Miscellaneous Gynecology

·         After obtaining the history and physical examination and evaluating a urinalysis (including urine culture), initial evaluation of the incontinent patient includes a cystometrogram, check for residual urine volume, stress test, and urinary diary.

The primary reason to perform a cystometrogram is to rule out uninhibited detrusor contractions.

·         Partial colpocleisis by the Le Fort procedure is reasonable for elderly patients who are not good candidates for vaginal hysterectomy and A&P (anterior and posterior) repair as treatment for vaginal and uterine prolapse. Urinary incontinence can be a side effect of this procedure, so care must be exercised in the denudation of vaginal mucosa near the bladder. In a patient who already has urinary incontinence, the Le Fort operation would be relatively contraindicated.

·         The degree or severity of pelvic relaxation is rated on a scale of 1 to 3, based on the descent of the organ or structure involved. First-degree prolapse involves descent limited to the upper two-thirds of the vagina. Second-degree prolapse is present when the structure is at the vaginal introitus. In cases of third-degree prolapse, the structure is outside the vagina. Total procidentia of the uterus is the same as a third-degree prolapse, which means that the uterus would be located outside the body.