Urogynecology Practice Questions

Q: Regarding 'DeLancey's levels of vaginal support', consider the following pairs:

1, 2 and 3. ***1, 2 and 3*** - DeLancey's levels of vaginal support categorize the anatomical support structures of the vagina into three levels, providing a framework for understanding pelvic organ prolapse. - **Level I** refers to the **apical support** provided by the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments, supporting the uterus and upper vagina. - **Level II** supports the **mid-vagina**, including the paravaginal attachments to the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP), providing lateral support. - **Level III** supports the **distal vagina**, including the fusion of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls with the levator ani muscles, perineal body, and urethral support. *2 only* - This option is incomplete as it only recognizes Level II, which supports the mid-vagina, but omits the correct descriptions for Levels I and III, which are also accurately presented. - All three levels described in the table correspond correctly to DeLancey's levels of vaginal support. *1 and 3 only* - This option is incomplete as it misses the correct description for Level II, which accurately states it supports the mid-vagina. - While Level I and Level III are correctly described, a comprehensive understanding requires all three levels. *2 and 3 only* - This option is incomplete because it omits the correct description for Level I, which corresponds to apical support. - Even though Levels II and III are correctly described, all three levels presented in the table are consistent with DeLancey's classification.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a component of Fothergill’s operation as a conservative surgery for uterovaginal prolapse?

Cervicopexy. ***Cervicopexy*** - **Cervicopexy** involves fixing the cervix to a stable structure, which is generally part of reconstructive surgeries for prolapse but isn't a primary component of Fothergill's operation. - Fothergill's operation focuses on excising excess cervical tissue and strengthening the supports, rather than suspending the entire cervix. *Amputation of cervix* - **Cervical amputation** (also known as trachelorrhaphy in some contexts or Sturmdorf sutures) is a key step, where the elongated cervix is amputated to reduce its length and thus improve uterine support. - This step addresses the hypertrophied cervix often seen with uterovaginal prolapse, especially in cases of cervical elongation. *Plication of Mackenrodt's ligaments* - **Plication of Mackenrodt's (cardinal) ligaments** is crucial to shorten and strengthen the main uterine supports, helping to restore the uterus to its normal position. - This tightens the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, enhancing the anatomical support for the uterus and cervix. *Anterior colporrhaphy* - **Anterior colporrhaphy** is almost always performed concurrently to repair the often present **cystocele** and strengthen the anterior vaginal wall. - This addresses defects in the anterior vaginal wall, preventing or correcting bladder prolapse and further stabilizing the pelvic floor.

Q: The level of external cervical os in a second degree utero vaginal prolapse is:

Introitus. ***Introitus*** - In a **second-degree uterovaginal prolapse**, the external cervical os descends to the level of the introitus (hymenal ring). - The cervix reaches the vaginal opening but does not extend beyond it, typically becoming visible during straining or examination. - This is the defining characteristic of second-degree prolapse. *Between ischial spines and introitus* - This description refers to a **first-degree uterovaginal prolapse**, where the cervix descends into the lower vagina but remains above the introitus. - The external os has not yet reached the **introitus** and remains within the vaginal canal. *3 cm outside introitus* - This indicates a **third-degree uterovaginal prolapse (procidentia)**, where the cervix and entire uterus descend completely outside the vagina. - The measurement of 3 cm outside the introitus represents significant prolapse beyond the vaginal opening. *At the level of ischial spines* - The **ischial spines** serve as the anatomical zero point in the POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) staging system. - If the external cervical os is at the level of the ischial spines, this represents minimal or no prolapse, as the cervix is in its normal anatomical position high in the vagina.

