Urogynaecology · London
Sacrocolpopexy for prolapse - London.
A gold-standard abdominal repair for vaginal vault or uterine prolapse - laparoscopic or robotic, done by a BSUG-accredited urogynaecologist in a London private unit, with a full pelvic-floor MDT and a mesh-complication service on the same site.
Why patients choose us
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A specialist urogynaecologist, in a BSUG-accredited unit
Not a general gynaecology list. A named urogynaecologist with a high sacrocolpopexy volume, in a unit with the full pelvic-floor MDT.
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The right operation for your prolapse
Sacrocolpopexy is not always the answer. For selected cases we recommend native-tissue repair, pessary or hysteropexy - before you commit.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private sacrocolpopexy costs in London.
Indicative all-inclusive ranges across our London partner units - consultation, surgery, anaesthetic, ward stay and follow-up. Send the clinic letter and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A laparoscopic or robotic sacrocolpopexy in a London private unit: £14,000–£28,000, home in 1 to 2 nights.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urogynaecology consultation and POP-Q assessment | £300–£500 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (vault prolapse) | £14,000–£18,000 | 3–4 hours | 1–2 nights |
| Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (uterine preservation) | £15,000–£19,000 | 3–4 hours | 1–2 nights |
| Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy + anterior/posterior repair | £17,000–£22,000 | 4–5 hours | 1–2 nights |
| Robotic (da Vinci) sacrocolpopexy | £22,000–£28,000 | 3–4 hours | 1–2 nights |
| Open (abdominal) sacrocolpopexy | £13,000–£17,000 | 2–3 hours | 3–4 nights |
Prices vary by unit, by the named urogynaecologist, by whether robotic assistance is used, and by whether concurrent vaginal repair, hysterectomy or a sling is added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
What it is
The gold-standard abdominal repair for apical prolapse.
Sacrocolpopexy is abdominal reconstructive surgery. The vaginal vault or cervix is re-suspended to the anterior longitudinal ligament of the sacrum using a Y-shaped polypropylene mesh - restoring vaginal length, axis and apical support in one operation.
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Sacrocolpopexy vs sacrohysteropexy
Colpopexy - after hysterectomy - attaches the vaginal vault. Hysteropexy - for patients keeping the uterus - attaches the cervix. Both use the same Y-mesh technique abdominally.
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Distinct from vaginal mesh
The Y-mesh sits inside the abdomen and is sutured to the sacrum. This is not the transvaginal mesh withdrawn from NHS use in 2018, which was placed through the vagina.
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Durable at 5 years
90 to 95 percent apical support at 5 years - the most durable operation available for post-hysterectomy vault prolapse or recurrent apical descent.
The journey
From referral to review - what happens, in order.
One team from first message to long-term pelvic-floor surveillance - including the 6-week POP-Q review and every annual check thereafter.
Phase 1 · Before your surgery
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
One to two nights on the ward
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You send us the referral or clinic letter
A short, confidential form. Your POP-Q findings if known, prior surgery, urinary and bowel symptoms, and any sexual-function concerns.
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Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether sacrocolpopexy fits, or whether hysteropexy, sacrospinous fixation or a pessary is the better call. Indicative price. An honest read either way.
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Before
We arrange the surgery
Usually within two to four weeks. Pre-assessment, urodynamics if concurrent SUI is suspected, and stop-smoking and weight-optimisation advice as needed.
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On the day
Arrival at the hospital
Admission, consent and a chat with the surgeon and anaesthetist. General anaesthesia, TED stockings, VTE prophylaxis and a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics.
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On the day
The sacrocolpopexy itself
3 to 4 hours. Laparoscopic or robotic ports, dissection of vagina and sacral promontory, Y-shaped polypropylene mesh sutured to vault and sacrum, peritoneal closure over mesh.
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On the day
One to two nights on the ward
Catheter for 24 to 48 hours, early mobilisation, oral analgesia, discharge once eating, drinking and passing urine normally.
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After
Follow-up and long-term review
Wound check at 2 weeks, urogynaecology review at 6 weeks with POP-Q, and annual pelvic-floor review thereafter. 24/7 concierge line if anything worries you.
Typical end-to-end: 2–4 weeks to surgery. Stay: 1–2 nights. Return to work: 2–3 weeks.
Who benefits
When sacrocolpopexy is the right operation - and when it is not.
The prolapse patterns where sacrocolpopexy earns its 5-year durability - and the circumstances where a pessary or native-tissue repair is a better first step.
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Post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse
The commonest indication. The vaginal vault descends after previous hysterectomy - sacrocolpopexy re-suspends it to the sacrum with mesh.
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Uterine or cervical prolapse
Symptomatic apical descent in patients wanting uterine preservation - a sacrohysteropexy attaches the cervix to the sacrum without hysterectomy.
