Term
| how can an infection in the female GU lead to infertility? |
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Definition
| acute suppurative salpingitis (PID) due to n. gonorrhea, chlamydia, other STIs may cause scarring severe enough in the fallopian tubes to result in infertility. (important to aggressively tx these infections) |
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Term
| what is ectopic pregnancy? |
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Definition
| implantation of the fetus anywhere but the normal uterine location - most commonly in the fallopian tube. this is associated with PID and chronic salpingitis - though 50% occur in normal fallopian tubes. |
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Term
| what can happen w/a tubal ectopic pregnancy? |
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Definition
| ectopic pregnancy usually starts as a tubal hematoma - then it may regress, progress to a lethal rupture, or be extruded from the fimbriated end into the abdominal cavity and implant anywhere in the abdominal cavity. |
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Term
| what is the clinical course of ectopic pregnancy? |
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Definition
| severe abdominal pain occurring approx 6 wks after a menstrual period and signs of an acute abdomen. dx: hCG assay/US/bx tx: sx |
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Term
| why can ectopic pregnancy be considered a surgical emergency? |
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Definition
| b/c when embryos implant outside the uterus they encroach on other vital structures and may disrupt blood supply to the point of hemorrhage. thus hCG test is prudent for women presenting w/the associated symptoms. |
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Term
| what tumors may be seen in the fallopian tubes? |
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Definition
| adenomatoid tumors (appear solid, white, benign) and carcinoma (rare, usually papillary adenocarcinoma - prognosis determined by stage) |
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