Gynaecological Guidelines Management of Cervical Polyps Cervical polyps are common coincidental findings in women undergoing cervical screening. In the asymptomatic woman they are almost always benign. They consist of an overgrowth of the endocervical columnar epithelium and are usually solitary although a small number may coexist. More rarely a submucosal uterine fibroid on a long pedicle may be extruded through the cervical canal. Removal of a cervical polyp up to 2cm long by 1cm wide is a simple painless procedure requiring little skill and is not associated with significant bleeding and can be easily done in the primary care setting. Assuming this is a coincidental finding a vaginal speculum will already be in place. z If the intention was to take a cervical smear this should now be performed. z The vaginal speculum may be replaced with a self-retaining one thus freeing up the examiner. z The polyp should be grasped with a polypectomy forceps and twisted several times. The polyp can now be pulled upon and avulsed. The vaginal speculum should be removed. Make sure to use polyp forceps rather than sponge holding forceps z The polyp should be placed in a specimen pot with fixative and sent to a pathology department with a completed request form for histological examination. z The patient should be reassured and advised how and when she will learn of the pathology findings. z Patient should be warned to expect some vaginal bleeding for up to 24 h. z In the unlikely event that the patient experiences significant discomfort or there is difficulty, the procedure should be abandoned and the patient referred to a gynaecologist. Gynaecological Guidelines Vaginal Discharge In adolescence the cyclical hormonal surges alter the shape of the cervix so that it “pouts” exposing the thin walled columnar, glandular epithelium. This looks red compared with the surrounding pink cervical covering of multilayered squamous cells since the underlying vascular tissue is being viewed through a clear window as opposed to a frosted glass one. This has traditionally been referred to as a cervical “erosion”, a term which conjures up an impression of pathology where none exists. This cervical eversion may be encouraged to persist in women taking the combined oral contraceptive pill but normally with the passage of time the exposed columnar epithelium undergoes physiological metaplastic change to a squamous covering. A little vaginal discharge is normal consisting of desquamated cervical and vaginal cells increasing somewhat premenstrually. Midcycle the cervical mucus is clear and stringy facilitating the passage of sperm into the uterus. Otherwise it is thicker and opaque acting as a barrier to the passage of bacteria beyond the vagina. Rarely cervical eversion is associated with excessive mucous discharge warranting treatment. As metaplasia proceeds cervical crypts become closed off resulting in multiple physiological mucus retention cysts, Nabothian follicles. They may be yellow or pearl like in appearance and are commonly seen when a cervical smear is being taken or on ultrasound, CT or MRI scan. Nabothian Follicles are of no consequence and their presence does not constitute a reason for gynaecological referral. They are not pedunculated and should not, therefore, be confused with cervical polyps. Gynaecological Guidelines Vaginal Discharge – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Vaginal Discharge GP Sexual history Examination If full STI testing is required refer to GUM mucopurulent discharge if postmenopausal external pelvic visualise cervix and check smear is up to date high vaginal and endocervical swabs including a check for chlamydia review lab results cervical ectropion -ve for infection gynaecology if discharge persists or Post coital bleeding +ve review therapy GP If swabs negative and examination negative: discharge, reassure likely physiological refer for consideration of cervical cautery. Any suspicious appearance; refer colposcopy Gynaecological Guidelines Check for foreign body (eg tampon) and remove if present cervical polyp remove – see introductory section for management of cervical polyps Sterilisation – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Patient wishes sterilisation GP Discuss alternative contraception Vasectomy failure rate 1 in 2000; can be done under local anaesthetic; few complications Implanted progestogen only device >99% effective; lasts 3 years; local anaesthetic; initial menstrual upset; weight gain Intra-uterine progestogen only device >99% effective; lasts 5 years; periods less heavy; may cause initial menstrual upset Injectable progestogen only contraceptive >99% effective; lasts 12 weeks; periods may be irregular or stop; weight gain Oral contraceptive COCP >99% effective; periods less heavy; POP 99% effective; compliance issues Intra-uterine contraceptive device >99% effective; lasts 3 to 10 years depending on type; periods heavier and more painful GP/Family Planning Clinic If decision taken to perform vasectomy, refer