What is advanced pelvic surgery?
At Central Texas Urogynecology & Continence Center, Dr. Antonini performs advanced pelvic surgery. Advanced pelvic surgery may be necessary to treat pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence, endometriosis, fibroids, and fistulas.
We encourage you to schedule your surgery with Dr. Antonini, a skilled, experienced surgeon who utilizes the da Vinci robot-assisted surgical system. da Vinci surgery allows surgeons to perform minimally-invasive operations with enhanced vision, precision, and control. As an alternative to open surgery and laparoscopy, the da Vinci Surgical System only requires a few incisions, allowing you to recover sooner and get back to your daily routine much faster.
What is vaginal prolapse repair?
Vaginal prolapse repair includes repairing weaknesses of the vaginal walls, which can lead to looseness or “falling” of the bladder, rectum or apex of the vagina (the results of pelvic organ prolapse or POP). Vaginal prolapse can be repaired with advanced pelvic surgery.
This is typically an outpatient vaginal surgery performed under sedation. During repair, vaginal tissue is separated from the bladder or rectal wall, and either temporary or permanent sutures are placed for support. The vaginal tissue is closed using a stitch that will dissolve. The procedure takes on average 1 hour to complete. You will be restricted from strenuous activity, exercise, and intercourse for several weeks.
What is sacrocolpopexy?
Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical technique used to lift the apex (roof) of the vagina to the sacral bone, to repair significant vaginal/pelvic organ prolapse. The specific approach to the treatment will depend on the type and degree of pelvic organ prolapse and the severity of your symptoms.
With the help of da Vinci, Dr. Antonini will make a few small incisions to insert a camera to get a better view of the treated area. Using this video of the pelvic floor, he will work to correct the prolapse and rebuild the vaginal wall. Patients will be restricted from strenuous activity, exercise, and sexual intercourse for several weeks.
What is pelvic fistula repair?
Pelvic fistula repair involves surgery to fix a fistula. Fistulas are abnormal communications between a woman’s urinary (ureters, bladder, and urethra) and genital (cervix, vagina, and uterus) systems. As a result, urinary incontinence (uncontrolled discharges of urine) can occur.
During the procedure, Dr. Antonini will utilize a variety of techniques to access and repair the fistula and make the smallest incision possible. The most common fistula repair surgery is fistulotomy. With a fistulotomy, you will be given general anesthesia. Dr. Antonini will cut open the fistula tract to drain pus or remove diseased tissue. This will help convert the fistula from a tunnel to an open groove to allow the fistula tract to heal from the inside out. If your fistula is larger or more complex, a special implantable drain may be needed. To aid in healing, the sides of the fistula will be stitched to your incision.
What is a myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a procedure that removes fibroids from the uterus while still leaving the uterus intact. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that typically develop during childbearing years. These masses can distort or expand the uterus in such a way that becoming pregnant may be difficult, since a fertilized egg may not be able to attach to the uterine wall.
During surgery with the da Vinci surgical system, tiny incisions are made at the belly button, lower abdomen, and both hips. Fibroids will be removed by small camera-guided instruments that are inserted into the incisions. This method will require anesthesia and will result in a shorter hospital stay (compared to alternative surgical methods).
What are the additional surgeries provided?
We also provide:
- Urethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence
- Labiaplasty
- Surgical removal of endometrial lesions
Request an appointment at Central Texas Urogynecology & Continence Center
If you require advanced pelvic surgery, request a consultation with Dr. Antonini at our urogynecology & continence center in Austin, Texas. He will walk you through your procedure and answer any questions you might have. He will show you the compassion you deserve, and he will help you feel like yourself again with as little recovery time as possible. To set up an appointment, call us at 512-716-0861 or request one online.
