Uterine Prolapse

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Uterine Prolapse: Intro & Risks - Slippery Slope Starters

  • Uterine prolapse: Downward displacement of the uterus into or beyond the vaginal canal.
  • Key Risk Factors:
    • Parity: Multiparity significantly ↑ risk.
    • Advancing age: Weakening of pelvic support structures.
    • Obesity: BMI > 30 kg/m² ↑ intra-abdominal pressure.
    • Chronic straining: Constipation, chronic cough.
    • Vaginal delivery: Especially instrumental or traumatic.
    • Family history & genetics.
    • Connective tissue disorders.
    • Previous pelvic surgery. Sagittal view of female pelvis

⭐ Vaginal childbirth is the most significant predisposing factor for uterine prolapse development later in life.

Pelvic Supports & Failure: Anatomy's Anchor Adrift

  • DeLancey's Levels of Vaginal Support: Crucial for understanding prolapse.
    • Level I (Apical Suspension): Cardinal & Uterosacral ligaments; suspend cervix/upper vagina.
    • Level II (Lateral Attachment): Paravaginal attachments to Arcus Tendineus Fascia Pelvis (ATFP); support mid-vagina.
    • Level III (Distal Fusion): Perineal body, perineal membrane & muscles; support distal vagina/urethra.
  • Primary Anatomical Supports:
    • Ligaments: Uterosacral, Cardinal (Mackenrodt's), Pubocervical.
    • Muscles: Levator ani (puborectalis, pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus) - forms pelvic diaphragm.
    • Fascia: Endopelvic fascia (pubocervical & rectovaginal components).
  • Pathophysiology of Failure:
    • Direct trauma (childbirth), chronic ↑Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP), nerve damage (pudendal), estrogen deficiency, iatrogenic. DeLancey's Levels of Female Pelvic Support

⭐ The Uterosacral ligaments (Level I support) are paramount; their laxity is the most common reason for uterine/apical prolapse.

Symptoms & Staging (POP-Q): Grading the Sag

Symptoms:

  • Pelvic heaviness, "lump/dragging" sensation
  • Urinary: Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), urgency, retention
  • Bowel: Constipation, splinting
  • Sexual: Dyspareunia
  • Low backache

POP-Q Staging (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification):

  • Objective system; measurements (cm) to hymen (0 point).
  • Stage 0: No prolapse (key points typically at -3 cm).
  • Stage I: Leading edge > 1 cm above hymen (value < -1 cm).
  • Stage II: Leading edge between -1 cm and +1 cm relative to hymen.
  • Stage III: Leading edge > 1 cm below hymen, but < (tvl-2) cm.
  • Stage IV: Complete eversion (leading edge ≥ (tvl-2) cm). POP-Q Staging System Diagram

⭐ The hymen serves as the fixed anatomical reference point (0 cm) for all POP-Q measurements.

Diagnosis & Treatment: Prolapse Repair Plan

  • Diagnosis:

    • History: Symptoms (bulge, pressure, voiding/defecatory dysfunction).
    • Examination: Pelvic exam (Sims' speculum, bimanual), assess with Valsalva. POP-Q staging for severity.
    • Investigations: Urine routine/microscopy, Ultrasound (if mass suspected). Urodynamics if significant urinary symptoms.
  • Treatment Goals: Alleviate symptoms, restore anatomy & function, improve quality of life.

  • Management Options:

    • Conservative (First-line/Mild/Unfit for surgery):
      • Lifestyle: Weight loss, manage constipation/chronic cough.
      • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT/Kegel's).
      • Pessaries: Ring, Gellhorn. Regular follow-up for hygiene & erosions.
    • Surgical (Symptomatic/Failed Conservative/Patient Choice):
      • Reconstructive (Preserves vaginal function):
        • Uterus Preserving: Manchester repair, Sacrohysteropexy.
        • With Hysterectomy: Vaginal hysterectomy + pelvic floor repair (e.g., McCall culdoplasty, Sacrospinous Fixation (SSF), Uterosacral Ligament Suspension (USLS)). Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy (gold standard for apical/vault prolapse).
      • Obliterative (Closes vagina; for frail, not sexually active):
        • Colpocleisis (LeFort partial or complete).

Sacrocolpopexy mesh placement for uterine prolapse

McCall culdoplasty, performed during vaginal hysterectomy, helps prevent post-operative vault prolapse by suspending vaginal apex to uterosacral ligaments.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Uterine prolapse: Apical compartment descent of uterus/cervix into or beyond the vagina.
  • Major risks: Multiparity, advancing age, obesity, chronic ↑intra-abdominal pressure.
  • POP-Q system is the standardized method for staging prolapse.
  • Common symptoms: Pelvic heaviness, sensation of a vaginal bulge, urinary/bowel dysfunction.
  • Conservative management: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels), vaginal pessaries.
  • Surgical options: Vaginal hysterectomy with apical support procedures (e.g., sacrospinous fixation).
  • Weakness of Level I support (uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex) is primary defect.

Practice Questions: Uterine Prolapse

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 65-year-old P3+0 female complains of procidentia. She has a past history significant for MI and is diabetic and hypertensive. The patient is not sexually active. Ideal management of prolapse in this patient is:

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Flashcards: Uterine Prolapse

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Cystocele and rectocele occur due to damage to level _____ of DeLancey's levels of support

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Cystocele and rectocele occur due to damage to level _____ of DeLancey's levels of support

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