Characteristics of patients with vaginal rupture and evisceration.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize vaginal rupture and evisceration.


METHODS
We reviewed medical records (1970-2001) for use of the diagnostic terms "vaginal rupture," "vaginal evisceration," and "ruptured enterocele."


RESULTS
Twelve clinical cases were identified. Patients usually presented with pain, vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pressure. In 9 of 12 women, rupture was primarily associated with postmenopausal prolapse and a history of pelvic surgery. Women with a history of abdominal hysterectomy tended to rupture through the vaginal cuff, and those with a history of vaginal hysterectomy tended to rupture through a posterior enterocele. Premenopausal rupture in 1 woman occurred postcoitally and involved the posterior fornix. Prolapse recurrence after repair was limited to 1 woman.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal rupture and evisceration should be considered in women presenting with acute vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Evaluation is especially important in postmenopausal women with a history of pelvic surgery. In some cases, surveillance after pelvic surgery may prevent rupture, evisceration, and incarceration.


METHODS
II-3
Croak
Andrew J
AJ
Section of Gynecologic Surgery, Division of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Gebhart
John B
JB
Klingele
Christopher J
CJ
Schroeder
Georgene
G
Lee
Raymond A
RA
Podratz
Karl C
KC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D006547:Hernia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012421:Rupture; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000150:complications; D014621:Vagina / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery