What Is Uterine Suspension?
A uterine suspension, also known as uterine fixation, is a procedure that can be done to treat either a uterine prolapse or a retroverted uterus. Uterine prolapse occurs when pelvic tissues and muscles can no longer support the uterus, causing it to slip into the vaginal canal.
A retroverted uterus is a condition in which the uterus is tilted backward instead of forward. Uterine suspension is designed to raise your uterus back upward and maintain it there to effectively reduce your symptoms.
Uterine suspension for retroverted uterus and prolapse improves your life in a number of ways, including:
- Restoring the normal position of the uterus
- Improving your quality of life by reversing prolapse-related symptoms
- Preserving your fertility when you want to avoid a hysterectomy
- Allowing you to have a healthy uterine suspension pregnancy
When laparoscopic suspension surgery is performed by Dr. Felix Cohen, a board certified OB-GYN at Cohen Medical Practice in Midtown New York, you can regain comfort and confidence. Their team of feminine health specialists not only restores your uterus to its proper position, but also enhances and protects your fertility for the future.
How Does a Laparoscopic Suspension Procedure Work?
A uterine suspension procedure is designed to reposition and support your uterus if it’s become prolapsed. You undergo a number of imaging tests and physical exams; and your healthcare team gives you instructions on what to do before your surgery, such as how many hours before the surgery you should stop eating and which medications you need to stop taking.
Steps of the procedure typically include:
- Receiving anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery
- Lying on the operating table with your legs held up in stirrups for better access to your pelvic area, similar to when you get a Pap smear
- Accessing your uterus either through the vaginal canal, abdomen or small incisions for minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic-assisted surgery
- Putting your uterus back in its place by restoring the other tissue and ligaments nearby
- Attaching your uterus to the surrounding tissue using stitches or a mesh sling to hold it in place
The choice of technique depends on your condition and your CMP surgeon’s recommendation. Once your uterus is stabilized, the incisions are sutured. For abdominal surgery, your surgeon may close the skin with stitches or surgical staples.
What Are the Possible Side Effects or Risks of a Uterine Suspension?
Your risks are greatly reduced when you rely on the expertise and experience of the doctors at Cohen Medical Practice. Prior to the procedure, your gynecological surgeon explains that it’s normal to experience light bleeding during or after surgery.
Other possible complications may include:
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Slight pelvic pain or discomfort
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation
- Increased discharge
New tissue may develop in your pelvic region after surgery. This can result in organ adherence, pain or discomfort. You can avert further side effects or complications by closely following your NYC gynecologist’s post-op instructions.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Uterine Suspension Procedure?
After surgery, it takes a few hours to allow the anesthesia to wear off. You can typically go home the same day. There might be some cramping or soreness around your incision areas.
It’s normal to have a little difficulty when you try to urinate or feel like you’re constipated. You’ll receive prescription pain meds for a few days and then over-the-counter pain relief should be sufficient. Recovery timelines include:
- During the first week, limit yourself to rest and go for short walks to help get the blood flowing. Avoid any heavy lifting or bending.
- During weeks two through four, you may engage in light activities that don’t add any strain to your lower abdominal area.
- Return to non-physical work and normal daily activities four to six weeks after surgery.
Full recovery may take three to six months.
Does a Uterine Suspension Procedure Really Work?
Laparoscopic uterine suspension reduces pelvic pressure and improves urinary function for most women. It also spares the uterus, which may be a consideration if you have future pregnancies in mind. Not all people experience a recurrence of prolapse; in fact, many individuals have a low chance of recurrence when you follow post-surgery care instructions closely.
Contact Cohen Medical Practice in Midtown NYC today. At CMP, your post-operative care is designed to help you recover faster and with fewer uterine suspension complications. With years of experience and countless successful surgeries,
Dr. Cohen helps you bounce back and feel better as soon as possible, in addition to providing you with all the gynecological needs you have, including:
- Annual exams
- Biopsies when you have uncontrolled and unexplained uterine bleeding
- Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
- Birth control options
- Gynecological aesthetic procedures
- Menopause care