The Prolapse reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Prolapse

Prolapse literally means "To fall out of place." In medicine, prolapse is a condition where organs, such as the uterus, fall down or slip out of place. It is generally reserved for organs protruding through the vagina.

Definition

Prolapse can involve several structures:

• The vagina
• The bladder
• The uterus (or the "stump" when the uterus itself has been removed by hysterectomy)
• The rectum
• The cavum Douglasi without the rectum
• A combination of the above
• A special case is "inversio uteri" (inversion of the uterus), a complication of childbirth

Symptoms include pain, incontinence of urine and/or feces, discomfort in specific positions (standing, bicycling).

Diagnosis is by history and physical examination. When generalised weakness of the pelvic floor is suspected, additional tests might be considered. When incontinence is a feature, urodynamics may give some information on the interplay between prolapse and the incontinence.

Therapy

• Conservative
• With a pessary
• Surgical

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