Dr. Michael Schultheis training surgeons in new minimally-invasive procedure for women with pelvic organ prolapse
 Dr. Michael Schultheis (left) and Dr. Daniel Salvas examine the mesh material that is used in the GYNECARE PROLIFT Pelvic Floor System. Dr. Salvas, a urologist from St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers in Indianapolis, was visiting St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital to observe Dr. Schultheis perform this new minimally-invasive pelvic floor repair procedure.
Michael Schultheis, M.D., is training visiting physicians in a minimally-invasive procedure for women with pelvic organ prolapse. Physicians from hospitals throughout the Midwest are visiting St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital to observe Dr. Schultheis perform the surgery and receive instruction in the minimally-invasive procedure.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place begin to weaken. 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. The GYNECARE PROLIFT Pelvic Floor System used by Dr. Schultheis can restore the “prolapsed” organ or organs to the correct position. The system utilizes a piece of synthetic mesh material to repair the vaginal defect.
Dr. Schultheis explained how the procedure reduces the recovery time for a patient with this procedure, versus past techniques. “The PROLIFT is conducted transvaginally – through the vagina – so it is less invasive than traditional surgical lifts, which were done through abdominal incisions,” he said. “Patients typically stay overnight in the hospital, but occasionally it can be done on an outpatient basis. Even so, the hospital stay is less for this procedure than what has been done in the past.”
Most women are up and around the day after surgery and return to normal daily activities within three to five days, but are restricted from heavy lifting or sexual intercourse for four to six weeks. “I stress to all my patients that the six-week post-operative time is critical so that the graft can heal in place,” explained Dr. Schultheis.
Some of Dr. Schultheis’ patients are extremely grateful for the relief the surgery provides. One woman shared, “I cannot put into words how happy I am with my PROLIFT surgery. There is no more going to the bathroom 10 times a day – only three to four times a day now. I can never thank Dr. Schultheis, his nurse and staff enough for giving me back my life, this was truly a miracle for me.” Another patient explained, “I can [now] wait on my customers with confidence that if I sneeze, all I need to do is say ‘excuse me.’ Thank you for giving me my confidence back.”
Dr. Schultheis is the only physician in a 100-mile radius who performs this advanced minimally pelvic floor repair. For more information about the PROLIFT pelvic floor repair procedure performed at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, contact Effingham Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates office at 342-3337 or Tammy Lett, St. Anthony’s Surgical Services manager, at 347-1256
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