What is the difference between a Sacrocolpopexy and a rectopexy or sacrorectopexy?

During a da Vinci sacrocolpopexy, surgical mesh is used to restore the normal anatomy of the vagina. Sacrocolpopexy is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse including uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele.

Rectopexy is used to treat rectal prolapse. The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine and is located above the anus. Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectal attachments weaken resulting in protrusion of the rectum out of the anus. Rectopexy is a procedure done by colorectal surgeons using either an open approach through an abdominal incision, or with the da Vinci robot. During a rectopexy, the rectum is restored to its normal anatomic position. This is done by freeing up the rectum from its attachments in the pelvis and the suturing the rectal wall to the sacrum. This may involve the use of surgical mesh.