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254 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
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11.7 Investigations in gynaecological disease
Clinical feature Investigations Diagnosis
Abnormal bleeding Full blood count Anaemia
Pain White blood count Infection
Vaginal discharge High vaginal and endocervical swabs Pelvic and vaginal infections, chlamydia or gonorrhoea
Urinary incontinence Midstream specimen of urine Urinary tract infection
Abdominal distension or bloating
Ultrasound scan Fibroids, endometrial polyp or pregnancy outcome and location Endometrial biopsy Endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma Hysteroscopy Intrauterine polyps or broids Colposcopy Cervical premalignant and malignant changes Gonadotrophins, sex steroids and prolactin
C-reactive protein Acute inammation High vaginal and endocervical swabs Pelvic and vaginal infections, chlamydia or gonorrhoea Midstream specimen of urine Urinary tract infection Ultrasound scan Ovarian cysts, tubo-ovarian abscesses or intraperitoneal bleeding Laparoscopy Pelvic adhesions and endometriosis Serial serum HCG Ectopic pregnancy
Urodynamic studies Degree of stress or urge incontinence
Ultrasound Ovarian cysts, broids, pregnancy and ascites CT/MRI scan Staging of pelvic malignancy Serum CA-125 Ovarian tumour marker Renal and liver function tests Systemic effects of pelvic masses Direct or ultrasound-guided biopsy Diagnosis of potential malignancy
PCOS, premature ovarian insufciency, hyperprolactinaemia or hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
CA-125, Cancer antigen 125; CT, computed tomography; HCG, human chorionic gonadotrophin; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBSTETRIC HISTORY AND EXAMINATION: THE BOOKING VISIT
In the UK, pregnant patients are seen at approximately 10 antenatal visits; the visits may either be conducted by a midwife alone or be shared with an obstetrician. Care is individualised depending on maternal age, past medical history and general health, as well as any complications that develop as the preg­nancy proceeds.
The booking (rst) visit takes place at 8–12 weeksgestation.
The history
Take a complete medical history and record details of any pre­vious pregnancies (Boxes 11.8–11.9). Establish the date of the LMP (Box 11.10).
Past medical history
Ask about:
all past medical and surgical events
diseases that may be affected by pregnancy: for example,
asthma may improve during pregnancy while inammatory bowel disease may worsen postnatally
diseases that cause an increased risk in pregnancy, such as diabetes, cardiac disease or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Drug history
Ask about:
prescribed medications
over-the-counter drugs and naturalremedies
Find out at what gestation any drugs were taken. Check that pregnant patients are taking 400 mg of folic acid daily until 12 weeks gestation to reduce the incidence of neural tube de­fects (some higher-risk patients need a higher dose of 5 mg, for example, patients taking anti-epileptic medication or those with pre-existing diabetes).
Family history
To explore possible inherited conditions, take a complete family history of both the pregnant patient and the father (Boxes 11.11
and 11.12).
The history • 255
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A
Bladder
Myometrium
53 mm
50 mm
Endometrium
Uterus
Cervix
Contrast spilling
Ampulla
Uterus
Isthmus
Catheter
Fallopian tube
Fig. 11.34 Hysterosalpingogram. The scan assesses the uterus and
bilateral tubal patency.
11.8 Checklist for the obstetric history
Age
Parity
Menstrual history, last menstrual period,
gestation, expected date of delivery
Presenting symptom
Past obstetric
history
Past medical and
surgical history
Drug history
Family history
Social history
11
B
Fig. 11.32 Pelvic ultrasound. A Transvaginal scan of the uterus. B
Scan showing an ovarian cyst.
Fig. 11.33 Pipelle for endometrial biopsy.
Inserted through cervical os
Pulled back to create
Right ovarian cyst
Endometrial tissue
suction
11.9 Information to be recorded for previous pregnancies
Date and gestation of delivery
Indication for and mode of delivery (e.g. spontaneous vaginal delivery,
operative vaginal delivery (forceps or ventouse) or Caesarean section)
Singleton or multiple pregnancy
Any pregnancy complications (take a full history)
Duration of rst and second stage of labour
Weight and sex of the baby
Health at birth, mode of infant feeding
Postnatal information about mother and baby
Social history
Enquire about the use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. Check a carbon monoxide level to detect the level of smoking. Advise all smokers to stop and offer referral to smoking cessation support. Advise all pregnant persons to avoid alcohol.
