Prolapse Flashcards
What is the overall structure and function of the pelvic floor?
consists of muscular and fascial structures that provide support to the pelvic viscera and the external openings of the vagina, urethra and rectum
What are 5 key ligaments / muscles to be aware of when it comes to pelvic anatomy?
- Round ligament
- Cardinal ligament
- Uterosacral ligament
- Levator ani
- Perineal muscle
How do the uterus and vagina relate to the rest of the pelvic anatomy?
they are suspended from pelvic side walls by endopelvic fascial attachments that support the vagina at three levels
What is level 1 of vaginal support?
the cervix and upper third of the vagina are supported by the cardinal (transverse cervical) and uterosacral ligaments. these are attached to the cervix and suspend the uterus from the pelvic sidewall and sacrum respectively
What is level 2 of vaginal support?
the mid-portion of the vagina is attached by endofascial condensation (endopelvic fascia) laterally to the pelvic side walls.
What is level 3 of vaginal support?
he lower third of the vagina is supported by the levator ani muscles and the perineal body. The levator ani, together with its associated fascia, is termed the pelvic diaphragm.
What is the normal axis of the vagina and what does it lie in relation to?
normally lies in horizontal plane, flat on the levator muscles and the perineal body
Why is the normal lie of the vaginal important?
protects it during coughing and other activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure
Why is it important to know the different levels of support of the vagina?
damage at different levels of vaginal support causes different types of prolapse
What are 5 types of causes of prolapse?
- Pregnancy and vaginal delivery
- Congenital factors
- Menopause
- Chronic predisposing factors
- Iatrogenic factors
Why can vaginal delivery result in prolapse?
may cause mechanical injuries and denervation of the pelvic floor
What are 3 factors that increase the risk of vaginal delivery causing prolapse?
- Large babies
- Prolonged second stage
- Intrumental delivery (particularly forceps)
What are is an example of congenital factor that can predispose to prolapse?
abnormal collagen metabolism in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
What is thought to cause increase prolapse incidence following the menopause?
may be due to deterioration of collagenous connective tissue that occurs following oestrogen withdrawal
What do chronic predisposing factors to prolapse have in common?
chronic increase in intra-abdominal pressure
What are 5 chronic predisposing factors to prolapse?
- Obesity
- Chronic cough
- Constipation
- Heavy lifting
- Pelvic mass
What are 2 examples of iatrogenic factors that can influence the occurrence of prolapse?
- Hysterectomy
- Continence procedures
How can previous hysterectomy predispose to prolapse?
Associated with susbequent vaginal vault prolapse (particularly when indication for the surgery was prolapse)
How can continence procedures predispose to prolapse?
although elevating the bladder neck, they may lead to defects in other pelvic compartments (Burch colposuspension may predispose to rectocele and enterocele formation)
What is an example of a continence procedure that can predispose to prolapse, and which types of prolapse can it lead to?
Burch colposuspension (repositioning muscles that connect bladder to the urethra)
- may predispose to rectocele and enterocele formation
What is the definition of prolapse?
protrusion of the uterus and/or vagina beyond normal anatomical confines. Bladder, urethra, rectum, bowel also often involved
How common is prolapse believed to be?
difficult to define as many women don’t seek help; probably extremely common and present in varying degrees in most older parous women
What are the 4 key types of prolapse?
- Cystocele
- Uterine (apical) prolapse
- Eneterocele
- Rectocele
What is a cystocele?
prolapse of anterior vaginal wall, involving bladder. Often associated prolapse of urethra in which case term cysto-urethrocele is used
What is meant by uterine (apical) prolapse?
term used to describe prolapse of uterus, cervix, and upper vagina
What type of prolapse can occur if the uterus has been removed?
the vault aka top of vagina, where uterus used ot be, can itself prolapse (vaginal vault prolapse)
What is the definition of enterocele?
prolapse of upper posterior wall of vagina; resulting pouch often contains loops of bowel
What is a rectocele?
prolapse of lower posterior wall of the vagina, involving the anterior wall of the rectum
What are 3 things that must be described when giving a measurement of the extent of a prolapse?
- Position of patient
- At rest or straining
- Whether traction is employed
What are the 3 degrees of the Baden-Walker classification of urogenital prolapse?
- First degree: the lowest part of the prolapse descends halfway down the vaginal axis to the introitus
- Second degree: the lowest part of the prolapse extends to the level of the introituse and through the introitus on straining.
- Third degree: the lowest part of the prolapse extends through the introitus and lies outside the vagina
What is meant by procidentia?
third degree uterine prolapse
What are 5 of the most common general symptoms of prolapse?
- dragging sensation, discomfort, and heaviness within the pelvis
- feeling of ‘a lump coming down’
- dyspareunia
- difficulty in inserting tampons
- discomfort and backache.
What are 3 symptoms of prolapse specific to a cysto-urethrocele?
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary retention or reduced flow where the urethra is kinked by descent of the anterior vaginal wall
What are 2 symptoms of prolapse specific to rectoceles?
- Constipation
- Difficulty with defecation (may digitally reduce to defecate)
What are 2 things that can cause prolapse symptoms to become worse?
- Prolonged standing
- Towards end of day
What are secondary symptoms that can occur in grade 3 or 4 of prolapse?
Mucosal ulceration and lichenification, resulting in vaginal bleeding and discharge