Clinical - pelvic floor dysfunction Flashcards
what does the pelvic floor act to support?
The pelvic floor support acts to support the pelvic viscera, and assist in their functions
what happens if the muscles of the pelvic floor become damaged?
then dysfunction of the pelvic viscera can occur
what is the levator ani muscle involved in supporting? when?
The levator ani muscles are involved in supporting the foetal head during cervix dilation in childbirth
which structures are at high risk of damage in pregnancy? which phase of pregnancy?
During the second phase of childbirth, the levator ani muscles and/or the pudendal nerve are at high risk of damage
which muscles are most prone to injury during 2nd phase of childbirth? why?
Pubococcygeus and puborectalis are the most prone to injury due to them being situated most medially
why can injury to the pubococcygeus and puborectalis lead to problems?
Due to their role in supporting the vagina, urethra and anal canal, injury to these muscles can lead to a number of problems
what are the problems that injury to the pubococcygeus and puborectalis lead to?
urinary stress incontinence and rectal incontinence
when is urinary incontinence most noticeable?
during activities where there are increased abdominal pressure – coughing, sneezing and lifting heavy objects
what can occur if there is trauma to the pelvic floor or if the muscle fibres have poor tone?
Prolapse of the pelvic viscera (such as the bladder and vagina)
what can occur if there is damage to the perineal body in childbirth?
Prolapse of the vagina
what is the procedure that can avoid prolapse of the pelvic viscera or vagina?
This may be avoided by episiotomy
what can episiotomy cause damage to?
the vaginal mucosa and submucosa
what is the benefit of episiotomy?
helps prevent uncontrolled tearing of the perineal muscles
when can rectal herniation occur?
If the medial fibres of the puborectalis are torn within the perineal body
what is episiotomy?
surgical cut in the perineum
