In many cases, a weakening of the pelvic floor in women leads to a lowering of the organs in the pelvis over time. Treatment can be conservative, for example through pelvic floor exercises. If conservative therapies are unsuccessful, a surgical bladder lift is the last resort.
Find out more about this treatment method here and find selected specialists for a bladder lift.
A bladder lift is a surgical procedure to treat pelvic floor prolapse. Almost exclusively women are affected by this condition. With pelvic floor prolapse, the organs of the pelvis sink downwards, i.e.
Bladder elevation is also known as elevation of the anterior vaginal wall or vaginoplasty. The aim is to stabilize the pelvic floor.
Doctors often recommend a bladder lift in cases of bladder prolapse. During this procedure, the doctor primarily tightens the connective tissue between the vagina and bladder.
The organ stabilization achieved with a vaginoplasty significantly alleviates the symptoms. In addition to plastic surgery, vaginal tape and plastic mesh are also frequently used surgical methods.
The cause of bladder prolapse is usually an underlying weakening of the connective tissue in the pelvic floor area. As a result, there is a risk of the organs sagging.
This prolapse is associated with urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence, among other things. Those affected may also experience pain and feelings of pressure associated with bladder prolapse.
A genetically determined weakening of the connective tissue is one of the possible causes. Other possible causes include childbirth, obesity and age.
Pelvic floor prolapse using the example of uterine prolapse. If the bladder shifts downwards instead, a bladder lift is required © Henrie | AdobeStock
Vaginal births are always associated with the risk of damaging and weakening the pelvic floor. The risk of uterine prolapse or prolapse of the vagina and bladder increases, especially with more than one birth.
A caesarean birth, on the other hand, is not associated with an increased risk of prolapse.
Being overweight is also a risk factor for a prolapse of the organs in the pelvic floor area. The high weight puts a lot of strain on the connective tissue and the supporting structures.
The older a woman is, the more her connective tissue and muscles weaken over the years.
Various other possible stress factors that can cause bladder prolapse have not yet been conclusively researched. These include, for example
There are various treatment options for bladder lifting. Which option is suitable for you depends on individual factors, such as
The specialist responsible for the operation is a urology specialist. His range of treatments covers the urinary and reproductive organs.
The weakening of the connective tissue leads to a kind of protrusion of the bladder against the vagina.
The surgeon tightens the connective tissue between the vagina and the bladder. This allows the bladder to be lifted.
The TVT tape (sling) is used to treat bladder weakness or urinary incontinence(TVT = tension-free vaginal tape). The doctor inserts the plastic tape through the vagina in a minimally invasive operation and places it underneath the urethra.
In cases of pronounced weakness of the connective tissue, the insertion of a mesh-like synthetic implant has proven successful.
The mesh structure provides a special firming effect. This variant of bladder lifting is suitable for very pronounced findings or for repeat surgery.
A period of rest and recovery is required for a few weeks after the procedure.
The exact requirements for this depend on the findings and the type of procedure. Your treating doctor will discuss the time of the follow-up examination with you and inform you about
He or she will also discuss with you the appropriate recommendations for sporting activities and sexual intercourse.
As with any operation, there is a risk of side effects with a bladder lift. These include, for example, infections that occur in the vaginal area after the procedure and are very easy to treat. Bladder inflammation (cystitis) is also possible and can be treated by your doctor with an antibiotic if necessary.
In rare cases, the body may have a foreign body reaction during TVT sling treatment. This is occasionally associated with excessive scarring. In extremely rare cases, the inserted tape can cut into the bladder wall. The ligament must then be removed and, if necessary, another operation must be performed.
In exceptional situations, there is a risk of the plastic mesh coming loose. In this case, a second operation is an option to reattach the mesh. Occasionally, injuries or weakening of the bladder can occur.
As a rule, the doctor achieves a significant improvement in the existing symptoms by lifting the bladder.
Nevertheless, further pelvic floor prolapse may occur over the years. Talk to your doctor about this; there is usually the possibility of a repeat or additional procedure if necessary.
Preventive measures can also help you to maintain the status quo and prevent a recurrence. Targeted pelvic floor training, for example, is one of them.
For anatomical reasons, bladder prolapse is almost exclusively necessary in women. The main causes are instability of the holding apparatus and a weakening of the connective tissue.
Surgery and subsequent preventive measures will help you to improve the situation in the long term. The urology specialist will inform and advise you and operate on you using a procedure suitable for your findings.
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