Obstetrics and Gynaecology Flashcards
What is a bartholin abscess?
Acute infection of the bartholin gland duct by bacteria.
What is a bartholin cyst?
Chronic swelling after previous acute infection.
What is the management of a bartholin abscess?
Broad spectrum antibiotics.
Marsupialisation with general anaesthetic or word catheter with local anaesthetic.
What are the symptoms of lichen sclerosus?
Itching
Excoriation
Pain
Dyspareunia
How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed?
Usually clinical diagnosis.
Biopsy if unsure or suspicious areas.
What is the treatment for lichen sclerosus?
Topical steroid treatment.
Which virus usually causes genital herpes?
HSV-2
What is the appearance of genital herpes?
Painful vesicular rash
Dysuria
Dyspareunia
What is the management of genital herpes?
Oral aciclovir 400mg TID 5-10 days
Self care measures:
Oral analgesia
Apply salt water to help prevent infection and promote healing .
Vaseline or lidocaine 5% to help with painful micturition.
Increase fluid intake for dilute urine.
Urinate in bath to reduce stinging.
What is cervical ectropian?
Columnar cells from canal everted to cervix.
What are the symptoms of cervical ectopy?
Usually asymptomatic.
May get chronic discharge.
May get post-coital bleeding.
What is the treatment for cervical ectropian?
Cautery, cryotherapy or AgNO3, only if symptomatic.
What are the symptoms of cervical polyps?
Usually no symptoms
May be post-coital bleeding or post menopausal bleeding.
What are uterine fibroids?
Benign tumours of the myometrium.
Which different sites can fibroids be found?
Sub-mucosal
Intramural
Sub-serosal
What does the growth of fibroids depend on?
Oestrogen:
Grow during pregnancy, shrink after menopause.
Who gets fibroids?
70-80% of fifty year olds.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Heavy menstrual bleeding Abdominal swelling Pressure symptoms (e.g. ureteric obstruction) Subfertility Difficulties in pregnancy Pain (rare) - torsion or degeneration.
What are the signs of fibroids?
Abdominal or pelvic mass
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Clinical suspicion
Confirm by ultrasound
MRI to plan patient management.
How are fibroids managed?
Usually conservative management.
Medical management: - to control symptoms e.g. HMB
- prior to surgery e.g. GnRH analogues, uipristal acetate.
Surgical management:
Hysterectomy
Myomectomy (only to preserve fertility)
Uterine artery embolization
What are the symptoms of endometrial polyps?
Post menopausal bleeding.
Inter-menstrual bleeding.
Heavy menstrual bleeding.
How are endometrial polyps diagnosed?
May be suspected by transvaginal ultrasound.
Hysteroscopy
Histology
What is the treatment for polyps?
Usually hysteroscopy and polypectomy
What is pelvic inflammatory disease?
Ascending infection from cervix e.g. salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess
What causes pelvic inflammatory disease?
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
E coli
Anaerobes
What are the complications of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Infertility (20%)
Ectopic pregnancy (10%)
Chronic pelvic pain (20%)
What are the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Symptomless in 65% Anorexia and general malaise Lower abdominal pain (bilateral, acute abdomen if abscess) Deep dyspareunia Variable discharge (often purulent) Post coital bleeding Intermenstrual bleeding
What are the signs of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Pyrexia Tachycardia Abdominal distension and tenderness Rebound and guarding RUQ tenderness Very tender on vaginal examination Sepculum - discharge
What are the investigations of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Urine pregnancy test (PID rare with intrauterine pregnancy)
FBC + CRP (WCC and CRP raised in severe disease)
MSU (exclude UTI)
Swabs (chlamydia, GC, anaerobes)
Transvaginal ultrasound (tubo-ovarian abscess)
Laparoscopy (if diagnosis uncertain)
What is the management of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Empirical antibiotics: ceftriaxone 500mg IM stat, then oral doxycycline 100mg BD + metronidazole 400mg BD both for 14 days.
Pain relief - ibuprofen or paracetamol
Refer to GU medicien to screen for other infections and contact tracing.
What is hydrosalpinx?
A condition in which the fallopian tube becomes blocked and filled with fluid, often becomes distended.
What are the symptoms of hydrosalpinx?
Usually none after acute infective phase.
Occasional pelvic pain
Often subfertilitly/infertility.
How is hydrosalpinx diagnosed?
