Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System
Purposeassessing the degree of prolapse of pelvic organs

The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantifications System (POP-Q) is a system for assessing the degree of prolapse of pelvic organs to help standardize diagnosing, comparing, documenting, and sharing of clinical findings. [1] [2] This assessment is the most frequently used [3] [4] among research publications related to pelvic organ prolapse. [4]

Contents

When assessed using the POP-Q, the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is estimated to be up to 50% while diagnosis by symptoms has a prevalence of 3–6%. [2] Some advocate that the system of assessment be modified. [5]

The POP-Q was developed in 1996, it quantifies the descent of pelvic organs into the vagina. [3] [6] [2] The POP-Q provides reliable description of the support of the anterior, posterior and apical vaginal wall. It uses objective and precise distance measurements to the reference point, the hymen. Cystocele and prolapse of the vagina from other causes is staged using POP-Q criteria and can range from good support (no descent into the vagina) reported as a POP-Q stage 0 or I to a POP-Q score of IV, which includes prolapse beyond the hymen. It also used to quantify the movement of other structures into the vaginal lumen and their descent. [6] [2]

Stages

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q)
StageDescription
0No prolapse anterior and posterior points are all −3 cm, and C or D is between −TVL and −(TVL−2) cm.
1The criteria for stage 0 are not met, and the most distal prolapse is more than 1 cm above the level of the hymen (less than −1 cm).
2The most distal prolapse is between 1 cm above and 1 cm below the hymen (at least one point is −1, 0, or +1).
3The most distal prolapse is more than 1 cm below the hymen but no further than 2 cm less than TVL.
4Represents complete procidentia or vault eversion; the most distal prolapse protrudes to at least (TVL−2) cm.

The POP-Q assessment tool measures nine points in the vagina. The hymen is the reference point to which the other points are compared. The prolapsed organs are measured in centimeters to the hymen. The measurements are taken when the Valsalva maneuver is performed while The woman is in the dorsal lithotomy position. [7] [3] The anatomical landmarks used are anterior vaginal wall, cervix, hymen, perineal body, total vaginal length, posterior vaginal wall and posterior fornix. [8] A three-by-three centimeter grid is used to record the proximal and distal numbers. The information on the grid is translated to the appropriate stage of prolapse. [3]

This system of assessing pelvic organ prolapse is China's most commonly used grading system. [9]

Other assessments

Other assessment tools are abailable to determine the impact of pelvic floor prolapse. These are Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ), The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) and the shorter forms PFIQ-7 and PFDI-20. [7]

The evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse includes other diagnostic tests in addition to the POP-Q. These can be: [3]

In the US, greater than 200,000 surgeries are performed each year for pelvic organ prolapse. Examples of pelvic organ prolapse are cystocele, rectocele, urethrocele, enterocele and sigmoidocele. Cystocele is the most common. [10] [2]

History

The Porges or Severity prolapse assessment system was proposed in 1963. [11] In 1972, the Baden–Walker Halfway Scoring System was developed and is the second most used system. [11] [1] In 1980, the Beecham system was developed. The POP was developed in 1996. [11]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vagina</span> Part of the female genital tract in many animals

In mammals and other animals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen. At the deep end, the cervix bulges into the vagina. The vagina allows for copulation and birth. It also channels menstrual flow, which occurs in humans and closely related primates as part of the menstrual cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bartholin's gland</span> Mucous glands located near the vaginal opening

The Bartholin's glands are two pea sized compound alveolar glands located slightly posterior and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina. They secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina.

A pessary is a prosthetic device inserted into the vagina for structural and pharmaceutical purposes. It is most commonly used to treat stress urinary incontinence to stop urinary leakage and to treat pelvic organ prolapse to maintain the location of organs in the pelvic region. It can also be used to administer medications locally in the vagina or as a method of contraception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelvic floor</span> Anatomical structure

The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is an anatomical location in the human body, which has an important role in urinary and anal continence, sexual function and support of the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor includes muscles, both skeletal and smooth, ligaments and fascia. and separates between the pelvic cavity from above, and the perineum from below. It is formed by the levator ani muscle and coccygeus muscle, and associated connective tissue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rectocele</span> Bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall

In gynecology, a rectocele or posterior vaginal wall prolapse results when the rectum bulges (herniates) into the vagina. Two common causes of this defect are childbirth and hysterectomy. Rectocele also tends to occur with other forms of pelvic organ prolapse, such as enterocele, sigmoidocele and cystocele.