Q: Treatment of choice in 28 year old nullipara with third degree cervical descent is:

Abdominal cervicopexy. ***Abdominal cervicopexy (Sacrohysteropexy)*** - For a **28-year-old nullipara**, **fertility preservation is paramount** as she may desire future pregnancies. - **Abdominal cervicopexy** (or sacrohysteropexy) suspends the uterus to the sacral promontory using mesh, effectively correcting third-degree uterine prolapse while **preserving the uterus and fertility potential**. - This is the **treatment of choice** in young women with significant pelvic organ prolapse who wish to maintain reproductive capability. - Has high success rates (>90%) with good anatomical outcomes and allows for future vaginal delivery in most cases. *Vaginal hysterectomy with PFR* - While this provides definitive surgical correction of prolapse, it **permanently eliminates fertility**. - This would be inappropriate as first-line treatment for a 28-year-old nulliparous patient unless she explicitly declines uterine preservation. - Reserved for patients who have **completed childbearing** or have additional indications for hysterectomy. *Fothergill's repair (Manchester repair)* - Involves cervical amputation, cardinal ligament shortening, and anterior colporrhaphy. - Although it preserves the uterus, it is **less effective for high-grade prolapse** (third degree) and may compromise fertility due to cervical amputation. - Has largely been replaced by modern uterine suspension procedures like sacrohysteropexy. *Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy* - Repairs **cystocele and rectocele** (vaginal wall defects) but **does not address uterine/cervical descent**. - Would be inadequate as sole treatment for third-degree uterine prolapse, though may be performed as adjunctive procedures.

Q: Surgical treatment of choice for a 20 year old nulliparous woman with uterine prolapse is:

Sacrocolpopexy. ***Sacrocolpopexy (Sacrohysteropexy variant)*** - For a **young, nulliparous woman**, the procedure of choice is **sacrohysteropexy** (also called sacrocervicopexy), which involves attaching the **uterus/cervix** to the **sacrum** using synthetic mesh, providing durable support while preserving the uterus. - This is ideal for young women as it **preserves fertility potential** and maintains vaginal length and sexual function. - The term sacrocolpopexy in this context refers to the uterine-preserving variant, crucial for women desiring future pregnancy. *Le Forte's repair* - This is an **obliterative procedure** primarily used in elderly women who are **no longer sexually active**, involving partial closure of the vagina. - It is absolutely contraindicated in a young, nulliparous woman who desires future sexual function and pregnancy. *Sling surgery* - **Sling surgery** is primarily indicated for **stress urinary incontinence**, not uterine prolapse. - While incontinence can co-exist with prolapse, a sling alone does not address uterine or vaginal apex support. *Abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair* - **Hysterectomy** removes the uterus and would **eliminate fertility**, which is unacceptable for a young, nulliparous woman desiring children. - Though effective for prolapse, it is an overly aggressive approach; uterine-preserving procedures like sacrohysteropexy are strongly preferred for fertility preservation.

Q: Which of the following symptoms can be associated with pelvic organ prolapse? 1. Difficulty in passing urine 2. Incomplete evacuation of urine 3. Urgency and frequency Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 3. ***1, 2 and 3*** - Pelvic organ prolapse can cause **urinary symptoms** due to anatomical distortion affecting the bladder and urethra. - Patients may experience **difficulty in initiating micturition**, the sensation of **incomplete emptying**, **increased urgency**, and **frequency** as common manifestations. *1 and 3 only* - This option is incomplete as it excludes **incomplete evacuation of urine**, which is a frequent symptom of pelvic organ prolapse. - The sensation of incomplete emptying is often due to the physical obstruction or kink in the urethra caused by the prolapsed organ. *2 and 3 only* - This option is incorrect because it dismisses **difficulty in passing urine**, also known as **voiding dysfunction**, which can be a direct result of urethral compression or angulation. - **Voiding dysfunction** is a key symptom that impacts quality of life for women with prolapse. *1 and 2 only* - This choice omits **urgency and frequency**, common irritative symptoms of the bladder often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. - Even without infection, bladder irritation can stem from changes in bladder support and position caused by the prolapse.

Q: A 32-year-old lady with intrauterine fetal death after normal vaginal delivery has continuous passage of urine from the vagina. What is the most probable diagnosis?

Vesicovaginal fistula. ***Vesicovaginal fistula*** - The continuous passage of urine from the vagina following delivery, especially in the context of an intrauterine fetal death where prolonged or difficult labor might occur, is highly suggestive of a **vesicovaginal fistula**. - A fistula creates an abnormal connection between the **bladder** and the **vagina**, leading to continuous urine leakage. *Urge incontinence* - Characterized by an **involuntary loss of urine** associated with a sudden, strong desire to void. - This is typically due to an **overactive detrusor muscle** and would not cause continuous leakage, especially not through the vagina itself after a delivery. *Stress incontinence* - Defined by the leakage of urine with activities that **increase intra-abdominal pressure**, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. - It results from weakness of the **pelvic floor muscles** or urethral sphincter, not continuous drainage from the vagina. *Bladder rupture* - While a bladder rupture can cause urinary leakage, it usually presents with **acute abdominal pain**, abdominal distension, and possibly **hematuria**, along with urine accumulating in the peritoneal cavity, rather than continuous passage solely from the vagina. - A rupture would likely be an acute, more severe event with systemic symptoms, distinct from the described continuous vaginal leakage of urine.

