"Something" falls out from the vagina, accompanied by symptoms such as urinary leakage and urinary incontinence, seriously affecting normal life and interpersonal communication .....
Recently, gynecological experts from Hainan Cancer Hospital adopted a new minimally invasive treatment procedure to relieve a patient of her uterine prolapse problem that had been bothering her for many years.
"Unspoken secrets that come out"
Ms. Wang, who lives in Chengmai, Hainan, noticed a foreign body sensation in her vagina many years ago, but the discomfort disappeared after lying down or resting, so she did not take it seriously.
Until 2 years ago, Ms. Wang discovered that whenever she moved slightly, coughed, or sneezed, a "meatball" the size of an egg would "fall out" from her vagina, accompanied by symptoms such as urinary leakage, urinary incontinence, and constipation.
At first, Ms. Wang was embarrassed to tell her children and kept enduring it silently. However, as the condition worsened and affected her normal walking, she finally told her family about the unspoken secret that had been bothering her for many years.
Subsequently, accompanied by her children, Ms. Wang arrived at Hainan Cancer Hospital for treatment. After examination by Cao Aie, the director of the gynecology department, and Dr. Zeng Hui, it was found that the patients cervix and uterine body had protruded outside the vaginal opening, indicating severe "uterine prolapse".
Minimally invasive surgery frees patients from their troubles
In order to help the patient resolve the "trouble" as soon as possible, Director Cao Aie immediately conducted a detailed preoperative examination and tailored a laparoscopic "bilateral high sacral ligament suspension" plan based on the patients condition, utilizing minimally invasive techniques combined with autologous tissue repair.
According to Director Cao Aie, the pelvic floor muscles of women are like a "hammock" that supports organs such as the uterus and bladder. When the pelvic floor muscles become loose due to pregnancy, aging, or long-term increased abdominal pressure, the "hammock" loses its supporting ability, potentially leading to uterine prolapse.
According to the Expert Introduction, the micro-innovative surgical procedure utilizes laparoscopic technology and special suture materials and techniques to reposition prolapsed pelvic organs. Compared to traditional surgical procedures that rely on biological materials such as "slings" and "mesh", the new procedure reinforces the relaxed pelvic floor and shortens elongated ligaments through improved suture techniques, without requiring additional materials. This not only saves costs but also reduces postoperative rejection.
It combines the advantages of short operation time, minimal trauma, rapid recovery, affordability, and low recurrence rate, and can retain or remove the uterus according to needs, thus relieving "unspoken embarrassments" for women of all ages. The Gynecology Department of Hainan Cancer Hospital has successfully performed many such surgeries.
Director Cao Aie (middle) performing surgery (file photo)
After the surgery, Ms. Wangs discomfort disappeared, and her urination and bowel movements returned to normal. Before being discharged, her excitement was palpable.
Reinventing womens dignity
How can uterine prolapse be treated with a mere "removal"
In fact, the condition of "uterine prolapse" experienced by Ms. Wang is not uncommon among women. Relevant data show that approximately 40% of women who have given birth suffer from varying degrees of uterine or vaginal prolapse, which tends to worsen after menopause. The incidence of uterine prolapse in women over 70 years old can reach 50%-60%, seriously affecting their quality of life in later years and causing significant psychological harm.
However, due to the lack of understanding of the harm of "uterine prolapse" among many patients, or out of a sense of "shyness", they often refuse to seek medical treatment, leading to the condition worsening as the uterus continues to "prolapse".
Expert reminder
If any of the following problems occur, seek medical attention promptly:
1. Long-term soreness or a sense of heaviness in the lumbosacral region;
2. There is a sensation of lumpiness and heaviness in the vagina, and even a spherical lump can be seen or felt at the vaginal opening, which becomes more pronounced after prolonged walking, squatting, or physical labor;
3. Urinary abnormalities, including leakage of urine when abdominal pressure increases, such as during coughing, laughing, or running. Many patients with urinary leakage require diapers for years; in severe cases, symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and difficulty in urination may occur;
4. Long-term bowel dysfunction, such as difficulty in defecation, constipation, etc.
Early detection is crucial for the treatment of uterine prolapse. For mild uterine prolapse, most patients can achieve good recovery through conservative treatment methods such as scientific rehabilitation training. However, for moderate to severe uterine prolapse, where the damage to the pelvic floor tissues is more severe, surgical treatment is necessary.
Expert Introduction
Cao Aie
Gynecology Director
Chief Physician
Medical expertise
Skilled in surgical treatment of benign and malignant gynecological tumors such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and intrauterine adhesions; experienced in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for gynecological malignancies such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and vulvar cancer, with over 10,000 cases of open surgery and minimally invasive surgeries including laparoscopy, hysteroscopes, and vaginal surgery.
Clinic Hours
Monday, Wednesday
Written by | Chen Lin