Minimally Invasive Approaches in the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Laparoscopic and Robotic

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common disease process in women as the descent of the pelvic organs is a multifactorial process. Approximately 40% of women have some degree of prolapse on exam. However, when examined by degree of bother, the prevalence of symptomatic prolapse is less – ranging from 3% to 6% of parous women. For women who are symptomatic and bothered by prolapse, the treatment options are conservative management, pelvic floor physical therapy, pessary use, and surgery. Surgery for prolapse has remained an important option for women to restore pelvic anatomy, improve prolapse symptoms, and maintain quality of life. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the morbidity of pelvic organ prolapse surgery has decreased. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have revolutionized and advanced contemporary pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Minimally invasive prolapse surgeries, both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic, have benefited women by facilitating apical support through smaller incisions and with improved visualization. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the morbidity of pelvic organ prolapse surgery has decreased. Surgery for prolapse has remained an important option for women to restore pelvic anatomy, improve prolapse symptoms, and maintain quality of life.