Rectal and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

Rectal and pelvic prolapse surgery restores the positioning and function of organs that have slipped out of their natural position. For safe, effective treatment, turn to the expert team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. We use evidence-based methods that consistently bring long-term symptom relief.

We use a multidisciplinary approach to help you achieve the best possible outcomes. Trusted urogynecologists, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons collaborate to customize your treatment plan. This approach, in combination with our vast experience, leads to exceptional care. Few programs in the Puget Sound region can match our capabilities.

Highlights of our program include: 

• National recognition: Rectal and pelvic organ prolapse often cause incontinence. Since 2010, Virginia Mason Medical Center has achieved and maintained National Association for Continence Center of Excellence accreditation by the Surgical Review Corporation. We are the only program in the Pacific Northwest to hold this designation. Our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for both conditions helps us maintain this prestigious distinction.

• Customized treatment plan: Sophisticated testing, including dynamic MRI and video urodynamic studies, provides essential information about the organs involved and functional level. This information helps us plan pelvic organ prolapse procedures around your specific needs. Explore diagnostic testing for pelvic floor disorders.

• Precise care: We use minimally invasive techniques and specialized technologies offering the highest degree of accuracy. Procedures frequently involve robot-assisted technologies that navigate delicate structures with less disruption to nearby tissue. This method leads to better outcomes and a quicker, more comfortable recovery.

• Advanced care: Our team maintains an excellent track record–even with the most complex cases. We successfully treat prolapse that comes back after previous repair procedures and organs that have shifted significantly from their natural position. Our expertise also includes revision surgery for complications from mesh.

Experts at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health use proven methods, some backed by decades of research. Our attention to nationally recognized treatment guidelines helps more patients avoid complications and achieve their treatment goals.

During your procedure, we may use stitches, healthy pelvic tissue, biological grafts or surgical-grade mesh to secure organs in their natural position. Types of repair surgery we offer include: 

• Cystocele and rectocele repair (colporrhaphy): We use this procedure when the bladder or rectum pushes on the vaginal wall. 
• Enterocele repair: This procedure treats small bowel prolapse. 
• Rectal prolapse repair (rectopexy): Surgeons reposition and support rectal tissue that’s poking through the anus. 
• Vaginal prolapse repair (sacrocolpopexy): Experts place the vagina back in its natural position and secure it to the base of your spine (sacrum). 
• Uterine prolapse repair (sacrohysteropexy): We attach the cervix (tube connecting the vagina and uterus) to the sacrum to lift the uterus back into place. This option is for patients who don’t want a hysterectomy.
• Vaginal closure (colpocleisis): This procedure treats all prolapse types. Surgeons narrow and shorten the vagina to support prolapsed organs. If you are no longer sexually active, this procedure may be right for you.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is one of the only pelvic floor programs in the region that has expertise in pelvic organ prolapse revision surgery. Patients who received treatment elsewhere trust our surgeons to correct issues that cause symptoms to recur. During revision surgery, we may remove mesh, repair tissue damage and restore support to nearby organs.

Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.