Fredericksburg Parent

28 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • April 2023 28 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • April 2023 A minimally invasive surgery can lead to significant quality of life improvements for women with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. At Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, part of HCA Virginia, a multi-specialty team of gynecologic and urologic sur- geons use high-precision robotics to bring patients the highest level of personalized care. Pelvic organ prolapse affects nearly half of women over age 50 to some degree, according to Johns Hopkins University. The condition can impact women's daily lives by limiting activities or causing discomfort. Scott Walker, MD, FACOG, is a board- certified obstetrician and gynecologist with Pratt Medical Group, part of HCA Virginia Physicians, who has practiced in the region for nearly two decades. As medical director of the robotics program at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, he answers questions here about how surgery can help and what women should expect. Q: What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, and who does it tend to affect? Dr. Walker: Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition where one or more of the pelvic organs—vagina, uterus, blad- der or rectum—begin to "drop" due to weakened pel- vic muscles or pelvic floor support tissue. The typical presentation that leads patients to come in for diagnosis is usually a bulging pressure sensation at the opening of the vagina. Patients may or may not be able to feel something protruding from the opening of the vagina. Other symp- toms include difficulty with urination or bowel movements and lower back pain. Minimally-Invasive Procedure Offers Life-Changing Results for Women Schedule an appointment with Dr. Walker: Experienced team performs procedure at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center INTERVIEWED BY EMILY FREEHLING

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