Q: What is the most common cause of a descending mass per vaginum?

Uterovaginal prolapse. ***Uterovaginal prolapse*** - This is the **most common cause** of a descending mass per vaginum, as it involves the descent of the uterus and/or vaginal walls into or beyond the vaginal introitus. - It is often due to weakening of the **pelvic floor muscles** and **connective tissues**, commonly associated with childbirth, aging, and increased intra-abdominal pressure. *Myoma* - A **myoma** (uterine fibroid) is a benign growth of the uterus that generally presents with symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or pain. - While a large submucosal myoma can prolapse through the cervix and into the vagina, it is a **less common cause** of a descending mass per vaginum compared to uterovaginal prolapse itself. *Cervical polyp* - A **cervical polyp** is a benign growth protruding from the cervical canal that can prolapse through the external os. - While it can present as a descending mass, cervical polyps are typically small and **less commonly** present as a significant descending mass compared to uterovaginal prolapse. *Vaginal cyst* - A **vaginal cyst** (e.g., Gartner's duct cyst, inclusion cyst) is a fluid-filled sac within the vaginal wall. - These cysts are usually discovered during a pelvic exam and are less likely to present as a prolapsing, descending mass compared to uterovaginal prolapse.

Question 1

Regarding 'DeLancey's levels of vaginal support', consider the following pairs:

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Question 2

A 40 year old lady is examined and found to have uterovaginal prolapse. What is the appropriate surgery to prevent recurrence?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal hysterectomy with anterior and posterior colporrhaphy and McCall culdoplasty

Answer

Vaginal hysterectomy with McCall culdoplasty

Answer

Abdominal hysterectomy with Moschcowitz operation

Answer

Vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinocolpopexy

Question 3

A 30 year old lady, mother of 3 children presents with mass descending per vaginum. On examination it is found to have stage 3 prolapse, moderate cystocele, no posterior vaginal wall prolapse. The recommended surgery would be:

Accepted Answer

Manchester operation

Answer

Vaginal hysterectomy

Answer

Rectocele repair

Answer

Cystocele repair

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of Fothergill’s operation as a conservative surgery for uterovaginal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

Cervicopexy

Answer

Amputation of cervix

Answer

Plication of Mackenrodt’s ligaments

Answer

Anterior colporrhaphy

Question 5

The level of external cervical os in a second degree utero
vaginal prolapse is:

Accepted Answer

Introitus

Answer

Between ischial spines and introitus

Answer

3 cm outside introitus

Answer

At the level of ischial spines

Question 6

Treatment of choice in 28 year old nullipara with third degree cervical descent is:

Accepted Answer

Abdominal cervicopexy

Answer

Fothergill’s repair

Answer

Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy

Answer

Vaginal hysterectomy with PFR

Question 7

Surgical treatment of choice for a 20 year old nulliparous woman with uterine prolapse is:

Accepted Answer

Sacrocolpopexy

Answer

Le Forte’s repair

Answer

Sling surgery

Answer

Abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair

Question 8

Which of the following symptoms can be associated with pelvic organ prolapse?

1. Difficulty in passing urine
2. Incomplete evacuation of urine
3. Urgency and frequency

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Question 9

A 32-year-old lady with intrauterine fetal death after normal vaginal delivery has continuous passage of urine from the vagina. What is the most probable diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Vesicovaginal fistula

Answer

Urge incontinence

Answer

Stress incontinence

Answer

Bladder rupture

Question 10

What is the most common cause of a descending mass per vaginum?

Accepted Answer

Uterovaginal prolapse

Answer

Myoma

Answer

Cervical polyp

Answer

Vaginal cyst

Urogynecology — MCQs

Urogynecology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?