title: Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Concomitant Rectal and Vaginal Prolapse.
abstract: Rectal prolapse and vaginal prolapse have traditionally been treated as separate entities despite sharing a common pathophysiology. This compartmentalized approach often leads to frustration and suboptimal outcomes. In recent years, there has been a shift to a more patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. Procedures to repair pelvic organ prolapse are divided into three categories: abdominal, perineal, and a combination of both. Most commonly, a combined minimally invasive abdominal sacral colpopexy and ventral rectopexy is performed to treat concomitant rectal and vaginal prolapse. Combining the two procedures adds little operative time and offers complete pelvic floor repair. The choice of minimally invasive abdominal prolapse repair versus perineal repair depends on the patient's comorbidities, previous surgeries, preference to avoid mesh, and physician's expertise. Surgeons should at least be able to identify these patients and provide the appropriate treatment or refer them to specialized centers.
authors.affiliation: Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jallad
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: Brooke
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gurland
keywords: pelvic organ prolapse; rectopexy; sacral colpopexy