Comprehensive care for pelvic floor problems

Prolapse & Pelvic Floor Problems

As one advances in age pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may occur.

Pelvic prolapse occurs when the supporting tissue, ligaments, fascia, and muscles of the pelvic floor no longer support the organs inside the pelvis, such as the uterus, urethra, bladder, and rectum.

This may result in their protrusion toward or through the opening of the vagina, causing them to “drop” (prolapse) from their normal position.

Pelvic organ prolapse can cause considerable pain and discomfort.

Kenya Laparoscopic Surgery Services (KLASS) is a leading practice of expert diagnosis and comprehensive treatments for prolapse & pelvic floor problems.

We aim at helping women in Kenya and the world resolve symptoms of pelvic floor problems and lead healthy, normal lives.

What are the sympoms of pelvic floor problems?

Some women who experience prolapse or pelvic floor problems show no symptoms and they are therefore unaware that they have the condition. In these cases, it does not affect their life and usually goes away on its own.

Sometimes a prolapse is incidentally discovered, for example at a smear test appointment.

The symptoms of pelvic floor problems and prolapse include:

1. Protruding tissue or organs to or past the vaginal opening( mass per vagina).
2. Urinary and fecal incontinence.
3. Feelings of pelvic pressure or discomfort.
4. Perception of something falling out.
5. Incomplete & difficulty in emptying the bladder.
6. Difficulty emptying the rectum( digital evacuation ).
7. Experiencing discomfort during sexual intercourse.

How are prolapse & pelvic floor problems treated at KLASS

Care and comfort of our patients

The care and comfort of our patients is our first concern at KLASS and we have taken every step possible to ensure a pleasant and safe stay at our facilities.

Prolapse does not always require surgical treatment, but if you have significant pain or discomfort, your doctor may recommend surgery.

At KLASS, we apply nonsurgical treatment for prolapse first, and only if necessary do we resort to minimally invasive surgery. Learn more below about the treatment options available to get your self-esteem and confidence back.

What are the causes of prolapse & pelvic floor problems

Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by a weakening of tissues which support the pelvic organs and this can be caused by multiple factors.

• Childbirth is the most common cause of prolapse, particularly if labor has been overly long and strenuous, or if the baby is large.
• The ageing process also contributes to prolapse, with the condition becoming more common as a woman gets older, therefore meaning that menopause is also a common cause of prolapse.

  Other causes of prolapse include an unhealthy lifestyle, such as being overweight or long-term coughing associated with being a heavy smoker.

Undertaking strenuous activities on a regular basis, such as heavy lifting or manual work, may also increase your chances of having pelvic prolapse.

How is prolapse diagnosed?

Pelvic organ prolapse is diagnosed by physical exam. During the pelvic exam, our physician Prof. Rafique Parkar evaluates the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, top of the vagina, and uterus, inspecting for signs of organ prolapse.

The prolapse is then carefully measured – usually in both the lying down and standing up positions. Our top-rated gynecologist in Nairobi, Kenya carefully diagnoses all aspects of pelvic floor support before suggesting a treatment plan.

Further investigations may involve urodynamics, to assess bladder function, or an ultrasound to assess the pelvic floor and to exclude a pelvic mass; a rare cause of prolapse, if it is suspected.

Treatment of prolapse & pelvic floor problems

Nonsurgical options include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor (Kegel Exercises) or using a pessary (Hodge), which is a removable device that is inserted into the vagina to support the prolapsed organs or conservative treatments such as lifestyle changes.

At KLASS, surgery is often recommended for women with moderate-to-severe pelvic organ prolapse that is causing symptoms, or when nonsurgical treatments do not provide adequate relief to improve ones quality of life .

Abdominal or vaginal surgery can help repair the tissue around the vagina, restoring the normal position of the vagina or closing the opening to the vagina with or without a hysterectomy.

We carry out almost all our procedures for prolapse through minimally invasive means through the vagina or laparoscopically.

We offer a range of laparoscopic surgery, which is a less invasive method of treating pelvic organ prolapse that may be a reasonable option for younger women who don’t want the uterus removed for childbearing or other reasons. This may involve the placement of a mesh to support the uterus and pelvic organs.

After treatment of prolapse at KLASS, most patients go home the same day, or within 24 hours after surgery because there are no cuts or stitches on a woman’s abdomen and recovery is faster, with shorter hospital stays.

Recovery after treatment at KLASS

We offer comprehensive gynecological services to manage patients with other gynecological conditions closely associated with prolapse or pelvic floor problems, such as period problems or endometriosis.

During recuperation, your surgeon may recommend that you restrict certain activities, including lifting, exercise, and sexual activity, for approximately six weeks.

Your Laparoscopy Procedure With Prof. Rafique Parkar

Effective technique for all women

Prof. Rafique Parkar pioneered Minimal Access Surgery in Africa 25 years ago and operates at the highest level of expertise in Africa. ( Level VI )

He is committed to improving the lifestyles of women in Kenya and the world by helping them gain access to top-level minimal access surgery in Africa.

He strongly believes that all women have the right to informed consent and should have access to the best treatment plans suited for them and that is the reason why he founded KLASS ( Kenya Laparoscopic Surgery Services ).

Together with his team at KLASS, they provide the highest level of holistic surgical care to women, ensuring that they meet their individual health needs.

Prof. Rafique Parkar specializes in helping women who ail from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Problems, Ectopic Pregnancies, and Gynecologic Cancers.