The womb, often described as the cradle of life, is profoundly significant in a woman’s physical and emotional journey. Beyond its biological function of nurturing and sustaining life, the womb symbolizes the very essence of femininity, the house, and the miraculous process of creation.
Throughout history and across cultures, the womb has been revered as a sacred vessel, embodying the essence of womanhood and the continuity of generations. It serves as a testament to the resilience and strength inherent in women, as they navigate the intricate cycles of fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth with grace and courage.
Multiple childbirths, ageing, obesity, chronic coughing, or conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure can be a cause of a Prolapse. Prolapse refers to the displacement or descent of an organ or tissue from its normal position within the body.
Mrs. Alice Mwikali is in her 90s. She was diagnosed with Uterine Prolapse. In uterine prolapse, the uterus descends from its usual position and may protrude into or outside of the vagina. At 94 years, Alice is a happy patient having undergone a successful colpocleisis at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The patient told Newsline how glad she is “I am here today to testify of the good job Dr. Mutiso together with other doctors have done. I had stayed with the disease for almost ten (10) years hiding it from my family. I felt ashamed so I kept it to myself but today am so thankful all is well.”
Mrs. Alice has been a patient at KNH since 1998 after she was diagnosed with diabetes. “I am a strong woman, and I did insulin and other medications alone, she said laughing. Then in 2021, my family found out I had been walking around with my uterus out, they took me to Dr. Mutiso, and then later I underwent the procedure that my last-born daughter can explain, and I am here now,” said the delighted ‘shush’.
Ms. Jane is Alice’s lastborn child who has been with her all through the treatment. “That day is still very fresh in my mind when Mum fainted. My siblings and I rushed to pick her up, and that’s when we saw the hanging uterus in her vagina.
My heart sank, I had never seen such a thing in my life. We rushed her to the nearest hospital in the village; that’s in 2021. Unfortunately, they said they are not equipped to treat her condition so they referred us to Kenyatta.
We went to clinic 18 and that’s where we met Dr. Mutiso who explained to us what was wrong with my mother and what to do. At first, the doctor was indecisive because of my mother’s age but later he and the multidisciplinary team decided to do colpocleisis,” Ms. Jane recalled.
Mrs. Alice’s family had a meeting and immediately there was a division among them. “Some didn’t want Mum to undergo the procedure but I was among those who strongly advocated the procedure because I have seen my mother suffering and at 94, she didn’t deserve to live her remaining years like that.
“Today, we are grateful as a family for the good work of the doctors. Our mother can now walk straight and she’s no longer in pain”, Ms. Jane concluded.
Before the procedure, Alice could not walk straight because of her back & abdominal pain. “But now look at me! Am walking and can even dance and worship God. My quality of life since my surgery has improved greatly,” Mrs. Alice said with a smile on her face.
What is uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse is a condition that occurs when the uterus drops down into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic muscle, tissue, and ligaments. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost half of all women aged between 50 and 79 experience some degree of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse or other forms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Dr. Stephen Mutiso is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at KNH, who works in the Urogynaecology Unit. This unit focuses on the assessment and treatment of bladder and pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor is the area of the body that houses the bladder, reproductive system, and rectum.
These disorders include urine incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ/uterine prolapse, recurrent urinary tract infections, and perineal injuries sustained after delivery, among others.
According to Dr. Mutiso factors that increase the risk of uterine prolapse include multiple vaginal childbirth (which poses the highest risk), age, obesity, chronic constipation, and menopause.
In treating such cases, Dr. Mutiso explained that they have to be extremely careful in choosing the right procedure for the patient. For example, a patient like Alice, who is advanced in age and also a diabetic, went with colpocleisis – a surgical treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse in which the length of the vaginal canal is shortened.