Ask:
who the patients partner/support is
how stable the relationship is
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11.10 Denitions
Term Denition
LMP First date of the last menstrual period (LMP)
EDD Estimated date of delivery: 40 weeks from LMP.
Parity Number of previous births. Written in the format
Gestation Number of weeks þ days of pregnancy counted
Trimester The 40 weeks of pregnancy are divided into
Liquor or amniotic uid
Oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios
Miscarriage Expulsion of a fetus prior to viability
Live birth Birth of a baby with signs of life
Still birth Birth of a potentially viable baby without signs of
Puerperium The 6-week period after birth
Linea nigra A dark line of discoloration in the midline of the
Striae gravidarum Stretch marks–those from the current
if the patient is not in a relationship, who will give support during and after the pregnancy
whether the pregnancy was planned; if unplanned, nd out how they feel about it.
Lower socioeconomic status is linked with increased perinatal
and maternal mortality.
Encourage regular exercise and avoidance of certain foods,
such as tuna (high mercury content), soft cheeses (risk of Listeria)
Fewer than 5% of babies deliver on their due date; the majority deliver between 37 and 42 completed weeks–this period is called term. Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) is most accurately calculated from an ultrasound scan measurement of the foetal crown–rump length or head circumference done at the end of the rst trimester
x þ y, where x is the number of live births and any births over 24 weeks, and y is the number of all other pregnancies–babies born before 24 weeks with no signs of life, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy counts as one delivery–the number refers to pregnancies delivered and not to the number of foetuses/ babies
from LMP (although not conceived till ovulation approximately 2 weeks later or 14 days before the next period is due)
three trimesters of approximately 13 weeks each
Fluid surrounding the fetus in utero
Too little and excess amniotic uid, respectively
life–in the UK, any that occur above 24 weeks; in Australia and other places, 20 weeks and above
abdominal skin
pregnancy appear white and those from any previous pregnancy are more silvery
11.11 Examples of single-gene disorders that can be detected antenatally
Autosomal dominant
Huntington’s chorea Myotonic dystrophy
Autosomal recessive
Cystic brosis
Sickle cell disease
X-linked
Duchenne muscular dystrophy Haemophilia
Thalassaemia
11.12 Age-related risk of Downs syndrome (trisomy 21)
Maternal age Risk
20 1 in 1500
30 1 in 900
35 1 in 400
40 1 in 100
45 1 in 30
and liver (high vitamin A content). Domestic violence can start or escalate in pregnancy and is associated with an increased risk of maternal death. All patients must be seen alone (without their partner) on at least one antenatal visit to allow this to be explored.
Occupational history
Ask the patient about their occupation and whether they plan to continue it. Occupations involving exposure to ionising radiation pose specic risks to the foetus or mother, so their job plan may require modication for safety reasons. There is no denitive evidence of a link between heavy work and preterm labour or pre-eclampsia.
Examination sequence
Calculate BMI (weight/height2).
Obtain a midstream specimen of urine for microscopy, cul-
ture and sensitivities.
Measure blood pressure.
Do not perform a routine full physical examination (including
breast and vaginal examination) in healthy pregnant patients. It is unnecessarily intrusive and has a low sensitivity for dis­ease identication. However, you should perform a full ex­amination, including cardiac auscultation, of any patient with poor general health.
Investigations
Routine investigations are required at the booking visit (Box 11.13).
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11.13 Antenatal investigations
Investigation Timing Indication/comment
Mid-stream specimen urine (MSU) for culture Booking; always sent Detects asymptomatic bacteriuria (and group B streptococcus)
Urinalysis Every visit Trace or þ proteinuria: send MSU, ask about symptoms of
Full blood count Booking, 28 weeks, 36 weeks If haemoglobin is <105 g/L, treat; consider checking
Haemoglobin electrophoresis Booking To check for sickle cell disease and thalassaemias
Blood group and antibody screen Booking, 28 weeks More often if advised by laboratory
Hepatitis B Booking If the patient is a previous intravenous drug abuser or is known to
HIV Booking Unless the patient opts out
Syphilis Booking
Plasma glucose Booking
Carbon monoxide level Every visit for smokers Advice and referral for cessation, growth scans
Combined biochemical screening and nuchal translucency measurement for trisomy 21
First-trimester ultrasound scan 6–13 weeks Viability, gestational age Æ7 days, fetal number, some major
Detailed ultrasound scan 18–22 weeks Detects 90% of major congenital abnormalities and placental site
Placental site If low at 20 weeks, recheck
Growth scan After 24 weeks; can be as
Presentation scan After 36 weeks If there is concern that presentation is not cephalic
Amniocentesis 15 weeks onwards For fetal karyotype; 0.5–1% risk of miscarriage
Chorionic villus biopsy 10 weeks onwards For fetal karyotype, single-gene disorder; 2% risk of miscarriage
Free foetal DNA maternal test (non-National Health Service)
DNA, Deoxyribonucleic acid; HIV, human immunodeciency virus.
