pessary
Pronunciation: PESS-ah-ree
Medical device inserted into the vagina to support pelvic organs and treat conditions like pelvic organ prolapse or stress incontinence.
Full Definition
A pessary is a removable medical device, typically made of silicone or rubber, designed to be inserted into the vagina to provide mechanical support for prolapsed pelvic organs or to treat stress urinary incontinence. Various types are available including ring, cube, donut, and Gellhorn pessaries, each suited for different anatomical needs and degrees of prolapse. Pessary fitting requires careful size selection and patient education regarding insertion, removal, and maintenance. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for complications such as erosion, infection, or displacement, and to provide routine cleaning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type of pessary (ring, cube, etc.) in clinical documentation for clarity.
In Context
- "A ring pessary was fitted to address the patient's grade 2 cystocele." — fitting procedure
- "The patient returned for routine pessary cleaning and examination." — follow-up visit