Sacrospinous Fixation

Sacrospinous Fixation in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. Our team of best gynaecologists in Dubai are at the forefront of advanced surgical techniques for pelvic floor disorders. Sacrospinous fixation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to address apical prolapse, a condition where the upper portion of the vagina and cervix (or top of the uterus if not removed) bulge downward due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues.

• Causes & Symptoms
• Procedure
• Benefits
• Recovery

Causes of Apical Prolapse

Several factors contribute to apical prolapse:

• Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, particularly with complications or multiple births, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the vagina and uterus.
• Chronic straining: Repetitive straining during activities like heavy lifting, constipation, or chronic coughing can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to prolapse.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to a decrease in muscle tone and strength, making the pelvic floor more susceptible to prolapse.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles and organs, increasing the risk of apical prolapse.
• Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can affect the strength and integrity of the pelvic floor tissues, increasing the risk of prolapse.

Symptoms of Apical Prolapse

Women with apical prolapse may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Pelvic pressure or heaviness: This can feel like a bulge or sensation of something pressing down in the vagina.
• Discomfort during intercourse: Pain or difficulty with vaginal penetration due to the altered vaginal shape.
• Urinary symptoms: Stress incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder due to pressure on the urethra.
• Cervical descent: In some cases, the cervix (neck of the uterus) may protrude from the vaginal opening.
• Back pain: Pelvic organ prolapse can sometimes contribute to lower back pain.

Severity of Symptoms: The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some women may only experience mild pelvic pressure, while others may have significant discomfort during intercourse, urinary incontinence, or difficulty with daily activities.

Sacrospinous Fixation Procedure

During sacrospinous fixation, our gynecologists utilize a minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approach. Sutures are placed to anchor the top of the vagina (vaginal cuff) or cervix (if the uterus is present) to the strong sacrospinous ligaments near the sacrum (tailbone). This reinforces the support for the vaginal vault and restores its anatomical position.

Benefits of Sacrospinous Fixation

Sacrospinous fixation offers several benefits for women with apical prolapse:

• Minimally Invasive: Compared to traditional open surgery, sacrospinous fixation utilizes smaller incisions, resulting in faster recovery times, less pain, and minimal scarring.
• Durable Repair: The sacrospinous ligaments provide strong support, offering a high success rate and a lower risk of recurrence compared to some other surgical approaches.
• Improved Quality of Life: By restoring the vaginal vault’s position and alleviating associated symptoms, sacrospinous fixation can significantly improve a woman’s overall well-being and sexual function.
• Natural Tissue Repair: Sacrospinous fixation utilizes the body’s own tissues (sacrospinous ligaments) for repair, avoiding the potential complications associated with surgical mesh.

Recovery after Sacrospinous Fixation

Recovery time following sacrospinous fixation is generally faster compared to traditional open surgery. Typically, it takes a few weeks to return to normal activities, with a longer period for complete healing. Our gynecologists provide detailed post-operative care instructions, including pain management strategies, activity restrictions, and pelvic floor muscle exercises to promote optimal healing.