to Urology or Family Planning Clinic Patient’s attention should be drawn to the following, which will also be discussed in Secondary Care: General anaesthetic – usually undertaken laparoscopically with clips as day surgery Age – sterilisation is performed in women < 30 yrs only in exceptional circumstances (increased regret rates in under 30s Laparotomy – may be required if surgical complications are encountered Irreversible – difficult to reverse and NHS may not fund reversal Failure rate – 1/200, increased risk of ectopic with any subsequent pregnancy Surgical risks – greater in high-risk women (BMI, abdominal scars, medical disorders) Continue current contraception until after the procedure Periods – will be unchanged (unless on hormonal method pre-op or an IUCD is removed) If decision to consider female sterilisation Refer for sterilisation Gynaecological Guidelines Post-Menopausal Bleeding – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Post-menopausal bleeding symptoms GP Vulvo-vaginal examination and speculum Pelvic examination Smear only if due Normal Persistent post-menopausal bleeding despite negative findings warrants direct referral to Gynaecology on 2 week wait Gynaecology Cervical polyp On Tamoxifen ? Cervical carcinoma Remove if appropriate Refer Refer to colposcopy / rapid access / triage / fast track clinic Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound Gynaecology If scan not available within 2 weeks See ultrasound algorithm Gynaecology Gynaecological Guidelines Ultrasound algorithm for the management of patients with post-menopausal bleeding – Patient Pathway No HRT ≥ 1 year or continuous combined HRT Endometrium > 4mm On sequential combined HRT (or within 1 year of stopping) Endometrium < 4mm Endometrium ≤ 5mm Endometrium > 5mm Refer Refer ? other abnormal findings Gynaecology Gynaecology Yes No Reassure patient but encourage early reporting of persistent symptoms Simple cyst(s) ≤ 5cm Fibroids Other adnexal mass Refer Ca125 Gynaecology Normal Re-scan 4-6 months Ca125 > 30 No Change, reassure patient, do further investigations Refer increase in size or change in morphology Refer Gynaecological Guidelines Infertility – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Couple present with infertility GP Remember: Rubella status Folic acid Drug history Cervical smear history Chlamydia check If female with BMI >30 advise weight loss History and examination of both partners Advise regular intercourse (2 or 3 times per week) Do not encourage use of temperature charts or LH detection kits Advise both partners on smoking and drinking Female Confirm ovulation with mid-luteal progesterone level. No need to measure thyroid function or prolactin if cycles are regular. Normal results Defer referral until couple have been trying to conceive for 12 to 18 months Gynaecology Male GP Discuss results with couple Consider early referral if... Arrange for at least one semen sample to be sent to lab for analysis Abnormal results Female Male Age over 35 Amenorrhoea/oligomenorrhoea Previous abdo/pelvic surgery Previous PID/STD Abnormal pelvic examination Previous genital pathology Previous urogenital surgery Previous STD Varicocoele Significant systemic illness Abnormal genital examination Consider referral to Urology Gynaecological Guidelines Pelvic Pain – possible causes Gynaecological Primary dysmenorrhoea z Endometriosis z Adenomyosis z Ovarian Cyst z Key Questions z Is pain: cyclical; dysmenorrhoea; pre-menstrual; dyspareunia? z Is menstrual cycle abnormal? z Cyclical pain on defecation Gastrointestinal Inflammatory bowel disease z Irritable bowel syndrome z Key Questions z Altered bowel habit? z PR bleeding? z Weight loss? z Vomiting? Examination z Abdominal plus pelvic, FOB, FBC, Coeliac antibodies, CRP Musculoskeletal Key Questions z Pain related to position or movement? Urological z Interstitial cystitis Key Questions z Spasmodic pain related to full or emptying of bladder? Examination z Abdominal plus pelvic, check urine, exclude infection Psychosomatic z Consider alongside rather than after organic causes Key Questions z Past history of mental health problems, depression, anxiety? z Current life events, stress factors? z History of medically unexplained symptoms? Gynaecological Guidelines Pelvic Pain – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Pelvic pain symptoms in pre-menopausal woman GP Assessment Is the pain (or was it initially) menstrual or pre-menstrual? Is it new/altered dysmenorrhoea? Is there (or was there initially) deep dyspareunia? Is the menstrual cycle abnormal? Lack of GI symptoms? Yes No Exclude/treat infection (high vaginal and endocervical swabs including Chlamydia check) Consider non-gynaecological cause Bimanual examination Normal If tender or endometriosis suggested or complex cyst TVS Normal Arrange ultrasound and refer as appropriate Uterus fixed/tender or adnexal mass Simple cyst <5 cm Fibroids Treatment options and COCP or progestogenonly contraceptive (oral, injectable or intra-uterine