Clinical: uterus (hysterectomy & endometrium disorder) Flashcards
what is hysterectomy?
surgical removal of the uterus
what is hysterectomy usually a result of?
result of uterine / cervical cancer
what is at risk of being damaged in hysterectomy?
ureters
why is ureters at risk of damage?
uterine artery crosses ureters about 1cm lateral to internal os
how would the ureters be damaged during hysterectomy?
damaged during clamping of uterine arteries
what is water under the bridge?
water is ureters
bridge is the uterine artery (bridge on top)
what is Endometriosis?
the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue at sites outside the uterus
where are the most common sites of endometriosis?
the ovaries and the ligaments of the uterus
why does a cyst occur from ectopic tissue?
Ectopic tissue is still responsive to oestrogenic stimuli therefore cyclic proliferation and bleeding occur, often forming a cyst
what is endometriosis associated with?
dysmenorrhoea and/or infertility
what are fibroids?
benign tumours of the endometrium which affect 20% of menopausal women
what are fibroids dependent on?
They are oestrogen dependent
when do fibroids enlarge?
during pregnancy and with use of the contraceptive pill
when do fibroids tend to regress?
after the menopause
how do most fibroids present?
Most fibroids are asymptomatic, but if large enough the uterine mass can cause symptoms including menorrhagia, pelvic pain and infertility