May be suspected by transvaginal ultrasound.
Laparoscopy
Hysterosalpingogram
What is the treatment for hydrosalpinx?
If symptoms free - conservative.
If pelvic pain - bilateral salpingectomy
If infertility - IVF, usually after salpingectomy
What are the types of ovarian cyst?
Functional cyst
Dermoid cyst
Epithelial cyst
Endometriotic cyst
What are the clinical features of ovarian cysts?
None
Pain
Abdominal or pelvic swelling
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Ultrasound or CT or MRI
CA125 and other markers (CEA, aFP, hCG)
What is the management of ovarian cysts?
If symptom free and <6cm, conservative.
Usually remove if >6cm and/or symptomatic
How are ovarian cysts removed?
Ovarian cystectomy or oopherectomy.
Laparoscopic if possible, or open.
Histology essential.
What are the types of functional ovarian cyst?
Follicular
Luteal
Both related to menstrual cycle and usually resolve in 6-12 weeks.
What is a benign cystic teratoma also known as?
A dermoid cyst
What do dermoid cysts often contain?
Hair
Bone
Teeth
How are dermoid cysts diagnosed?
Ultrasound +/- CT
What is the management of a dermoid cyst?
Ovarian cystectomy or oophorectomy
Laparoscopic or open
What are the types of epithelial ovarian cysts?
Serous or mucinous cystadenomas.
What are the symptoms of an epithelial ovarian cyst?
Abdominal swelling
Pain (torsion)
What are the investigations of an ovarian cyst?
Imaging - US, CT/MRI
Tumour markers - esp. CA125
What is the management of epithelial ovarian cysts?
Surgical - usually open.
What are the complications of cysts?
Torsion
Rupture
Haemorrhage
Infection
What are the signs and symptoms of a complication with a cyst?
Lower unilateral abdominal pain
Abdominal and perivaginal tenderness.
What are the investigations of a cyst ‘accident’?
Pregnancy test MSU to rule out UTI Vaginal/cervical swabs - ?PID FBC and CRP CA125 TV ultrasound
What is the management of a cyst ‘accident’?
Oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy
What is endometriosis?
An oestrogen-dependent benign
inflammatory disease characterised by
ectopic endometrium, often
accompanied by cysts & fibrosis.
What are the causes of endometriosis?
Uncertain - several theories.
Heritable component.
Retrograde menstruation plays a part.
What are the three types of endometriosis?
Superficial peritoneal lesions (minimal and mild)
Deep infiltrating lesions (moderate and severe)
Ovarian cysts (endometriomas)
How common is enddometriosis?
1.5-15% of women
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
May be suspected from history and VE.
TVU helpul.
CA125 often raised.
Laparoscopy and biopsy only reliable investigation.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Dysmenorrhoea
Dyspareunia
Pelvic pain
Subfertility
What are the signs of endometriosis?
Fixed, tender, retroverted uterus
What is the management for endometriosis?
If symptom free - conservative.
Medical for symptom relief - NSAIDs, progestogens, COCP, mirena
Prior to surgery - GnRH analogues
Definitive treatment is surgical - cautery if mild, ovarian cystectomy if endometrioma
If infertility - IVF
What is vulvodynia?
Sensation of vulval burning and soreness - but no obvious skin problem. No itching.
Hypersensitivity of vulval nerve fibres.
What is the management of vulvodynia?
Low dose tricyclic antidepressants.
Lubricants
Vulval care advice.
What is chronic pelvic pain syndrome?
Intermittent or constant lower abdo pain for more than six months.
Physical, psychological and social factors.
Which HPV subtypes are highest risk for cervical cancer?
16, 18
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
HPV Smoking Early first episode of sexual intercourse Combined oral contraceptive pill use. Multiple sexual partners Immunosuppression
What is the pathophysiology of HPV leading to cervical cancer?
HPV enters cervical cells, releases proteins E6 and E7 which are essential for keeping HPV inside cells.
E6 and E7 bind to tumour suppressor protein p53, Rb.
Cervical cells now vulnerable to unchecked genetic changes and cancer.
What is the HPV vaccination programme?
All girls aged 11-13 years vaccinated in school. Two injections at least 6 months apart.
Which conditions does the HPV vaccine protect against?
Cervical, vulval, vaginal, anal cancer and genital warts.
Which strains of HPV does the HPV vaccine protect against?
