Sacrocolpopexy using mesh to repair vaginal vault prolapse

The procedure

Sacrocolpopexy using mesh to repair vaginal vault prolapse is usually done with the patient under a general anaesthetic. It can be done by conventional (open) surgery or through small cuts in the abdomen (keyhole surgery).

The procedure aims to support the pelvic organs in their natural position. This is done by attaching a piece of mesh usually from the top, and sometimes from the front or back of the vagina, to a ligament in the pelvis at the base of the spine or to a bone at the bottom of the spine. The mesh is similar to a fine net, and is usually made of polypropylene.

The procedure can be done with surgery for other conditions, for example, for stress incontinence. Different types of meshes or tissue grafts have been used and these may have different risks.