Vaginoplasty is any surgical procedure that results in the construction or reconstruction of the vagina. It is a type of genitoplasty. Pelvic organ prolapse is often treated with one or more surgeries to repair the vagina. Sometimes a vaginoplasty is needed following the treatment or removal of malignant growths or abscesses to restore a normal vaginal structure and function. Surgery to the vagina is done to correct congenital defects to the vagina, urethra and rectum. It may correct protrusion of the urinary bladder into the vagina (cystocele) and protrusion of the rectum (rectocele) into the vagina. Often, a vaginoplasty is performed to repair the vagina and its attached structures due to trauma or injury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelvic floor dysfunction</span> Medical condition

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a term used for a variety of disorders that occur when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are impaired. The condition affects up to 50 percent of women who have given birth. Although this condition predominantly affects women, up to 16 percent of men are affected as well. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, pressure, pain during sex, urinary incontinence (UI), overactive bladder, bowel incontinence, incomplete emptying of feces, constipation, myofascial pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse. When pelvic organ prolapse occurs, there may be visible organ protrusion or a lump felt in the vagina or anus. Research carried out in the UK has shown that symptoms can restrict everyday life for women. However, many people found it difficult to talk about it and to seek care, as they experienced embarassment and stigma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cystocele</span> Medical condition

The cystocele, also known as a prolapsed bladder, is a medical condition in which a woman's bladder bulges into her vagina. Some may have no symptoms. Others may have trouble starting urination, urinary incontinence, or frequent urination. Complications may include recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary retention. Cystocele and a prolapsed urethra often occur together and is called a cystourethrocele. Cystocele can negatively affect quality of life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelvic organ prolapse</span> Descent of the pelvic organs from their normal positions

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is characterized by descent of pelvic organs from their normal positions into the vagina. In women, the condition usually occurs when the pelvic floor collapses after gynecological cancer treatment, childbirth or heavy lifting. Injury incurred to fascia membranes and other connective structures can result in cystocele, rectocele or both. Treatment can involve dietary and lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or surgery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine prolapse</span> Medical condition

Uterine prolapse is a form of pelvic organ prolapse in which the uterus and a portion of the upper vagina protrude into the vaginal canal and, in severe cases, through the opening of the vagina. It is most often caused by injury or damage to structures that hold the uterus in place within the pelvic cavity. Symptoms may include vaginal fullness, pain with sexual intercourse, difficulty urinating, and urinary incontinence. Risk factors include older age, pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, obesity, chronic constipation, and chronic cough. Prevalence, based on physical exam alone, is estimated to be approximately 14%.

A urethrocele is the prolapse of the female urethra into the vagina. Weakening of the tissues that hold the urethra in place may cause it to protrude into the vagina. Urethroceles often occur with cystoceles. In this case, the term used is cystourethrocele.

Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure in women that repairs a defect in the wall of the vagina. It is the surgical intervention for both cystocele and rectocele.

Urogynecology or urogynaecology is a surgical sub-specialty of urology and gynecology.

An enterocele is a protrusion of the small intestines and peritoneum into the vaginal canal. It may be treated transvaginally or by laparoscopy.