11–14 weeks Detects 80–90% of affected pregnancies
later at about 34 weeks
often as 2–4 weekly
End of rst trimester To detect trisomy: current guidance advocates use as a
urinary tract infection
þþ Proteinuria: consider pre-eclampsia or, rarely, underlying renal disorder
Glycosuria: consider random blood glucose or glucose tolerance test
haematinics
be HIV- or hepatitis B-positive, also carry out hepatitis C screening
anomalies (e.g. anencephaly)
If there is an anterior placenta in a woman who has had a previous Caesarean section, recheck the scan at 28 weeks to consider the risk of placenta acreta
Previous growth-restricted baby, other risk factors, measurement of a small-for-dates baby, reduced foetal movements
screening test only
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ROUTINE ANTENATAL CHECK IN LATER PREGNANCY
The history
Ask about:
any new symptoms
symptoms relevant to ongoing conditions unrelated to
pregnancy
the mothers perception of foetal movements.
Fetal movements are initially felt at 16–20 weeksgestation. Their frequency increases until about 32 weeks to an average of 30 movements per hour, and this level remains unchanged until delivery. The classicfetal movement is a kick, but any perceived fetal activity counts as movement. Movements may decrease if the mother is given sedative drugs and may be felt less if the placenta is anterior. They also may decrease with intrauterine compromise, which may precede stillbirth.
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Common presenting symptom s
Physiological symptoms
Breast tenderness: often the earliest symptom of pregnancy and may occur even before a missed period.
Mild dyspnoea: may be due to increased respiratory drive early in pregnancy or diaphragmatic compression by the growing uterus late in pregnancy.
Heartburn: gradually increases in prevalence, affecting up to three-quarters of patients by the third trimester. It results from relaxation of the gastro-oesophageal sphincter and acid reux.
Constipation, urinary frequency, nausea and vomiting (which usually resolve by 16–20 weeks).
Aches and pains, especially backache, carpal tunnel syn­drome and pubic symphyseal discomfort.
These physiological symptoms affect patients to different de­grees and will occasionally merit examination and investigation to exclude other problems. Secondary amenorrhoea is the most obvious symptom of early pregnancy.
Reduced fetal movements
This is a common emergency presentation or reason for referral to a hospital by a midwife, and merits a full history, examination and fetal monitoring. It can be a sign of fetal compromise.
tract infection; less common causes include appendicitis, ovarian cyst accidents, sickle cell crisis or inammatory bowel disease. It is critical to take a complete history of a pregnant patient with abdominal pain and to perform a full obstetric and abdominal examination, including renal angle palpation. This becomes more difcult as pregnancy progresses, and the expanding uterus makes palpation of other organs and masses difcult. Ultrasound or MRI scanning may aid diagnosis.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a multifactorial syndrome comprised of high blood pressure, proteinuria and placental compromise, and is a signicant cause of maternal and foetal morbidity. It is often asymptomatic and detected by blood pressure monitoring and urinalysis, although some patients develop generalised head­aches and rapidly worsening peripheral oedema. A history focused on headaches, worsening oedema and upper abdom­inal pain should be taken. The examination is that of a routine antenatal assessment but should also include a check for hyperreexia and ankle clonus.
Pruritus
Pruritus (itching) affects one-quarter of pregnant patients. Rarely, it is associated with liver cholestasis, in which case it is gener­alised, and there is no rash.