and Non-opiate analgesia, Paracetamol, NSAID Consider psychological factors. Antidepressants? Review in 3 months Gynaecological Guidelines GP Symptoms controlled? Continue Gynaecology If symptoms persist Irregular Bleeding – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Irregular bleeding symptoms May be: Intermenstrual; post-coital; more frequent, including irregular cyclicity; prolonged. Is not: Oligomenorrhea; post-menopausal bleeding. GP 1. Exclude pregnancy 2. Bimanual examination 3. Visualise cervix, smear only if due 4. Check for chlamydia 5. Review contraception Post-coital bleeding Normal smear and cervix Abnormal smear or cervix Observe Refer to colposcopy If persistent (over 2 months) follow intermenstrual bleeding arm of this pathway Uterus palpable abdominally: see Abdomino-pelvic Mass Pathway Cervical polyp: see protocol for management of Cervical Polyps in the introductory section Inter-menstrual bleeding Complete 3 month menstrual blood loss chart Heavy vaginal loss over 40 yrs old: see Heavy Menstrual Bleed Pathway GP Under 40: Treat with oral contraceptive or Norethisterone 5mg tid days 5-25 for 3 to 6 months No improvement Refer to Gynaecology Gynaecological Guidelines Heavy irregular vaginal bleeding in women over 40 – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Symptoms of heavy irregular vaginal bleeding in a woman over 40 years old Refer to Gynaecology Gynaecological Guidelines Abdomino-pelvic Mass Following the menarche the first few cycles are commonly anovulatory, resulting in irregularity and heavy menstruation. This is normal and self limiting. Thereafter, the cycles settle into a regular ovulatory pattern with several ovarian follicles developing in any one cycle during the proliferative phase when oestrogen is producing endometrial growth. Usually one follicle will predominate reaching some 2-3cm in diameter before rupturing releasing the ovum. The other follicles will shrink leaving the ruptured follicle to become the corpus luteum, an endocrine gland with a well developed blood supply into which progesterone is secreted directly. The progesterone prevents further growth of the endometrium preparing it for the arrival of a fertilised ovum. If this does not happen the corpus luteum atrophies approximately 14 days later, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall and the endometrium is shed as a period. Developing ovarian follicles and the corpus luteum are visible on ultrasound examination and are commonly referred to as cysts which indeed they are being fluid filled structures in the former and occasionally similarly when there has been bleeding into the latter. Occasionally ovulation does not take place and the lead follicle continues to grow in diameter. In an asymptomatic woman with functioning ovaries the coincidental finding of ovarian cysts up to 5cm in diameter does not warrant gynaecological referral. Gynaecological Guidelines Abdomino-pelvic Mass – Patient Pathway Patient presentation Abdomino-pelvic mass palpable or found on ultrasound scan Arrange USS/TVS GP Adnexal/ovarian cause. Check Ca125 Assessment Abnormal Ca125 >30 Normal Ca125 <30 Fibroid on scan Minimal or no symptoms < 5cm in diameter GP Partly cystic, partly solid or multilocular or irregular Unilateral or bilateral, cystic, unilocular, smooth, regular Menorrhagia or pressure symptoms ≥ 5cm in diameter If pain present Follow-up scan in 4-6 months Suspect endometrioma or complications to simple ovarian cyst Minimal or no symptoms: Pre-menopausal with Ca125 < 30Ku/l Especially if ascites present and/or Ca125 > 30Lu/l Suspect simple or functional ovarian cyst Suspect ovarian cancer regardless of symptoms or size <5cm in diameter Reassure ≥ 5cm in diameter Urgent referral 2 weeks Normal finding Refer to Gynaecology Gynaecological Guidelines Gynaecology Six month’s history of secondary amenorrhoea – Patient Pathway Patient presentation 6 months history of secondary amenorrhoea symptoms GP Exclude pregnancy Assess: History Menstrual, sexual, contraceptive, medical, drugs, psychiatric (including eating disorders), diet, recent weight loss, stress, travel, exercise Check BMI Blood tests Wishes for pregnancy For all: FBC, TFT, FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Prolactin, Free Androgen Index (FAI), Testosterone, Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) Examination BMI, hirsutism, severe acne See overleaf for action on results Refer to Infertility Pathway Gynaecological Guidelines Six month’s history of secondary amenorrhoea – Action on results All normal Raised FSH and LH Reassure, offer review in 3 months Consider menopause Low FSH, LH, low oestradiol, raised prolactin If PCOs suspected, ie raised LH/FSH ratio, hirsuitism and FAI >6 Weight loss if necessary. Consider cosmetic advice for hirsuitism If amenorrhoea persists, repeat all tests and refer Prolactin > 1000 ? Prolactinoma. Refer to endocrinology Gynaecology Prolactin < 1000 TVS to confirm PCOS Repeat prolactin (if 400-1000) and give COCP