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Review
. 2016 Jun;29(2):101-5.
doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1580721.

Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Concomitant Rectal and Vaginal Prolapse

Affiliations
Review

Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Concomitant Rectal and Vaginal Prolapse

Karl Jallad et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Rectal prolapse and vaginal prolapse have traditionally been treated as separate entities despite sharing a common pathophysiology. This compartmentalized approach often leads to frustration and suboptimal outcomes. In recent years, there has been a shift to a more patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. Procedures to repair pelvic organ prolapse are divided into three categories: abdominal, perineal, and a combination of both. Most commonly, a combined minimally invasive abdominal sacral colpopexy and ventral rectopexy is performed to treat concomitant rectal and vaginal prolapse. Combining the two procedures adds little operative time and offers complete pelvic floor repair. The choice of minimally invasive abdominal prolapse repair versus perineal repair depends on the patient's comorbidities, previous surgeries, preference to avoid mesh, and physician's expertise. Surgeons should at least be able to identify these patients and provide the appropriate treatment or refer them to specialized centers.

Keywords: pelvic organ prolapse; rectopexy; sacral colpopexy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Trocar placement for (A)laparoscopic and (B)robotic approaches with corresponding anatomy. (Reprinted with permission, Cleveland Clinic Center for Medical Art & Photography © 2010–2015. All Rights Reserved.)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Conventional laparoscopic operating room setup and trocar placement. (Reprinted with permission, Cleveland Clinic Center for Medical Art & Photography © 2010–2015. All Rights Reserved.)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Operating room setup for a robotic-assisted prolapse repair. (Reprinted with permission, Cleveland Clinic Center for Medical Art & Photography © 2010–2015. All Rights Reserved.)

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