6, 11, 16, 18
Who is eligible for the cervical screening programme?
Ages 25-65 years.
Age 25-49 it is 3 years.
Age >50 it is 5 years.
What is the anatomy of the cervix?
Fibromuscular organ.
Inner surface (canal) is lined by columnar epithelium.
This is continuous with squamous epithelium lining the outer part of the cervix.
Junction is the transformation zone.
How does HPV affect the anatomy of the cervix?
Interferes with physiological metaplasia in the transformation zone. Leads to dysplasia (CIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
What is the appropriate investigation if the cervix is visibly abnormal?
Biopsy:
- punch
- large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ)
Speculum is inappropriate for visible abnormality, screening tool only.
Who is referred for colposcopy?
People with an abnormal screening or smear.
People with suspicious symptoms or cervix.k
How does colposcopy work?
Binocular microscope. Apply acetic acid. Observe for changes. Obtain biopsy. Treatment of HGCIN.
What is CIN 1?
Low grade changes and given time to resolve.
Which level of CIN is treatment offered?
2 and 3
What is the treatment for CIN?
Destructive - cold coagulation, cryotherapy
Excisional - LLETZ, cold knife cone, laser excision.
When is the follow up after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?
Community smear at 6 months with hr HPV test.
What is the most common histopathological subtype of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma.
What is the presentation of cervical cancer?
Unscheduled vaginal bleeding Sero-sanguinous offensive vaginal discharge Obstructive renal failure. Supraclavicular node. Asymptomatic.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
Examination
PR to assess parametrium
Colposcopy to assess cervix and obtain a biopsy.
What are the types of biopsy used to assess the cervix?
Punch
LLETZ
Which imaging is used in the investigations for cervical cancer?
MRI
CT
PET-CT
What is the name of the staging for cervical cancer?
FIGO
What are the subtypes of stage 1 of cervical cancer?
IA1 - DOI <3mm, horizontal <7mm
IA2 - DOI 3-5mm, Horizontal <7mm
IB1 - visible lesion, <4cm
IB2 - >4cm
What are the subtypes of stage II cervical cancer?
IIA - involves upper 2/3 of vagina
IIB - parametrial involvement
What are the subtypes of stage III cervical cancer?
IIIA - involvement of lower 1/3 of vagina
IIIB - Extends to pelvic side wall, hydronephrosis, non-functioning kidney.
What are the subtypes of stage IV cervical cancer?
IVA - Tumour has spread to adjacent pelvic organs
IVB - Spread to distant organs
What is the management of cervical cancer?
Surgery
Chemotherapy (cisplatin, EBRT, VBT) Radiotherapy
What is the fertility sparing treatment for cervical cancer?
LLETZ
Trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy
What is the non-fertility sparing treatment for cervical cancer?
Hysterectomy
What are the risk factors for vulval cancer?
Smoking
HPV
Altered immune system
Lichen sclerosus
What type of cancer are most vulval cancers?
90% squamous carcinomas
What does VIN stand for?
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
Which VIN types are managed as high grade disease?
VIN 2, 3
What are the four pathological types of VIN?
- Usual type
- Warty
- Basaloid
- Differentiated
Describe usual type VIN.
Thickened
Keratinocytes are disorganised.
High nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio
Nuclear atypic and abnormal mitotic figures.
Describe warty type VIN.
Papillary configuration.
Multinucleate cells, koliocytes and dyskeratotic cells
Describe basaloid VIN.
Flat surface.
Less differentiated cells with a high nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio.
Describe differentiated VIN.
Thickened epidermis
Surface parakeratosis
Elongated rete ridges
Enlarged keratinocytes
How are VIN subtypes differentiated?
Immunohistochemistry.
What is the clinical presentation of VIN?
Pruritus Pain Ulceration Leukoplakia Lump/wart 20% asymptomatic
Where are the commonest sites for VIN?
Labia majora Labia minora Posterior fourchette Mons pubis Clitoris Perineal Perianal
What is the appearance of VIN?
Red/white plaques
Papular, polypoid, verruciform
How is VIN diagnosed?
Biopsy
Incisional - original lesion remains to aid treatment planning
Excision
Which type of VIN is more likely to progress to malignancy?
Differentiated
What is the management of high grade VIN?
Surgical excision
Ablation
Imiquimod
How is imiquimod used in VIN?