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy before viability may herald a miscarriage; after 24 weeks, it is called an antepartum haemor­rhage. It can be a sign of a placental abruption, where the placenta prematurely separates, or of a low-lying placenta. At term, light vaginal bleeding can also be a sign of labour. Vaginal bleeding is never considered normal in pregnancy and always merits hospital review with a full history and examination. Painless bleeding is more typical of local causes, such as a cervical polyp, or a low­lying placenta, whereas painful bleeding is more in keeping with placental abruption. It is imperative to always consider venous access and send blood for blood count and cross-matching in any pregnant woman presenting with vaginal bleeding.
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is common in pregnancy. It can be caused by benign physiological issues such as constipation and is also a common presenting feature of labour when patients are con­tracting in established labour or tightening in early labour. It can also be caused by polyhydramnios or placental abruption.
Any condition causing abdominal pain can present coinci­dentally in pregnancy, however. A common example is urinary
Breathlessness
Mild breathlessness is physiological in pregnancy. In rare cir­cumstances, increased breathlessness is due to pulmonary oedema in pre-eclampsia or exacerbation of heart disease. If breathlessness is associated with chest pain, a pulmonary em­bolism (p. 85) should be considered. The chest should be examined, and oxygen saturation and respiratory rate measured. An electrocardiogram is helpful, and the risks/ benets of radiological imaging should be assessed. Consideration should be given to an echocardiogram to exclude unknown congenital or acquired heart disease (e.g. cardiomyopathy).
The physical examination
Examination sequence (Videos 23 and 23A)
Before examining the patient, ask them to empty their
bladder (perform urinalysis). They should lie with their head on a low pillow, with their abdomen exposed from the symphysis pubis to the xiphisternum.
Examine patients in late pregnancy in the left lateral position
or semirecumbent, 15 degrees to the horizontal, to avoid
A
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B
C
Fig. 11.35 Abdominal examination. A Palpate the fundal area to identify which pole of the fetus (breech or head) is occupying the fundus. B Slip your
hands gently down the sides of the uterus to identify which side the rm back and knobbly limbs of the fetus are positioned on. and slide your hands gently on the lower part of the uterus.
vena cava compression, which can cause hypotension for the mother and hypoxia for the foetus.
Measure blood pressure.
Note their general demeanour. Are they at ease or distressed
by physical pain?
On inspection, look for signs of pregnancy, such as the linea
nigra (a dark discoloration of the midline of the abdominal skin) and striae gravidarum (stretch marks).
Look for any scars, particularly from a previous Caesarean
section. Note the swelling of the uterus arising from the pelvis and any other swellings. You may also see fetal movements.
Uterine examination (Video 23B)
Ask the patient to report any tenderness and observe their
facial and verbal responses constantly.
Place the at of your hand on the uterine swelling. Gently ex
your ngers to palpate the upper and lateral edges of its rm mass. Note any tenderness, rebound or guarding outside the uterus. Palpate lightly to avoid triggering myometrial contraction, which makes fetal parts difcult to feel. Avoid deep palpation of any tender areas of the uterus. Note any contractions and any foetal movements.
Face the patient’s head. Place both your hands on either side
of the fundus and feel the fetal parts. Estimate if the liquor volume is normal. Assess how far from the surface the fetal parts are. If you can feel them only on deep palpation, this implies large amounts of uid (Fig. 11.35A).
With your right hand on the patient’s left side, feel down both
sides of the uterus. The fuller side suggests the location of the fetal back (see Fig. 11.35B).
Now face the patient’s feet. Place your hands on either side
of the uterus, with your left hand on the left side, and feel the lower part of the uterus to try to identify the presenting part. Ballott the head by pushing it gently from one side to the other and feel its hardness move between your ngers (see
Fig. 11.35C).
The size of the uterus increases as pregnancy advances
(Fig. 11.36). At 20 weeks, the uterine fundus is at the umbi­licus; by 36 weeks, it reaches the xiphisternum. The distance
Fig. 11.36 Approximate fundal height with increasing gestation.
