Fothergill's operation is done for?

Appeared in: HPSSSB Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Fothergill's operation, also known as the Manchester operation, is a specific surgical procedure designed to correct uterine prolapse.
It is primarily indicated for first or second-degree uterine prolapse, especially when there is associated hypertrophy (elongation) of the cervix.
The procedure is uterus-sparing, involving amputation of the elongated cervix and plication (shortening) of the cardinal ligaments to provide support to the uterus.
It also includes anterior and posterior colporrhaphy to repair associated cystocele and rectocele.

Option A: Cervical tears are acute injuries, usually from childbirth, that are repaired by direct suturing (trachelorrhaphy). Fothergill's operation is a complex reconstructive surgery for a chronic condition (prolapse).
Option B: Cervical cancer is a malignancy requiring oncological treatment like radical hysterectomy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Fothergill's operation is for benign structural support failure.
Option C: Uterine infections are caused by pathogens and are treated with antimicrobial medications (antibiotics). Surgery is not the primary treatment unless an abscess forms that requires drainage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Surgical management of uterine prolapse as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Fothergill's operation is a key uterus-sparing option for younger women with uterine prolapse and cervical elongation who wish to avoid hysterectomy.
Nurses must be vigilant in post-operative monitoring for hemorrhage and urinary retention, as bladder and uterine vessel manipulation are key parts of the procedure.
What if? If the patient were postmenopausal with severe (third or fourth-degree) prolapse and did not desire uterine preservation, a vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair would be the more appropriate surgical choice.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of specific gynecological surgical procedures.
Identify the key term in the question: 'Fothergill's operation'.
Recall the primary indication for this specific surgery. This operation is a classic procedure for a specific type of pelvic organ prolapse.
Evaluate the options to find the condition that matches the indication. Fothergill's operation is synonymous with the Manchester operation, a procedure for uterine prolapse.
Eliminate the other options based on their standard treatments: cervical tears are sutured, cancer requires oncologic surgery, and infection is treated with medication.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qs5g5EB4Ymutsi42z-Id9B

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 54-73

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 94-126

Practise the full HPSSSB Staff Nurse - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.