Uterine inversion: Difference between revisions

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'''Uterine inversion''' is a rare, but serious complication that can occur during childbirth. It involves the uterus turning inside out, usually following childbirth. This condition is most commonly associated with non-physiological delivery methods, such as forceful manual removal of the placenta, but can also occur spontaneously.
{{Short description|A medical condition involving the uterus}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
[[File:InvertedUterus.jpg|thumb|Illustration of an inverted uterus.|thumb]]
[[File:The_diseases_of_women_-_a_handbook_for_students_and_practitioners_(1897)_(14775130271).jpg|thumb|Historical depiction of uterine inversion.]]
 
'''Uterine inversion''' is a rare medical condition where the [[uterus]] turns inside out, usually following [[childbirth]]. This condition can lead to severe [[hemorrhage]] and shock, and requires immediate medical attention.
 
==Classification==
Uterine inversion is classified based on the degree of inversion:
 
* '''Incomplete inversion''': The fundus of the uterus is inverted but does not protrude through the cervix.
* '''Complete inversion''': The fundus protrudes through the cervix into the vagina.
* '''Prolapsed inversion''': The fundus extends outside the vaginal introitus.
* '''Total inversion''': The uterus and sometimes the vagina are inverted.


==Causes==
==Causes==
The exact cause of [[uterine inversion]] is not known, but it is thought to be related to excessive traction on the [[umbilical cord]] while the placenta is still attached, or forceful manual removal of the placenta. Other factors that may contribute to uterine inversion include a long labor, a short umbilical cord, and a relaxed uterus.
The exact cause of uterine inversion is not always clear, but several factors can contribute to its occurrence:
 
* Excessive [[traction]] on the umbilical cord during the third stage of labor.
* Abnormal adherence of the [[placenta]] (placenta accreta).
* Weakness of the uterine wall.
* Rapid delivery.


==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The symptoms of uterine inversion can vary depending on the severity of the inversion. In some cases, the woman may experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, shock, and in severe cases, death. Other symptoms may include a feeling of pulling in the [[uterus]], rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and fainting.
Symptoms of uterine inversion can include:
 
* Severe [[pelvic pain]].
* Profuse [[vaginal bleeding]].
* A visible mass at the vaginal opening.
* [[Hypotension]] and shock.


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of uterine inversion is usually made based on the woman's symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may also order an [[ultrasound]] to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination. The condition is often apparent due to the presence of a mass in the vagina or outside the vaginal opening. [[Ultrasound]] may be used to confirm the diagnosis.


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for uterine inversion typically involves immediate repositioning of the uterus to its normal position. This is usually done manually by a healthcare provider. In some cases, surgery may be required. After the uterus is repositioned, medications may be given to help the uterus contract and prevent further inversions.
Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications. Treatment options include:
 
* '''Manual replacement''': The uterus is manually repositioned by a healthcare provider.
* '''Surgical intervention''': If manual replacement is unsuccessful, surgical methods such as the Haultain procedure may be necessary.
* '''Medications''': [[Oxytocin]] and other uterotonics may be administered to help contract the uterus after repositioning.


==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for women with uterine inversion is generally good. However, if left untreated, uterine inversion can lead to serious complications, including shock, blood clots, and in severe cases, death.
With prompt treatment, the prognosis for uterine inversion is generally good. However, delayed treatment can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to hemorrhage and shock.


==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Prevention of uterine inversion involves careful management of the third stage of labor. This includes gentle traction on the umbilical cord and avoiding forceful manual removal of the placenta.
Preventive measures include careful management of the third stage of labor, avoiding excessive traction on the umbilical cord, and ensuring proper uterine contraction after delivery.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Postpartum hemorrhage]]
* [[Placenta accreta]]
* [[Obstetric emergencies]]
 
==Images==
[[File:Pathology_and_treatment_of_diseases_of_women_(1912)_(14594979458).jpg|thumb|Early 20th-century medical illustration.]]
[[File:The_Principles_and_practice_of_gynecology_-_for_students_and_practitioners_(1904)_(14581562549).jpg|thumb|Gynecological textbook illustration.]]


[[Category:Obstetric complications]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Women's health]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Revision as of 23:48, 9 February 2025

A medical condition involving the uterus


thumb
Historical depiction of uterine inversion.

Uterine inversion is a rare medical condition where the uterus turns inside out, usually following childbirth. This condition can lead to severe hemorrhage and shock, and requires immediate medical attention.

Classification

Uterine inversion is classified based on the degree of inversion:

  • Incomplete inversion: The fundus of the uterus is inverted but does not protrude through the cervix.
  • Complete inversion: The fundus protrudes through the cervix into the vagina.
  • Prolapsed inversion: The fundus extends outside the vaginal introitus.
  • Total inversion: The uterus and sometimes the vagina are inverted.

Causes

The exact cause of uterine inversion is not always clear, but several factors can contribute to its occurrence:

  • Excessive traction on the umbilical cord during the third stage of labor.
  • Abnormal adherence of the placenta (placenta accreta).
  • Weakness of the uterine wall.
  • Rapid delivery.

Symptoms

Symptoms of uterine inversion can include:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination. The condition is often apparent due to the presence of a mass in the vagina or outside the vaginal opening. Ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications. Treatment options include:

  • Manual replacement: The uterus is manually repositioned by a healthcare provider.
  • Surgical intervention: If manual replacement is unsuccessful, surgical methods such as the Haultain procedure may be necessary.
  • Medications: Oxytocin and other uterotonics may be administered to help contract the uterus after repositioning.

Prognosis

With prompt treatment, the prognosis for uterine inversion is generally good. However, delayed treatment can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to hemorrhage and shock.

Prevention

Preventive measures include careful management of the third stage of labor, avoiding excessive traction on the umbilical cord, and ensuring proper uterine contraction after delivery.

Related pages

Images

Early 20th-century medical illustration.
Gynecological textbook illustration.