HIFU & Vaginal Prolapse – Evidence-Based Guidance
Vaginal prolapse is when the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) drop into or outside the vaginal canal because of weakened support structures.
It’s common after childbirth, aging, menopause, obesity, and chronic straining.
Traditionally managed by pelvic floor training, pessaries, or surgery, new non-invasive methods like HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) are gaining attention.
๐ How HIFU Works
- Uses focused ultrasound energy to heat deep vaginal tissue.
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production → tighter and stronger vaginal walls.
- Helpful in mild prolapse, vaginal laxity, and sexual dysfunction.
๐ Guideline-Based Approach
๐น Step 1 – Assessment (POP-Q system)
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) is the standard for grading severity (Stage I–IV).
- Clinical exam + patient symptoms should guide treatment.
(RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 46, 2015)
๐น Step 2 – Management according to stage
-
Stage I–II (Mild prolapse):
- Lifestyle measures: weight control, avoid heavy lifting/constipation, stop smoking.
- Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) – recommended first-line.
- Vaginal pessaries for symptom relief.
- HIFU may be considered as a non-invasive supportive treatment.
-
Stage III–IV (Moderate to Severe):
- Surgical repair is gold standard (e.g., anterior/posterior colporrhaphy, hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy).
- HIFU not recommended as primary treatment in advanced prolapse.
(ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 214, 2019; NICE Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG623, 2018)
๐น Step 3 – Follow-up
- Reassess every 6–12 months.
- Monitor for recurrence or progression.
๐ท Key Takeaway
HIFU is a safe, minimally invasive option for women with mild vaginal prolapse and can improve quality of life.
But for moderate to severe prolapse, surgery remains the gold standard.
Always seek specialist evaluation for an individualized treatment plan.
#DrRababCares
#VaginalProlapse #HIFU #PelvicHealth #ForestParkHospital
No comments:
Post a Comment