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Updated: May 15, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
[A woman with a remarkable prolapse]
Maartje Zelis1, Patricia Mercelina-Roumans, Berry Meesters
1Atrium Medisch Centrum Parkstad, Afd. Obstetrie en Gynaecologie, Heerlen, the Netherlands. maartjezelis@gmail.com
A woman experienced vaginal protrusion and severe abdominal pain after coughing. Doctors diagnosed a rare spontaneous small bowel evisceration through a vaginal herniation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Vaginal herniation, while uncommon, can lead to serious complications.
- Sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure, such as from violent coughing, can precipitate acute events.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old multiparous woman presented with a sensation of vaginal protrusion.
- This was immediately followed by severe abdominal pain after a forceful cough.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with spontaneous small bowel evisceration.
- The evisceration occurred through a pre-existing vaginal herniation.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but critical obstetric and gynecologic emergency.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing small bowel evisceration.
- Vaginal herniation requires careful consideration in patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms post-Valsalva maneuver.
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