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Recurrent prolapse after native-tissue repair
Prolapse that has returned after sacrospinous fixation or uterosacral suspension - abdominal mesh repair offers the most durable second-line option.
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Younger patients wanting durability
Patients under 60 with an active lifestyle where a 5-year 90 to 95 percent apical success rate matters more than avoiding an abdominal approach.
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Symptomatic apical descent
A bulge felt at or beyond the introitus, back-of-vagina pressure, splinting to open bowels, or difficulty inserting a pessary.
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Combined multi-compartment prolapse
Apical descent combined with cystocoele or rectocoele - sacrocolpopexy plus concurrent anterior or posterior repair through the same admission.
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Sexually active patients
Sacrocolpopexy preserves vaginal length and axis better than vaginal approaches - long-term dyspareunia rates are under 5 percent.
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Not for you if
Frailty unfit for a 3-hour general anaesthetic, active pelvic infection, or a strong preference to avoid any synthetic mesh - we discuss pessary or native-tissue options instead.
Approach options
Laparoscopic, robotic, open - and the concurrent options.
What each option on the table actually involves - and which fits which patient. Native-tissue repair sits beside them all as the no-mesh alternative.
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Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy
Five small ports, 3 to 4 hours, 1 to 2 night stay. The most common approach in UK private units and the workhorse operation for apical prolapse.
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Robotic sacrocolpopexy
Da Vinci-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Comparable outcomes to standard laparoscopic, better ergonomics for the surgeon, and a longer procedure with higher cost.
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Open (abdominal) sacrocolpopexy
Pfannenstiel incision, 2 to 3 hours, 3 to 4 nights stay. Rarely a first choice now but still used where laparoscopic access is not safe.
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Sacrohysteropexy
The uterine-preserving variant. The cervix rather than the vaginal vault is attached to the sacrum with mesh - useful for younger patients wanting to retain the uterus.
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Concurrent anterior/posterior repair
Native-tissue vaginal repair of cystocoele or rectocoele done at the same admission - avoids a second anaesthetic when multi-compartment prolapse is present.
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Concurrent mid-urethral sling
A retropubic tape for coexisting stress incontinence. Now controversial post the vaginal-mesh pause - consented separately and only after full discussion.
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Concurrent hysterectomy
Sub-total or total hysterectomy where the uterus is bulky or symptomatic. Sub-total is preferred where possible to reduce mesh-exposure risk at the vault.
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Native-tissue alternative
Sacrospinous ligament fixation or high uterosacral suspension - no mesh, shorter operation, 60 to 70 percent 5-year durability. Discussed as an option in every case.
Our London network
A short panel of urogynaecologists, we picked them.
Consultant urogynaecologists in London private units with high sacrocolpopexy volumes and mesh-complication expertise. Introductions are made privately once we understand your case.
Where in London
Units we regularly work with for sacrocolpopexy.
- · University College London Hospital Private
- · King's College Hospital Private
- · HCA The Wellington Urogynaecology
- · Cromwell Hospital (BUPA)
- · The London Clinic
- · Chelsea and Westminster Private
- · The Portland Hospital
- · Guy's and St Thomas' Private
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BSUG-accredited urogynaecologists with high sacrocolpopexy volumes, not general gynaecology lists
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Full pelvic-floor MDT including colorectal and urology input available in the same unit
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Robotic and laparoscopic capability, plus vaginal-repair pathways where mesh is not appropriate
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Mesh-complication service with expertise in exposure management and, rarely, mesh removal
Safety, recovery and outcomes
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Sacrocolpopexy is a well-established reconstructive operation with strong long-term outcomes. The things worth planning are your catheter, the 6 to 8 week lifting restriction, mesh-exposure risk, and the annual pelvic-floor review.
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General anaesthesia for 3 to 4 hours
Delivered by a consultant anaesthetist. Pre-assessment identifies cardiac, respiratory or airway issues that alter the plan. TED stockings and prophylactic LMWH given routinely.
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Mesh exposure through the vagina
Occurs in 3 to 5 percent within 5 years. Usually a small area at the vault, often managed with a short vaginal excision under sedation. Rarely requires full mesh removal.
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Bladder or bowel injury is uncommon
Around 1 percent bladder injury and under 1 percent bowel injury. Most are recognised at surgery and repaired at the same operation without long-term consequence.
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De novo stress incontinence
Up to 15 percent of patients develop new stress leakage after prolapse repair. Managed initially with pelvic-floor physiotherapy, then Bulkamid or a sling if needed.
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Constipation and de novo urgency
Some patients report new urgency or worsened constipation after apical suspension. Usually settles at 3 to 6 months with fluids, fibre and bladder-retraining.