Needs contraception: COCP, POP or intra-uterine or implanted progestogen-only device Hirsuitism/acne: cyprotone and ethinyloestradiol combination or COCP Re-assess in 12 months Amenorrhoea Gynaecology Gynaecological Guidelines Care pathway for heavy menstrual bleeding Patient presentation Woman presenting with HMB TakeGP history Take full blood count No structural or histological abnormality suspected Structural or histological abnormality possible Physical examination Pharmaceutical treatment (see table 1) No abnormality/fibroids <3cm diameter Consider second pharmaceutical treatment if first fails Consider endometrial biopsy for persistent intermenstrual bleeding, and in women >45, treatment failure or ineffective Uterus is palpable abdominally or pelvic mass Consider imaging, first-line transvaginal ultrasound Consider physical examination Provide information to woman and discuss treatment options Severe impact on quality of life, no desire to conceive, normal uterus, ± small fibroids (<3cm diameter) Other treatments have failed, are contraindicated or declined Severe impact on quality of life Fibroids (>3cm diameter) Desire for amenorrhoea Fully informed women requests it No desire to retain uterus and fertility Endometrial ablation (see table 2) Hysterectomy (see table 2) (don’t remove healthy ovaries) Myomectomy (see table 2) Uterine artery embolisation (see table 2) Gynaecological Guidelines Pharmaceutical treatments proven to reduce menstrual bleeding1 Table 1 Discuss hormonal and non-hormonal options and provide time and support to help the women decide which is the best option for her. First line Second line First line How it works ra nt Co on Imp a f c e tiv rtili t ty e? ? ce p Potential unwanted outcomes experienced by some woment4 Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)2, 3 Common: Indigestion; diarrhoea Rare: Worsening of asthma in sensitive indivduals; peptic ulcer with possible bleeding and peritonitis Less common: Indigestion; diarrhoea; headache Common: Irregular bleeding that may last for over 6 months; hormone A device which slowly releases progestogen related problems such as breast tenderness, acne or headaches (if present) and prevents proliferation of the endometrium Yes No are minor and transitory. Less common: Amenorrhoea A physical examination is needed before Rare: Uterine perforation at time of insertion fitting No Oral antifibronolyctic tablets No No Yes No No Oral tablets that prevent proliferation of the endometrium Common: Weight gain; bloating; breast tenderness; headaches; acne Yes No (usually minor or transient) Rare: Depression Oral tablets that reduce production of prostaglandin Tranexamic acid (non-hormonal) Can be used in parallel with investigations. If no improvement stop treatment after 3 cycles Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (non-hormonal) Can be used in parallel with investigations. If no improvement stop treatment after 3 cycles Oral tablets that prevent proliferation of the endometrium Common: Weight gain; irregular bleeding; amenorrhoea; premenstrual-like Yes No syndrome (bloating,breast tenderness, fluid retention) Less common: Loss of bone density Common: Mood change; headache; nausea; fluid retention; breast tenderness Very Rare: DVT; stroke; heart attack Intramuscular injection that prevents proliferation of the endometrium Preferred over tranexamic acid in dysmenorrhoea Combined oral contraceptives3 Injected progestogen2, 3 Injection that stops production of oestrogen and progesterone Third line Oral progestogen (norethisterone)3 Gonadtrophin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH analogue) The evidence for effectiveness can be found in the full guideline Other 1 Check the Summary of Product Characteristics for current licenced indications. Informed consent is needed when using outside licensed indications Common: Menopausal-like syndrome (hot flushes, increased sweating, vaginal dryness) No Less common: Osteoporosis, particularly trabecular bone with use longer than 6 months 2 See WHO ‘Pharmaceutical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use’ (WHOMEC), www.ffprhc.org.uk/admin/uploads/298_200506.pdf No 3 Common: 1 in 100 chance; less common: 1 in 1000 chance; rare: 1 in 10,000 chance; very rare: 1 in 100,000 chance If used for more than 6 months add-back HRT therapy is recommended 4 Gynaecological Guidelines Continued overleaf Surgical removal of the fibroids using a hysteroscope Hysteroscopic myomectomy Fertility is potentially retained Fertility is potentially retained Small particles are injected into the blood vessels that take blood to the uterus. The blood supply to the fibroids is blocked, causing them to shrink Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) Fibroids (>3cm diameter) + severe impact on quality of life Consider as first line if there are other significant symptoms, pain or pressure Recommended for women who want to retain uterus +/avoid surgery Fibroids (>3 cm diameter) + Severe impact on quality of life