Immune response modifier.
Topical 2-3 times per week.
16 weeks .
Local and systemic side effects affect compliance.
What are the symptoms of vulval cancer?
Lump Pain Bleeding Discharge Swollen leg Groin lump
What are the signs of vulval cancer?
Mass Ulceration Colour changes Elevation and Irregularity of surface Inguinal lymphadenopathy Lower limb lymphoedema
What are the investigations of vulval cancer?
Biopsy
Locoregional lymph nodes - ultrasound, CT, MRI
What is the staging for vulval cancer?
FIGO staging
Depth of invasion - measured from deepest point of tumour to the epithelial stromal junction.
Nodal status is critical in predicting survival.
Describe the FIGO staging of vulval cancer.
Stage 1:
IA - <2cm, DOI <1mm
IB - >2cm, DOI >1mm
Stage 2:
Involvement of lower vagina, urethra, anus
Stage 3:
Stage IIIA - spread to 1 lymph node and is 5mm/+ OR spread to 1/2 nodes but <5mm
Stage IIIB - 2/+ nodes and are > 5mm in size OR 3/+ nodes and <5mm
IIIC - in lymph nodes and spread is outside capsule
Stage IVA - spread upper vagina, upper urethra, bladder/anus. Attached to pelvic bone.
Stage IVB - spread to lymph nodes in pelvis/higher or other organs
What is the management of vulval cancer?
Surgical
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy post op
What are the prognostic factors for vulval cancer?
Depth of involvement Involvement of other structures (clitoris) Histological sub types LVSI Excision margins Nodes
What is the surgical management of vulval cancer?
Vulvectomy +/- inguinal lymphadenectomy
What is the reconstruction after vulval cancer?
Grafts - split skin, full thickness
Flaps - myocutaneous, fasciocutaneous
What are the complications of lympadenectomy?
Delayed wound healing Infection Wound breaking. Lymphedema Recurrent infection
What is a sentinal node?
The first node in the lymphatic system that drains the locus of primary tumour.
What is the definition of subfertility?
The inability of the couple to achieve a clinical pregnancy after twelve months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
What is the chance of a couple becoming pregnant after one year of trying?
80%
What is the chance of a couple becoming pregnant after 2 years of trying?
90%
What are the factors affecting fertility?
Age (mostly women)
Duration of subfertility
Timing of intercourse
Female weight (less likely if BMI <20 or >30)
What pre-conception advice should be given to a subfertile couple?
Stop smoking Drink less than 2 units a week of alcohol Don't take recreational drugs If obese, lose weight. If underweight, gain weight.
How should a semen sample be provided?
After 2-5 days of abstinence.
What does the laboratory report show about semen?
Concentration (15m/ml) Total motility (>40%) Normal forms (>4%)
What are abnormal semen results due to?
Low (or absent) sperm numbers.
Low motililty.
Poor quality sperm.
What does azoospermia mean?
Absent sperm
What does oligospermia mean?
Very few sperm
what does asthenospermia mean?
Very immotile sperm
What does teratospermia mean?
Abnormal morphology
What is male subfertility due to defects in?
Sperm transportation
Sperm production
Hypogonadotrophism (rare)
How should the subfertile male be assessed?
Seminal analysis History Testicular examination FSH Karyotype if severe oligo or azoospermia
What would lead to a diagnosis of obstructive azoospermia?
Normal sperm production (normal FSH)
Normal testicular volumes
Sperm not present in ejaculate
What might cause obstructive azoospermia?
Blockage in epididymis or vas
Congenital absence of vas deferens.
What would lead to a diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia?
Testicular failure (raised FSH) Small testicular volumes
Which further investigations would be carried out in a subfertile man with small testicular volumes?
Biopsy (?any spermatogenesis)
Karyotype for XXY or Y microdeletions
What would cause failure to stimulate spermatogenesis?
Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Low FSH
What is the fertility management for subfertile males?
Usually IVF with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection
How do you check if a woman is releasing an egg?
Is the cycle regular?
Check mid-luteal phase progesterone if cycle is regular.
What is the WHO classification of anovulation?
Group I - hypothalamic pituitary failure
Group II - hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction
Group III - ovarian failure
What do women with group I anovulation typically present with?
Amenorrhoea
Low gonadotrophins and oestrogen deficiency
What is the management for women with group I anovulation?
