A 59-year-old woman undergoes vaginal hysterectomy and anteroposterior repair for uterine prolapse. Which of the following is a complication of this procedure that often develops within 2 weeks of surgery?
## **Core Concept**
The question pertains to complications following a vaginal hysterectomy and anteroposterior repair, specifically those that develop within 2 weeks post-surgery. Vaginal hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus through the vagina, and anteroposterior repair is often performed to correct pelvic organ prolapse. A common complication of such procedures is urinary retention.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Urinary retention is a well-known complication of vaginal surgeries, including hysterectomy and repair procedures. It often develops due to swelling, pain, or direct injury to the urinary tract or nerves controlling urination during the surgery. This condition can manifest as an inability to urinate or incomplete bladder emptying. Given that the question specifies a timeframe of within 2 weeks post-surgery, urinary retention fits well as it commonly presents early in the postoperative period.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While specific options aren't provided, if we consider common complications like infection or hemorrhage, these can occur but are less specifically tied to the timeframe and nature of the surgery in question compared to urinary retention.
- **Option B:** Similarly, without specifics, if another option like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered, it's a potential complication but less directly related to the immediate post-surgical period of 2 weeks in the context of the specific surgical procedures mentioned.
- **Option C:** If another option such as wound dehiscence or infection is considered, while possible, these are less directly and immediately related to the nature of the surgeries performed compared to urinary retention.
- **Option D:** Without details, if an option like vault prolapse is considered, it's a potential long-term complication rather than one that typically develops within 2 weeks.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that urinary retention is a common and often early complication following vaginal surgeries, including hysterectomy and repair procedures. Monitoring post-void residuals and ensuring adequate pain management can help mitigate this issue.
## **Correct Answer:** . Urinary Retention