Around the time of menopause estrogen production by the body is reduced, leading to further weakening of the vaginal muscles and prolapse is most commonly seen around that time. Associated Stress Incontinence Prolapse may also be associated with urinary stress incontinence , where during coughing or other physical activity urine leaks. The cause is similar due to weakening of the urethral support. The laparoscope is a telescopic camera which provides visualization of the abdomen. Surgery performed using a laparoscope usually requires three to four small, quarter-inch incisions for insertion of additional surgical instruments.
Traditional surgery requires one large incision several inches in length.
Today, this form of therapy is unacceptable to most women, except those who are infirm and unable to ambulate. For the rest who lead active lives, surgery presents a much better alternative. However, when vaginal surgery results in recurrence of prolapse, an abdominal operation has to be resorted to, where synthetic mesh is attached to the vagina and to the sacral bone. This has traditionally been done through a large abdominal incision. Today, in specialized centers, all forms of prolapse can be treated laparoscopically with much better suspension of the vagina.