from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterine fu ndus is the symphyseal fundal height (SFH). In a singleton preg­nancy, if the ba by is growing well, the SFH in c entimet res approximates the duration of pregnancy i n weeks. In multiple pregnancies, the fund us will measure larger at each stage. After 20 weeks, mea sure the SFH in centi­metres. With a tape measure, x the end at the high est point on the fundus (not always in the midline) and measure to the top of the symphysis pubis. To avoid bias, place the blank side of the tape facing you, lift the tape and read the measurement on the other sid e. The SFH is measured at every vi sit and recorded on a SFH centile chart in the maternal handheld record. In tall or thin patients, the SFH may be smaller than expected; in obese patients, it may be larger. After 25 weeks gestation, a difference of 3 or m ore
C Turn to face the patients feet
Xiphisternum 36 weeks
30 weeks
Umbilicus
20–22 weeks
16–18 weeks 14 weeks Symphysis pubis
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between the number of completed weeks of pr egnancy and the SFH in centimetres may suggest that the baby is small or large for dates. If this discrepancy occurs or if the
Do not perform a vaginal examination routinely in pregnancy
SFH centile is static or falling, the patient should be ref erred for a growth scan (Fig 11.37).
In late pregnancy or lab our, you ne ed to a ssess the fe tal lie,
fetal presentation and e ngagement of the head in the maternal pelvis. The lie describes the longitudinal axis of the fetus related to the longitudinal axis of the mother’s uterus. Most fetuses have a longitudinal lie in the third trimester (Fig. 11.38 ). From 36 weeks, a posi tion other than longitudinal is abnormal and requires further investigation.
The presentation is the part of the fetus’s body that is ex-
pected to deliver rst. With a longitudinal lie, there is either a
Abdominal organs are displaced during pregnancy. For example, in the case of ovarian cysts or an inamed appendix, the pain and tenderness may not be in the usual sites. The kidneys and liver cannot normally be palpated and listening for bowel sounds may be difcult in late pregnancy. Ultrasound scanning is now used routinely to assess fetal development (Figs
11.40 and 11.41).
cephalic or a breech presentation. Finally, assess whether more than 50% of the presenting part has entered the bony pelvis. This is usually the head, which is then said to be engaged (Fig. 11.39).
Investigations
Percussion of the pregnant abdomen is unnecessary.
Listen for the fetal heart if you cannot feel fetal movements. A
hand-held Doppler machine can be used from 14 weeks.
1716 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23
Symphysis-fundal height (cm)
22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Routine investigations are required at specic antenatal visits (see Box 11.13).
Fig. 11.37 International symphysis-fundal height standards. University of Oxford.
From 28 weeks, the Doppler machine is held over the anterior shoulder of the foetus.
unless there is a specic indication. Never perform a vaginal examination after 20 weeks unless the placental location is known, as there is a risk of severe bleeding if it is low.
45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23
Symphysis-fundal height (cm)
22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10
Weeks1716 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Investigations 261
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Fig. 11.40 Ultrasound scan at 12 weeks showing a twin pregnancy.
11
Fig. 11.38 The lie and presentation of the foetus at term.
Perform dipstick urinalysis at each visit, looking for glycosuria or proteinuria. Protein of 1þ may indicate a urinary tract infection or pre-eclampsia. Glycosuria requires a formal test for gestational diabetes.
Completely
above
5/5 4/5 3/5 2/5 1/5 0/5
Level of pelvic brim
Free, above
the brim
Sinciput +++
Occiput ++ Occiput +
‘Fixing’
Sinciput ++ Sinciput +
Fixed,
not engaged
Fig. 11.41 Ultrasound scan at 13 weeks showing crown–rump
measurement.
Occiput just felt
Just engaged Engaged Deeply engaged
Sinciput +
Occiput not felt
None of head
palpable
Fig. 11.39 Descent of the fetal head.
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MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Anatomy and physiology
The male genitalia include the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles, penis, scrotum and prostate gland (Fig. 11.42).
The testes develop intra-abdominally near the kidneys and migrate through the inguinal canal into the scrotum by birth. They have their own blood, lymphatic and nerve supply, so testicular problems may cause abdominal pain and enlargement of the para-aortic lymph nodes. The scrotum is a pouch with thin, pigmented, wrinkled skin that helps to regulate the temperature of the testes (Fig. 11.43), as sperm production is most efcient below body temperature. The left testis lies lower than the right. Each testis is oval, 3.5–5 cm long, and covered by the tunica albuginea, which forms the posterior wall of the tunica vaginalis. This is a prolongation of the peritoneal tube that forms as the testis descends during development. If it persists, it may be associated with an indirect inguinal hernia sac or a congenital hydrocoele. Along the posterior border of each testis is the epididymis.
