopexy can vary greatly (three to five hours) from patient to patient depending on the internal anatomy, shape of the pelvis, weight of the patient, and presence of scarring or inflammation in the pelvis due to infection or prior abdominal/pelvic surgery. Blood loss during laparoscopic colpopexy is minimal (routinely less than 200 cc) and transfusions are rarely required.