Recommended for women who want to retain uterus Yes How it works Endometrial Destroys the ablation womb lining Second generation impedance controlled bipolar radio frequency balloon thermal microwave free fluid thermal First generation rollerball transcervical resection of endometrium Type of surgery Severe impact on quality of life + no desire to conceive + normal uterus +/- small fibroids (<3cm diameter) Consider as first line only after full discussion of risks and benefits Preferable to hysterectomy if uterus no bigger than 10-week pregnancy Indication Impact on future fertility? Discuss impact on fertility Consider pretreatment with Gn-RH analogue Following with a first generation ablation technique is appropriate Discuss impact on fertility Discuss impact on fertility Use second generation technique in women with no structural or histological abnormality Advise use of effective contraception following this procedure Other considerations Less common: Adhesions (which may lead to pain and/or impaired fertility); need for additional surgery; perforation; recurrence of fibroids; infection Rare: Haemorrhage Common: Persisent vaginal discharge; post-embolisation syndrome (pain, nausea, vomiting, fever – not involving hospitalisation) Less common: Need for additional surgery; premature ovarian failure particularly in women >45; haematoma Rare: Haemorrhage; non-target embolisation causing tissue necrosis; infection causing septicaemia Common: Vaginal discharge; increased period pain or cramping (even if no further bleeding); need for additional surgery Less common: Infection Rare: perforation (very rare with second generation techniques. Potential unwanted outcomes experienced by some woment5 Table 2 Surgical and radiological treatment options for women whose quality of life is severely impacted Provide information to the woman before her outpatient appointment. Gynaecological Guidelines Table 2 (cont) Surgical and radiological treatment options for women whose quality of life is severely impacted Provide information to the woman before her outpatient appointment. 5 Indication Fibroids (>3cm diameter) + Severe impact on quality of life Fibroids (>3cm diameter) + Severe impact on quality of life Not first line, solely for HMB. Consider when: Other treatments have failed, contraindicated or declined Desire for amenorrhoea Fully informed woman requests it No desire to retain uterus or fertility Type of surgery Myomectomy Hysterectomy Decide route based on individual assessment First line: vaginal Second line: abdominal Do not remove healthy ovaries Hysterectomy Decide route based on individual assessment First line: vaginal Second line: abdominal Consider laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy in morbidly obese/ oophorectomy Do not remove healthy ovaries Discuss impact on fertility Consider pretreatment with Gn-RH analogue Other considerations Fertility is potentially retained Impact on future fertility? Surgical removal of the fibroids Yes Discuss impact on sexual feelings, fertility, bladder function, psychology Discuss complications, expectations, alternatives Consider pretreatment with Gn-RH analogue Discuss increased risk in women with fibroids Discuss total and subtotal methods in abdominal surgery If considering oophorectomy, discuss impact on wellbeing If concerned discuss risks and benefits with woman. offer genetic counselling How it works Surgical removal of the uterus Ovaries may also be removed (oophorectomy) Yes Surgical removal of the uterus Ovaries may also be removed (oophorectomy) Discuss impact on sexual feelings, fertility, bladder function, psychology Discuss complications, expectations, alternatives Consider pretreatment with Gn-RH analogue Discuss increased risk in women with fibroids Discuss total and subtotal methods in abdominal surgery If considering oophorectomy, discuss impact on wellbeing If concerned discuss risks and benefits with woman. offer genetic counselling Common: 1 in 100 chance; less common: 1 in 1000 chance; rare: 1 in 10,000 chance; very rare: 1 in 100,000 chance Potential unwanted outcomes experienced by some woment5 Less common: Vaginal discharge; increased period pain or cramping (even if no further bleeding); need for additional surgery; recurrence of fibroids; infection. Rare: Haemorrhage Common: Infection Less common: Intraoperative haemorrhage; damage to other abdominal organs eg urinary tract or bowel; urinary tract dysfunction – frequent passing of urine or incontinence Rare: Thrombosis (DVT and clot on lung Very rare: Death With oophorectomy at time of hysterectomy Common: Menopausal-like sumptoms Common: Infection Less common: Intraoperative haemorrhage; damage to other abdominal organs eg urinary tract or bowel; urinary tract dysfunction – frequent passing of urine or incontinence Rare: Thrombosis (DVT and clot on lung Very rare: Death With oophorectomy at time of hysterectomy Common: Menopausal-like sumptoms Gynaecological Guidelines
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