The testes produce sperm and testosterone, starting at pu­berty (10–15 years of age; see Fig. 15.19). Sperm mature in the epididymis and pass down the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles. They are ejaculated from the urethra, together with prostatic and seminal vesicle uid, at orgasm.
The penis has two cylinders of endothelium-lined spaces surrounded by smooth muscle, the corpora cavernosa (Fig. 11.44). These are bound with the bulbospongiosus sur­rounding the urethra, which expands into the glans penis. The penile skin is reected over the glans, forming the prepuce
(foreskin). Sexual arousal causes a parasympathetically mediated increased blood ow into the corpora cavernosa with erection to enable vaginal penetration. Continued stimulation causes sympathetic-mediated contraction of the seminal vesicles and prostate, closure of the bladder neck and ejaculation. Following orgasm, a reduction in blood inow causes detumescence.
The prostate and seminal vesicles contribute to seminal uid.
After age 40, the prostate develops a trilobar structure because
Spermatic cord
Vas deferens
Pampiniform plexus
Epididymis
Testis
Scrotum
Fig. 11.43 The scrotum and its contents.
Fig. 11.42 Anatomy of the male genitalia. The male genitalia include the external organs, seminal vesicles and prostate gland.
Rectum
Seminal vesicle
Ejaculatory duct
Levator ani muscle
Anus
Bulbocavernosus
muscle
Bladder
Symphysis pubis
Prostate gland
Urethra
Hydatids of Morgagni
Epididymis
Glans Testis
Glans penis
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Urethra
Corpus cavernosum
Corpus spongiosum
The history • 263
There may be associated systemic upset or clinical signs associated with urological disease; a complete history and ex­amination are therefore important.
Common presenting symptom s
Urinary symptoms
Urinary symptoms are a common presentation of genital or lower urinary tract dysfunction. Dysuria (see below), voiding symptoms and haematuria are covered in Chapter 12.
Crus penis
Ischial tuberosity
Dorsal vein
Corpus cavernosum
Corpus spongiosum
Urethra
Cross-section
Fig. 11.44 Anatomy of the penis. The shaft and glans penis are formed
from the corpus spongiosum and the corpus cavernosum.
of benign enlargement. Two lateral lobes and a variable median lobe protrude into the bladder and may cause urethral and bladder outow obstruction. Prostate cancer develops in the peripheral tissue of the lateral lobes and sometimes may be detected by digital rectal examination. Only the posterior aspect and the lateral lobes of the prostate can be felt by rectal exam­ination (p. 111).
The history
Disorders of the male genitals may present as urinary symptoms, genital or pelvic pain, genital swellings, sexual dysfunction or infertility.
In addition to documenting the patients main genital or urinary
problems, be sure to ask about:
the timescale of their development
how they affect lifestyle and any sexual activity
sexual function, if appropriate
past conceptions or problems with fertility
general urological symptoms:
genital swelling
genital or pelvic pain
lower urinary tract symptoms
urethral discharge.
Penile discharge or dysuria
Ask about:
the duration of discharge or dysuria
whether these are new or recurrent symptoms
any other urinary symptoms
the sexual history
any systemic upset.
These symptoms usually represent urethritis which is the result of either an STI or a urinary tract infection. They may precede and lead to epididymo-orchitis (see later) or prostatitis. Prostatitis is associated with pelvic, perineal or scrotal pain, fever and sys­temic upset in acute bacterial prostatitis, or may lead to chronic pain and urinary symptoms in chronic prostatitis.
Scrotal swelling or pain
Patients often present acutely with scrotal pain and swelling together; they may also, however, present with either symptom alone.
Ask about:
duration of the swelling
whether it is unilateral or bilateral
association with pain
onset of pain: sudden or gradual
character and duration of the pain
radiation of the pain
any history of trauma
any associated symptoms:
systemic upset (nausea, vomiting, fever or weight loss)
urinary symptoms
urethral discharge
sexual history (see Box 11.5).
There are many causes of scrotal swelling or pain, but a pa­tient with sudden-onset unilateral scrotal pain should be considered to have testicular torsion until proven otherwise. Testicular torsion occurs most commonly between the ages of 10 and 30 years and is very rare over the age of 40. Pain is usually of acute onset and excruciating; it is not relieved by lying still. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting but not usually fever, lower urinary tract symptoms or urethral discharge.
11