La Revue du praticien
-
Natural history of endometriosis is unpredictable. Some recent data show that endometriosis is a progressive disease. Minimal lesions are transient and peritoneal implants are reorganized continuously. ⋯ In favourable statement such as the decreased activation of NK cells, the variable secretions of cytokines, pelvic macrophages and growth factors, the peritoneal implants evoluted like a progressive disease until severe endometriosis. Endometriosis is a frequent cause of pelvic pain with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. The diagnosis can be suspected by a clinical examination preferentially during menstruation with fixed uterine retroversion peritoneal infiltration, retraction of the rectum and retrovaginal endometriosis, and adnexal cyst.
-
Vaginal delivery especially with dystocia, may result in relaxation or disruption of fascial and ligamentous supports of pelvic organs. The relationship between first childbirth and obstetric trauma is strong but additional pregnancies and deliveries are aggravating factors as well as ageing and hormonal effects of the menopause. ⋯ General practitioners can help at the time of postnatal control by making a full clinical evaluation of pelvic floor damage, referring women for further investigation and asking them about postnatal sexual difficulties. Postpartum perineal physiotherapy is indicated for women at risk: pelvic floor congenital weakness instrumental delivery, postpartum urinary and/or anal incontinence.
-
Close collaboration of an informed anaesthetist with the obstetrician, and respect of the security protocols in every anaesthesia must guarantee the well-being of pregnant women. The development of loco-regional anaesthesia for use in labour analgesia and caesarean section has reduced the indications and the mortality related to general anaesthesia. ⋯ Epidural anaesthesia using low concentrations of local anaesthetics allows parturient ambulation. Intrathecal anaesthesia, with combined spinal-epidural technique, is mostly used for caesarean-section and for the early and late labour.