Urogynecologic surgery
At Novant Health Urogynecology, we work to provide relief from pelvic pain and urogynecologic conditions using the simplest, least invasive treatments possible. However, for certain conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence, surgery is often the only or most effective option.
Our surgical team has undergone extensive training in both traditional and minimally invasive urogynecologic surgery. We regularly perform the procedures listed below as well as other surgical treatments for common and complex gynecologic and urogynecologic concerns.
Call our office to learn more about any of the following procedures or any urogynecologic surgery not listed here.
Procedures to treat vaginal vault prolapse
Vaginal vault prolapse is a condition where the top part of the vagina loses its shape and bulges down (prolapses) into the lower part of the vagina. This can cause pain, bleeding and incontinence. Novant Health Urogynecology offers a number of surgical options to address this concern and related issues.
Abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy
This procedure involves the placement of synthetic mesh to support the vagina. It is often performed laparoscopically.
Vaginal vault suspension
This involves the top of the vagina being surgically attached to tissues or a bone in the pelvis so as to prevent organs from prolapsing. The approach can be traditional or laparascopic, and can be through the vagina or abdomen.
Enterocele repair
An enterocele occurs when part of the small intestine bulges into the top part of the vagina. Repairing this prolapse involves using stitches to strengthen the vaginal wall so the small intestine is held back.
Colporrhaphy
If the bladder or rectum is bulging into the vagina, a vaginal wall repair procedure, or colporrhaphy can remedy the problem. Novant Health Urogynecology offers both anterior colporrhaphy and posterior colporrhaphy.
Paravaginal repair
If the front wall of the vagina is bulging inward, the condition is called a cystocele. A paravaginal repair is a laparoscopic procedure that involves reattaching the front vaginal wall to the pelvic side walls.
Culdoplasty
Performed in conjuction with a hysterectomy, a culdoplasty is a procedure that uses stitches to help support the vaginal cuff which helps the vagina keep its shape after the removal of the uterus. Novant Health Urogynecology offers many types of culdoplasty procedures including the Halban, Moschowitz and McCall methods.
Hysterectomy procedure
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman’s uterus. This is often done because a uterine condition is causing pain or abnormal bleeding, because the uterus is prolapsing into the vagina or in cases of uterine cancer. This procedure can involve the removal of all or part of the uterus. It can also include the removal of the cervix or ovaries.
Vaginal cosmetic surgery
Childbirth, trauma or certain vaginal diseases can affect the appearace of the vagina. Cosmetic surgery called vaginoplasty or vaginal rejuvenation can restore the structure and function of the vagina.
Urinary incontinence procedures
Novant Health Urogynecology offers a variety of procedures for patients who suffer from urinary incontinence. Often these procedures are done for patients who do not respond well to nonsurgical treatments.
Culposuspension
Novant Health Urogynecology offers both the Burch Colposuspension and the Marshall Marchetti Krantz (MMK) Colposuspension procedures. These involves using stitches to lift the vaginal wall on which the urethra rests to provide support to the bladder neck and urethra. This added support prevents bladder leakage. This procedure can be done laparoscopically or through an abdominal incision.
Laparoscopic burch procedure
During this procedure, stitches secure the vagina to ligaments in the pelvis. This stops the bladder from moving down and allowing urine to escape during a stress activity.
Bladder suspension surgery
This procedure moves a sagging bladder back to its original location. This helps treat stress incontinence.
Vaginal sling placement
A vaginal sling is a small piece of tissue that is placed under or around the urethra to keep it closed to prevent urinary leakage or stress incontinence. Types of vaginal slings include pubovaginal slings, prepubic slings, TVT slings and transobturator slings.
Interstim electrical implants
Used to administer certain kinds of electrical stimulation therapy to the bladder, an interstim electrical implant can be placed during a simple surgical procedure. The implanted device sends mild electrical impulses when needed to the nerves that control the bladder.
Ureteral stent placement
If another surgical procedure or condition has compromised the integrity of the ureter, a ureteral stent can be placed to ensure urine can pass from the kidney.
Fistula repairs
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts of the anatomy. Novant Health Urogynecology offers rectovaginal, vesicovaginal and vesicouterine fistula repairs including Martius grafts.
Fecal incontinence procedures
Fecal incontinence refers to the inability to control the passing of gas or stool. One of the most effective ways to control fecal incontinence is with an overlapping anal sphincteroplasty procedure. This procedure involves reconstructing the anal sphincter to restore its function.