Clinical Profile of Uterine Prolapse Cases in South India

Uterine prolapse is a common problem among women in developing countries. It is known to cause physical and psychosocial problems affecting the quality of life of patients. This study was done to determine the risk factors, clinical features, and management practices in uterine prolapse (UP).

A review of 350 case records of UP cases admitted between 2009 and 2014 was done in tertiary care hospitals.

Mean age at presentation of UP was 52.8 ± 13.2 years. Majority of cases were manual laborers [232 (78.6 %)]. Obstetric factors like parity ≥5 times [78 (22.3 %)], age at last pregnancy between 30 and 39 years (57.2 %), inadequate birth spacing (57.8 %), home deliveries [162 (58.3 %)], deliveries conducted by untrained personnel (25.3 %), vaginal deliveries (89.7 %), prolonged duration of labor (21.6 %), and heavy work in post natal period (29.8 %) were observed among cases. Correlation between age of presentation of prolapse with age at first and last pregnancy was significant. Most common associated complaint among UP cases was pain abdomen [55 (15.7 %)] and difficulty in micturition [51 (14.6 %)]. Majority were cases of third-degree prolapse [269 (76.8 %)]. Most common associated organ prolapse was cystocele [261 (74.6 %)]. The most common operative procedure done was vaginal hysterectomy, and conservative procedure was ring pessary application.

Public awareness on reduction in family size, support for institutional-based delivery by trained personnel, and adequate rest and exercises in early post natal period is required to minimize the occurrence of UP.