'''Vaginal evisceration''' is a rare, but serious medical condition that involves the protrusion of [[internal organs]] through a [[vaginal]] tear or incision. This condition is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women, but it can also occur in premenopausal women and, very rarely, in children. The most common organs to be eviscerated are the [[small intestine]] and the [[rectum]], although any organ within the [[pelvic cavity]] can potentially be involved.
{{Short description|A rare medical condition involving the protrusion of abdominal contents through the vaginal wall}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
==Causes==
'''Vaginal evisceration''' is a rare but serious medical condition where the abdominal contents, such as the intestines, protrude through a defect in the vaginal wall. This condition is considered a surgical emergency and requires prompt medical attention.
Vaginal evisceration is often associated with previous [[gynecological surgery]], particularly [[hysterectomy]]. Other risk factors include [[vaginal atrophy]], which is thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decrease in [[estrogen]] levels, and conditions that increase [[intra-abdominal pressure]], such as chronic [[cough]], [[obesity]], and heavy lifting. Trauma and [[sexual intercourse]] have also been reported as precipitating factors.
[[File:Post-coital_posterior_fornix_perforation_with_vaginal_evisceration_1.jpg|thumb|A case of vaginal evisceration following posterior fornix perforation.]]
[[File:Total_laparoscopical_hysterectomy.jpg|thumb|Laparoscopic hysterectomy, a procedure associated with vaginal evisceration risk.]]
==Symptoms==
The most obvious symptom of vaginal evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs from the vagina, which may be accompanied by [[abdominal pain]], [[vaginal bleeding]], or both. The condition can lead to severe complications, including [[infection]], organ damage, and [[shock]], if not treated promptly.
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of vaginal evisceration is primarily based on clinical examination. Imaging studies, such as [[ultrasound]] or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan, may be used to assess the extent of the evisceration and to plan for surgical repair.
==Treatment==
Immediate [[surgical intervention]] is required to repair the vaginal tear and replace the eviscerated organs. Surgery may be performed through the vagina (vaginal approach) or the abdomen (abdominal approach), depending on the extent of the evisceration and the condition of the organs involved. Postoperative care includes [[antibiotics]] to prevent infection and measures to support healing of the vaginal tissue, such as [[estrogen therapy]] for women with vaginal atrophy.
==Prevention==
Preventive measures for vaginal evisceration include the use of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women to maintain the health of the vaginal tissue, avoiding activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, and careful surgical techniques during gynecological surgeries to minimize the risk of vaginal cuff dehiscence.
[[Category:Gynecological conditions]]
[[Category:Emergency medical conditions]]
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Revision as of 23:49, 9 February 2025
A rare medical condition involving the protrusion of abdominal contents through the vaginal wall
Vaginal evisceration is a rare but serious medical condition where the abdominal contents, such as the intestines, protrude through a defect in the vaginal wall. This condition is considered a surgical emergency and requires prompt medical attention.
A case of vaginal evisceration following posterior fornix perforation.Laparoscopic hysterectomy, a procedure associated with vaginal evisceration risk.