Increase BMI and decrease exercise (in moderation)
GnRH agonist:
- give in a pump for pulsatile release
Gonadotrophins
What is the most common type of anovulation in women?
Group II (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction)
What causes group II anovulation in women?
Polycystic ovary disease
Hyperprolactinaemia
Thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
What is the name of the criteria used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?
Rotterdam criteria
Which features lead to a diagnosis of polycystic ovary disease?
2 out of 3 of:
- Biochemical or clinical evidence of androgen excess
- Amenorrhoea or oligomenorhoea
- TV ultrasound features of PCOS (string of pearls)
What is the management of PCOS?
Weight reduction (even if normal BMI)
Drug therapy
Ovarian drilling
Assisted reproductive technology
What is traditionally first line therapy for PCOS?
Clomifene
What is clomifene?
A selective oestrogen receptor modulator
What is letrozole therapy?
Aromatase inhibitor used in PCOS (traditionally used in advanced breast cancer).
How does letrozole work?
Blocks oestrogen biosynthesis
What are the further management options for PCOS if clomifene or letrozole don’t work?
Add metformin
Ovarian drilling
Gonadotrophin therapy
In vitro fertilization
What is ovarian hyperstimulation?
Ovaries ‘over respond’ to gonadotrophin injections, can lead to systemic disease such as: thrombosis, renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, adult respiratory distress syndrome.
What are the causes of ovarian failure?
Idiopathic (premature ovarian failure)
Autoimmune
Ovarian chemotherapy/radiation/surgery
Chromosomal (Turner syndrome or mosaic)
What are the clinical findings in women with ovarian failure?
Amenorrhoea
Increased FSH
Decreased E2
What are the management options for women with ovarian failure?
May have functional Graafian follicles in the ovary - may conceive without treatment but pregnancy rates very low.
Assisted conception - IVF + oocyte donation
What is tubal subfertility?
Problems with ovum pick up or gamete transport.
What are the causes of tubal subfertility?
PID
Endometriosis
Tubes may not be blocked, just malfunctioning.
May be history of previous infections or ectopic pregnancy.
What are the investigations of tubal subfertility?
Chlamydia TV ultrasound Hystero-salpingo-gram (x-ray with radio-opaque dye into uterus) Hysterosalpingo-contrast-ultrasonography Laparoscopy and dye test.
What is the management for tubal subfertility?
IVF
If hydrosalpinges, consider salpingectomy or clipping
What is the management of endometriosis related subfertility?
Expectant
Medical - for symptom relief only
Surgical - diathermy, ovarian cystectomy
IVF
What percentage of people with subfertility will have unexplained subfertility?
25%
What does assisted reproductive technoloy (ART) consist of?
Ovulation induction
IVF
What is the live birth rate from use of ART?
25% each cycle
What is the eligibility criteria for IVF in Scotland?
Co-habiting in a stable relationship >2 years <42 years of age BMI >18.5 and <30 Both partners non-smokers At least partner with no child Not sterilised
Describe the micturition cycle.
Bladder fills: - detrusor muscle relaxes - urethral sphincter contracts - pelvic floor contracts First sensation to void: - bladder half full, urination voluntarily inhibited until appropriate time Normal desire to void Micturition: - detrusor muscle contracts - pelvic floor muscle relaxes
What are the types of urinary incontinence in women?
Urgency incontinence
Mixed incontinence
Stress incontinence
What is the definition of incontinence?
Involuntary loss of urine which can be objectively demonstrated and which is a social or hygienic problem.
What is overactive bladder
The symptoms of urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia.
What is urge incontinence?
Leakage of urine in response to an involuntary contraction of the detrusor muscle.
What is the most common cause of incontinence in adult women?
Stress urinary incontinence
What happens in stress urinary incontinence?
Leakage occurs with rise in intra-abdominal pressure without a detrusor contraction (coughing, laughing, running, walking)
What is the definition of stress urinary incontinence?
Sign or symptom of urinary leakage with increased intra-abdominal pressure.
What is the definition of urodynamic stress incontinence?
Urodynamic proven leakage of urine with increased intra-abdominal pressure.
What percentage of women with incontinence of coexisting stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder?
30%
What are the potential causes of overactive bladder?
Neurological Constipation Previous surgery UTI Caffeine Alcohol Bladder abnormalities High urine production due to medication, excess fluid intake, diabetes, poor kidney function
What is the aetiology of stress urinary incontinence?
