Prolapse
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
There are several advantages to laparoscopic surgery versus vaginal or abdominal (AKA, laparotic) surgery for genital prolapse.
Laparoscopic surgery differs greatly from traditional surgery because the surgery is guided almost entirely by the “electronic eyes” of the laparoscope, which deliver the magnified view of the operative field. The surgeon performs the surgery with his or her eyes focused on the video monitor. Therefore, the entire surgical team has the same clear view of the surgery.
The laparoscope shines a bright light directly on the deep pelvis. This allows the surgeon a superb analysis of the pelvic floor, and the supporting defects may be clearly visualized and identified.
With traditional vaginal repair surgery for prolapse, the surgeon depends almost entirely on tactile feeling to guide the surgery, which unfortunately may result in over- or under-repair of defects. During laparoscopic prolapse repair, the surgeon can place sutures more precisely and effectively.
Another advantage of laparoscopic surgery is that photographs and videotape of the entire procedure can be taken for future reference and for the patient’s own personal records.
Because of the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery, the patient’s postoperative pain and discomfort are greatly reduced and recovery period is much shorter compared to a patient who undergoes vaginal or laparotic prolapse surgery.
"We have been repairing female organ prolapse laparoscopically with outstanding results for more than 10 years," according to C.Y. Liu, MD, "If a surgeon is knowledgeable of the anatomy and pathophysiology of genital prolapse, and possesses advanced laparoscopic surgical skills, he or she may be able to provide the patient with a great service."