It is an unspoken burden carried by thousands of women older than 50. Pelvic prolapse, or weakening of the pelvis muscles, causes pain, pressure and bladder problems that until recently were often left untreated because women were ashamed or did not know that treatment options are available.

However, women suffering from pelvic prolapse can turn to abdominal laparoscopic sacral colpopexy. "Advanced surgical techniques such as these are now available to treat pelvic prolapse, offering little scarring and shorter recovery times," said Dr. Sean Francis, Director of Urogynecology at MCG Health System. "And long-term cure rates are as high as 84 to 99 percent."

According to Dr. Francis, up to half of all women over 50 may be suffering from pelvic prolapse. The disorder also occurs in women who have had multiple pregnancies. A woman’s pelvic system loses muscle tone and can no longer support the internal organs. The uterus, bowel and bladder begin to press down and may even extrude from the body. "Pelvic prolapse can cause a great deal of physical discomfort, but the emotional distress of this disorder is 10 times as great," said Dr. Francis.

Abdominal laparoscopic sacral colpopexy is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively treats this disorder. Surgeons anchor the fallen organ to the fascia or tissue of the lower part of the backbone, also called the sacral promontory, with a specially designed segment of mesh that is sutured into place. Surgeons use specialized tools and a small camera inserted through abdominal incisions no bigger than 5 millimeters. Patients experience less bleeding, less pain, less risk of infection, less scarring and a faster recovery.

"If prolapse or other organ problems such as incontinence are affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to ‘just live with it,’" said Dr. Francis. "There are now safe, effective options for women to help them regain their quality of life."

Urogynecology is a medical specialty that focuses on treatment for pelvic floor disorders, incontinence and vaginal diseases. Dr. Francis is a fellowship-trained urogynecologist who trained at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. He also specializes in complete laparoscopic hysterectomy.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, and employees of the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.