Loss of suburethral support causing increased urethral mobility (urethral hypermobility) leads to movement of proximal urethral sphincter out of the abdominal space, so increased intraabdominal pressure not spread evenly throughout bladder.
How should women with incontinence be examined?
Abdominal/bimanual examination: - pelvic masses - palpable bladder - impression of pelvic floor tone Vaginal examination
Which investigations should be carried out on women with incontinence?
Urinary dip +/- culture
Bladder diary (minimum 3 days)
Cystoscopy and renal tract imaging
Urodynamic testing
What can be used to measure study of bladder function?
Uroflowmetry
Filling and voiding cystometry (measures pressures in bladder and abdomen)
What is the management of incontinence?
Conservative: - continence advice and lifestyle changes - physiotherapy (kegel exercises) - bladder retraining Medical - antibiotics - anticholinergics - B3 agonists - duloextine Surgical
What is bladder retraining?
Minimum of 6 weeks of relearning higher cortical control of detrusor muscle.
Patient empties bladder to strict time schedule (usually hourly) with time between voids increasing gradually.
Techniques to aid training:
- distraction
- sit on a hard seat
- pelvic floor squeezes
What are the common side effects of anticholinergics?
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Constipation
How long should treatment with anticholinergics last to elicit a response?
4-6 weeks.
What is the medical management of stress urinary incontinence?
Vaginal oestrogen if post menopausal
Duloxetine
What is the surgical management of an overactive bladder?
Botox injections to detrusor muscle - effects last 3 to 13 months. Need to be able to perform self catheterisation.
Percutaneous sacral nerve stimulation
Augmentation cystoplasty
Urinary diversion.
What is the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence?
Synthetic tapes.
Colposuspension
Biological slings
Intramural bulking agents.
What is prolapse?
Prolapse is defined as protrusion of the uterus and/or vagina beyond normal anatomical confines.
Which structures provide support to the uterus?
Vaginal walls
Transverse cervical ligaments
Round and broad ligaments
Indirect support from pelvic floor
Which structures provide support to the cervix and upper 1/3 of the vagina?
Transverse cervical ligament
Uterosacral ligaments
What are the risk factors for prolapse?
Age
Vaginal delivery
Increasing parity
Raised intra-abdominal pressure (obesity, chronic cough, chronic constipation)
What are the clinical features of uterovaginal prolapse?
Vaginal:
- sensation of pressure, fullness, heaviness.
- sensation of a bulge, ‘something coming down’
- worse at the end of the day, better when lying down
- bleeding
-discharge
- backache
Coital difficulty - dyspareunia
Urinary incontinence/urgency/frequency
Bowel: constipation/incontinence/incomplete evacuation
May be asymptomatic
What is the grading for vaginal prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), grade 1-4
What is a stage 1 prolapse?
More than 1cm above hymenal ring.
What is a stage 2 prolapse?
Prolapse extends from 1cm above to 1cm below hymenal ring
What is a stage 3 prolapse?
Prolapse extends 1cm or more below hymenal ring (no vaginal eversion)
What is a stage 4 prolapse?
Vagina completely everted.
What is a cystocele?
Bladder protrudes
What is a urethrocele?
Descent of the anterior vaginal wall where the urethra sits.
What is a rectocele?
Rectum protrudes.
What is an enterocele?
Upper vagina, descent of vagina and peritoneal sac
What is the commonest type of prolapse?
A cystocele
What is the management of a vaginal vault prolapse following a hysterectomy?
Conservative:
- lifestyle advice
- pelvic floor exercises
- pessaries
- vaginal oestrogens
Surgical:
- vaginal
- abdominal
Where is a ring pessary placed?
Between the posterior aspect of the symphysis pubis and the posterior fornix of the vagina.
What are the complications of a pessary?
May interfere with sexual intercourse. Ulceration Infection Difficulty and discomfort during removal Fistula if neglected.
When is surgical management of a prolapse indicated?
If pessaries have failed
Patient wants definitive treatment.
Prolapse is combined with urinary or faecal incontinence.
What is the name of the surgery to repair and anterior compartment defect?
Anterior colporrhaphy
What are the possible complications of an anterior compartment defect?
Dysparaeunia
Incontinence
Failure
Recurrence (30% within 5 years)