Vaginal Prolapse and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery
Vaginal Prolapse Treatment: Surgical Options
A vaginal prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles, tissues and ligaments weaken and stretch. This can happen at any stage of a woman’s life but we see it most often in patients who have previously given birth, patients over the age of 55 and patients carrying some extra weight.
We understand how uncomfortable this can be and if you suspect that this may be happening to you, reach out to our knowledgeable team. We will help determine the best treatment for you.
Laser or Surgery?
Dr. Murphy uses revolutionary Fotona laser technology to treat mild-to-moderate vaginal prolapse– reverting vaginal tissues back to a tighter, healthier state. Clinical studies show that this procedure is safe and provides excellent results. However, the laser will usually not ‘cure’ prolapse; it will often reduce symptoms to a more manageable or asymptomatic state. To be clear, surgery doesn’t ‘cure’ prolapse completely either; it compensates and tries to restore tightness and support with variable success. You can read more about our laser procedures for prolapse.
If you are interested or really require surgery, there are two options. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist for treatment within your local public health system. The reality in all Provinces of Canada is that Medicare is under stress, and the wait times can be very long – an average of four years across Canada. Our laser treatments may be appropriate to relieve your symptoms while you wait for surgery.
The second option is to pay for procedures to be done at a private surgical center. Recently, more Canadians have been willing to travel to other jurisdictions for medical treatment. Traditionally, this has meant the US or Mexico, but recently more options are available closer to home. There are already many precedents in Canada for this, and the specialty of orthopedics has led the way. For urogynecology conditions, Dr Murhpy has built a relationship with with Mount Royal Surgical, a premier private surgical facility in Calgary, Alberta, and can now offer a private surgical option on an accelerated timeline without the need for a referral.
Recovery
Recovery from surgery depends on the procedures done. All private surgery will be done as day surgery, and the procedures will be appropriately selected.
Expect to be ready to travel back home in a day or two.
All surgery carries the risk of complications. Dr Murphy will explain the procedures, the benefits and risks, and answer all your questions during an initial consultation.
Results
Surgery has been the default treatment in the past and will always play a role for many patients. For some, it will be essential, but often, the best results can be obtained by a combination of surgery and laser. Surgery to restore support, and laser to keep the tissue elastically tight over time and prevent deterioration of the structural integrity of the tissue.
Feel free to discuss with Dr. Murphy which option would be best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms can include feelings of heaviness around your lower abdomen and genitals, a bulging discomfort inside your vagina, feeling like there’s something moving down into your vagina, feeling or seeing a lump in or coming out of your vagina, discomfort during sex, problems peeing and more.
Prolapse occurs when the muscles, fascia, ligaments and tissues of the pelvic floor no longer support pelvic structures causing the uterus to slip into the vagina. It can also occur when the vaginal walls start to bulge or slip through (like a sock that is pushed into itself).
Speak with our team of knowledgeable professionals who will help assess and recommend the most effective treatment plan. Call our clinic today to learn more.
For laser treatments, an initial series of three sessions is approximately $2,600.00 to $2,900 plus tax (total for the three sessions), depending on treatments used.
Annual follow-up treatment is approximately $700.00 to $900 plus tax, depending on treatments used.
Surgical options are more expensive, and vary depending upon your specific needs.
Our team will discuss options with you and come up with an individualized care plan based on your needs. Reach out to us today to get started.
This is not covered by Medicare and is an out-of-pocket expense for patients. We will provide a letter you can submit to your insurance provider or Health Benefits account manager – we do not submit to insurance companies directly. You may be eligible for a medical expense tax deduction, be sure to check with your accountant to see if you qualify.
Patients can call our office directly for a free discussion and consultation with Dr. Murphy, or book online directly through the website.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be an appropriate candidate for private surgery and Dr. Murphy will only be able to assess whether you are a candidate after having information about your specific problem and a personal medical history.
If surgery may be appropriate for you, Dr Murphy can advise on public and private options, as he has extensive experience practising and teaching in the field.
Recently, Canadians have been willing to travel to other jurisdictions for treatment. Traditionally, this meant the US or Mexico, but recently, more and more people are looking closer to home. There are already many precedents in Canada for this and the specialty of orthopedics has led the way. For urogynecology conditions, there have been no private options until now.
After thirty years of working and operating exclusively in the public system, I have teamed up with Mount Royal Surgical, a premier private surgical facility in Calgary, Alberta, to offer private surgery for vaginal prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence as well as select cosmetic gynecology surgery. These services are available for Canadian residents from any Province and Territory of Canada on an expedited timeline and with no referral required. Private surgery will get you much quicker treatment.
Please call the clinic,1-403-692-0440, for more information.
We have worked hard to put in place a clear and supportive process for patients to access private surgery here in Calgary.
1) Initial contact, usually by phone. This will be an overview screening to discuss the main aspects of your problem and your overall health status. We will explain the expected timeline and costs which will depend on the procedure(s) required. We can suggest medical finance companies you may choose to consider, if interested.
2) The date of surgery is determined, and the payment deposit is collected if a surgical slot is allocated. The surgery itself is day-surgery and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
3) Arrangements may have to be made for travel and stay in Calgary. If you live locally, you can probably travel from home and back on the same day, but otherwise, you will need a hotel or other accommodation for one or two nights if having surgery for incontinence and up to four nights for prolapse.
3) In-person consultation with Dr. Murphy before surgery. This might include clinic tests such as urodynamics and/or cystoscopy. Your final payment will be determined and collected, which may vary depending on the final decision on the procedure(s).
4) Day Surgery under general or sedation anesthesia at Mount Royal Surgical Centre. Most cases will require general anesthesia.
5) Discharge to hotel.
6) Post-surgery checkup a day or two after surgery (usually only for prolapse surgery).
7) Travel back to your home.
8) Delayed post surgery follow up as appropriate and if needed; usually six weeks or more after surgery.