Obstetrics Flashcards
What is the cervix and upper 1/3rd of the vagina supported by? (2)
Carinal and uterosacral ligaments
What is the middle 1/3rd of the vagina supported by?
Endofascial condensation (endopelvic fascia)
What is the lower 1/3rd of the vagina supported by? (2)
Levator ani muscles and perineal body
Define urethrocoele
Prolapse of the lower anterior vaginal wall involving the urethra only
Define cystocoele
Prolapse of the upper anterior vaginal wall involving the bladder (if urethra involved - cystourethrocoele)
Define enterocoele
Prolapse of the upper posterior vaginal wall (usually contains loops of small bowel)
Define apical prolapse
Prolapse of uterus, cervix, upper vagina
Define rectocoele
Prolapse of the lower posterior wall of vagina, involving anterior wall of rectum
What are the 5 stages of pelvic organ prolapse?
0 - no descent of pelvic organs during straining
1 - leading surface of prolapse <1cm above hymenal ring
2 - leading surface of prolapse from 1cm above to 1cm below hymenal ring
3 - leading surface ≥1cm below hymenal ring, not complete
4 - vagina completely everted
Give 3 causes of prolapse
- vaginal delivery and pregnancy
- congenital factors
- menopause
- chronic predisposing factors
- iatrogenic
Give 2 chronic predisposing factors to prolapse
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
- obesity
- chronic cough
- constipation
- heavy lifting
- pelvic mass
Give 3 symptoms of prolapse
- dragging sensation
- lump sensation
- worse at end of day/standing
- bleeding
- discharge
- interference with sex
- urinary symptoms
- bowel symptoms
Give 3 examinations for prolapse
- abdominal exam
- bimanual exam
- Sims speculum
- PR
Give 2 investigations for prolapse
- pelvic USS
- urodynamic testing
- assessments for fitness for surgery
How is prolapse prevented?
Recognition of obstructed labour and avoidance of a prolonged second stage
Pelvic floor exercises after birth
What are the 3 aspects of management for prolapses?
General, pessaries, surgery
What is the general management for prolapses? (3)
Lose weight
Physiotherapy
Smoking cessation
What does pessary management for prolapse involve?
Ring or shelf, change 6-9 monthly
HRT/topical oestrogen
Give 3 different surgical managements for prolapses
Uterine - hysteropexy, hysterectomy
Vaginal vault - sacropopexy, sacrospinous fixation
Vaginal wall - anterior and posterior repairs, mesh
Stress incontinence - tape, colposuspension
What is urodynamic stress incontinence?
Involuntary leakage of urine on effort, exertion, sneezing or coughing. Often due to urethral sphincter weakness.
Give 3 causes of urodynamic stress incontinence
Vaginal delivery and pregnancy
Obesity
Age
Previous hysterectomy
What is the mechanism for urodynamic stress incontinence?
1) Increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g. cough) causes the bladder to be compressed and bladder pressure to increase.
2) Normally, the bladder neck is also compressed and pressure also increases.
3) If pelvic supports are weak the bladder neck can slip below the pelvic floor, and therefore isn’t compressed - no pressure increase.
4) Bladder pressure > urethral pressure = incontinence
Give 2 symptoms of urodynamic stress incontinence
Stress incontinence
Urgency
Frequency
Urge incontinence
How is urodynamic stress incontinence examined?
Sims’ speculum
Abdominal exam
Cough
What are the investigations for urodynamic stress incontinence?
Urine dipstick
Cystometry
What are the 4 domains of management for urodynamic stress incontinence?
General, conservative, drugs, surgery
What is the general management for urodynamic stress incontinence?
Lose weight
Treat chronic coughs
Decrease excessive fluid intake
What is the conservative management for urodynamic stress incontinence?
Pelvic floor muscle training
Vaginal cones/sponges
What is the drug management for urodynamic stress incontinence?
Duloxetine
What type of drug is duloxetine
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor
What is the surgical treatment for urodynamic stress incontinence?
TVT
TOT
Burch colposuspension
Injectable periuretheral bulking agents
Define overactive bladder
Urgency with/without urge incontinence, usually with frequency or nocturia, in absence of proven infection
Define detrusor overactivity
Urodynamic diagnosis characterised by involuntary detrusor contractions during filling phase which may be spontaneous/provoked
Give 2 causes for overactive bladder
Idiopathic
Iatrogenic
Detrusor overactivity
What is the mechanism for overactive bladder?
1) Detrusor contractions large enough to make bladder pressure > urethral pressure
2) Leakage, urge incontinence
3) Can be spontaneous, due to a rise in intra-abdominal pressure, or due to a trigger (tap, key in door)
Give 3 symptoms of an overactive bladder
Urgency Urge incontinence Frequency Nocturia Stress incontinence Leakage at night/orgasm Childhood enuresis Faecal urgency
What are the investigations for overactive bladder?
Urinary diary
Cystometry
What are the 3 main treatment options for overactive bladder?
Conservative
Drugs
Surgery
What does conservative management of overactive bladder involve? (2)
Advice (decreased fluid intake, avoiding caffeine) Bladder training (delay voiding)
What does drug management of overactive bladder involve? (3)
Anticholinergics
Oestrogens
Botulinum toxin A
How do anticholinergics work in overactive bladder?
Block muscarinic receptors that mediate detrusor smooth muscle contractions
How does botulinum toxin A work in overactive bladder?
Blocks neuromuscular transmission, injected into detrusor
What does surgical management of overactive bladder involve?
Neuromodulation and sacral nerve stimulation (S3 nerve route)
Clam augmentation oleocystoplasty