News Room - Press Releases

News Release
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Kelley Daspit, APR
Marketing Manager
Telephone: (757) 886-6705
Pager: (757) 881-2478

(Newport News, VA – March 10, 2006) – Mary Immaculate Hospital announced today that a new minimally invasive procedure to treat pelvic organ prolapse is available through the Peninsula Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

“Pelvic prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place begin to weaken,” said Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, gynecologist.

This new procedure repairs the vaginal defect with a piece of mesh, a non-absorbable material similar to what is used in hernia repair, but specifically designed for use in female pelvic floor surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon repositions the prolapsed organ or organs and provides tissue reinforcement and stabilization to the structures of the pelvic floor. The procedure is preformed through the vagina under regional (spinal or epidural) or general anesthesia.

According to Dr. Morrison, the technique not only effectively repairs the pelvic floor area, but also reduces the risk of recurrence, which in the past has been as high as 30 percent with other surgical techniques.

“Prolapse has long been a devastating condition for women,” said Morrison. “Today’s woman is not willing to live with the discomfort and embarrassment. They want to stay active well past menopause, so they want a treatment that relieves symptoms and restores their quality of life.” The Prolift System is designed to reduce the recurrence rate, mainly because of the larger size of the mesh implant and the versatility of the design. “In the past, we might repair a prolapsed uterus, and a year or two later, the woman was back with a prolapsed bladder, also known as a cystocele,” said Morrison.

As a result, the pelvic organs-uterus, bladder and rectum-may press against the vaginal walls causing them to protrude into the vagina, causing discomfort, affecting sexual activity and limiting physical activity.

Women with pelvic organ prolapse may experience a range of symptoms including pressure and pain in the pelvic area or lower back; urine leakage or difficulty in starting to urinate; bowel problems, including constipation; and painful intercourse.

Women who have had multiple vaginal births are at the greatest risk for pelvis organ prolapse. Sometimes the problem occurs following childbirth, or presents years later, particularly after menopause, when women tend to have decreased estrogen levels. The incidence in women aged 45 or older is approximately one out of three. However, many women with mild prolapse have no symptoms at all, or can manage the problem with a pessary, a device that is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic area.

Most women are ambulatory the day after surgery and return to normal daily activities within three to five days, but are usually advised to refrain from heavy lifting or sexual intercourse for up to four weeks. Women should talk to their doctor to determine if this minimally invasive treatment is right for them. Join Dr. Morrison at Mary Immaculate Hospital on March 23, 2006, for an informative program on minimally invasive prolapse repair. Call 886-6700 to register.

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Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is a leading health care organization known for providing care for the whole person with grace and clinical distinction. Bon Secours brings together a network of hospitals, ambulatory care sites and rehabilitation and home care services to provide quality health care services to the residents of Hampton Roads. Bon Secours includes: Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center and St. Francis Nursing Center.