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Catheter for 24 to 48 hours
A urinary catheter overnight, sometimes into the second day. A trial without catheter before discharge - occasional patients go home with a catheter for a few days.
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No heavy lifting for 6 to 8 weeks
Nothing heavier than a full kettle. Return to desk work at 2 to 3 weeks, driving at 2 to 3 weeks once you can perform an emergency stop, sexual activity at 6 to 8 weeks.
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Long-term durability
90 to 95 percent apical support at 5 years. Anatomic recurrence at the treated compartment is uncommon; new prolapse in an untreated compartment is more likely than mesh failure.
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Red flags after discharge
Fever, worsening abdominal pain, offensive vaginal discharge, heavy vaginal bleeding, calf swelling or breathlessness - call the unit or go to A&E the same day.
Reading your operation note
Your sacrocolpopexy note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever approach was used, the operation note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Operation notes are precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your 6-week review, just ask.
- 01 Header
POP-Q findings and indication
Your pre-operative POP-Q stage for each compartment (Aa, Ba, C, Ap, Bp, D) and the reason sacrocolpopexy was chosen over alternatives.
- 02 Technique
Approach, mesh type and fixation
Laparoscopic, robotic or open. The mesh used - lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh is standard - and how it was sutured to vault and sacrum with peritoneal closure.
- 03 Findings
Concurrent procedures and complications
Whether an anterior or posterior repair, hysterectomy or sling was added. Any bladder, bowel or vascular injury and how it was managed at surgery.
- 04 Impression
Post-op plan and long-term surveillance
Read this first: catheter plan, lifting restrictions, return-to-work date, 6-week POP-Q review and the annual pelvic-floor follow-up interval.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for sacrocolpopexy varies by insurer and by indication - usually funded when medically indicated. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about sacrocolpopexy.
Quick answers on abdominal mesh, recurrence, uterine preservation, sex after surgery and recovery.
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Is abdominal mesh for sacrocolpopexy the same as the vaginal mesh that was paused in 2018?
No. The vaginal-mesh pause applied to transvaginal mesh kits used for prolapse and to some tapes for stress incontinence, placed through the vagina. Sacrocolpopexy uses a different lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh placed abdominally and sutured to the sacrum - it was outside the 2018 NHS pause and remains a NICE-supported option. The risks and benefits are still discussed carefully with every patient before consent.
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What is the recurrence rate after sacrocolpopexy?
Long-term studies show 90 to 95 percent apical support at 5 years. Anatomic recurrence at the treated apex is rare. New prolapse in a previously untreated compartment - usually anterior - happens in around 10 to 15 percent of patients over 10 years and is often managed with a simple vaginal repair.
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Will private health insurance cover sacrocolpopexy?
Yes in most cases. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix generally fund sacrocolpopexy when there is a documented symptomatic prolapse and appropriate clinical indication. Robotic surgery is sometimes funded to the equivalent laparoscopic tariff with a top-up. We confirm cover with your insurer before booking.
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Can I keep my uterus?
Yes - a sacrohysteropexy is the uterine-preserving version of the operation. The cervix is attached to the sacrum with a Y-mesh rather than removing the uterus first. Outcomes for apical support are comparable to sacrocolpopexy. Sacrohysteropexy is not suitable if you have significant menstrual problems, a bulky fibroid uterus or abnormal cervical screening.
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Can I have sex after sacrocolpopexy?
Yes. Sexual activity is usually resumed at 6 to 8 weeks once wounds are healed. Sacrocolpopexy preserves vaginal length and axis better than most vaginal repairs, and long-term dyspareunia rates are under 5 percent. Some patients report improved sexual function after prolapse is corrected, particularly where a large bulge had been interfering with intercourse.
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What does recovery look like week by week?
Week 1: home from hospital, oral analgesia, gentle walking, no lifting. Week 2: wound check, off strong painkillers. Weeks 2 to 3: back to desk work and light driving. Weeks 4 to 6: gradual return to normal activity, still no heavy lifting. Week 6: urogynaecology review with POP-Q, resumption of sexual activity and light gym or Pilates. Week 8: full activity including running and heavier lifting.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Sacrospinous ligament fixation
Native-tissue apical suspension - no mesh, vaginal approach.
Learn more -
Vaginal mesh removal
Specialist removal of transvaginal mesh where symptomatic.
Learn more -
Bulkamid urethral bulking
Non-mesh option for stress urinary incontinence.
Learn more -
Hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus - abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic.
Learn more -
PTNS for overactive bladder
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for urinary urgency.
Learn more -
Menopause
Symptoms, HRT and pelvic-floor changes around midlife.
Learn more
Ready to talk?
Send us your clinic letter. We come back within one working day.
An impartial recommendation on the right urogynaecologist and the right operation for your prolapse - not a booking service. Free, confidential, and paid for by nobody but us.