A urogenital fistula is an abnormal tract that exists between the urinary tract and bladder, ureters, or urethra. A urogenital fistula can occur between any of the organs and structures of the pelvic region. A fistula allows urine to continually exit through and out the urogenital tract. This can result in significant disability, interference with sexual activity, and other physical health issues, the effects of which may in turn have a negative impact on mental or emotional state, including an increase in social isolation. Urogenital fistulas vary in etiology. Fistulas are usually caused by injury or surgery, but they can also result from malignancy, infection, prolonged and obstructed labor and deliver in childbirth, hysterectomy, radiation therapy or inflammation. Of the fistulas that develop from difficult childbirth, 97 percent occur in developing countries. Congenital urogenital fistulas are rare; only ten cases have been documented. Abnormal passageways can also exist between the vagina and the organs of the gastrointestinal system, and these may also be termed fistulas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal anomalies</span> Congenital defect; abnormal or absent vagina

Vaginal anomalies are abnormal structures that are formed during the prenatal development of the female reproductive system and are rare congenital defects that result in an abnormal or absent vagina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal support structures</span> Structures that maintain the position of the vagina within the pelvic cavity

The vaginal support structures are those muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, membranes and fascia, of the pelvic floor that maintain the position of the vagina within the pelvic cavity and allow the normal functioning of the vagina and other reproductive structures in the female. Defects or injuries to these support structures in the pelvic floor leads to pelvic organ prolapse. Anatomical and congenital variations of vaginal support structures can predispose a woman to further dysfunction and prolapse later in life. The urethra is part of the anterior wall of the vagina and damage to the support structures there can lead to incontinence and urinary retention.

Vaginal rugae are structures of the vagina that are transverse ridges formed out of the supporting tissues and vaginal epithelium in females. Some conditions can cause the disappearance of vaginal rugae and are usually associated with childbirth and prolapse of pelvic structures. The rugae contribute to the resiliency and elasticity of the vagina and its ability to distend and return to its previous state. These structures not only allow expansions and an increase in surface area of the vaginal epithelium, they provide the space necessary for the vaginal microbiota. The shape and structure of the rugae are supported and maintained by the lamina propria of the vagina and the anterior and posterior rugae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal cysts</span> Benign growths of the vaginal epithelium

Vaginal cysts are uncommon benign cysts that develop in the vaginal wall. The type of epithelial tissue lining a cyst is used to classify these growths. They can be congenital. They can present in childhood and adulthood. The most common type is the squamous inclusion cyst. It develops within vaginal tissue present at the site of an episiotomy or other vaginal surgical sites. In most instances they do not cause symptoms and present with few or no complications. A vaginal cyst can develop on the surface of the vaginal epithelium or in deeper layers. Often, they are found by the woman herself and as an incidental finding during a routine pelvic examination. Vaginal cysts can mimic other structures that protrude from the vagina such as a rectocele and cystocele. Some cysts can be distinguished visually but most will need a biopsy to determine the type. Vaginal cysts can vary in size and can grow as large as 7 cm. Other cysts can be present on the vaginal wall though mostly these can be differentiated. Vaginal cysts can often be palpated (felt) by a clinician. Vaginal cysts are one type of vaginal mass, others include cancers and tumors. The prevalence of vaginal cysts is uncertain since many go unreported but it is estimated that 1 out of 200 women have a vaginal cyst. Vaginal cysts may initially be discovered during pregnancy and childbirth. These are then treated to provide an unobstructed delivery of the infant. Growths that originate from the urethra and other tissue can present as cysts of the vagina.

Transvaginal mesh, also known as vaginal mesh implant, is a net-like surgical tool that is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) among female patients. The surgical mesh is placed transvaginally to reconstruct weakened pelvic muscle walls and to support the urethra or bladder.

References

  1. 1 2 Persu, C; Chapple, CR; Cauni, V; Gutue, S; Geavlete, P (2011-02-15). "Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP–Q) – a new era in pelvic prolapse staging". Journal of Medicine and Life. 4 (1): 75–81. ISSN   1844-122X. PMC   3056425 . PMID   21505577.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Barber, Matthew D.; Maher, Christopher (2013-11-01). "Epidemiology and outcome assessment of pelvic organ prolapse". International Urogynecology Journal. 24 (11): 1783–1790. doi:10.1007/s00192-013-2169-9. ISSN   0937-3462. PMID   24142054. S2CID   9305151.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Beckley, Ian; Harris, Neil (2013-03-26). "Pelvic organ prolapse: a urology perspective". Journal of Clinical Urology. 6 (2): 68–76. doi:10.1177/2051415812472675. S2CID   75886698.
  4. 1 2 Boyd, S. S.; O'Sullivan, D. M.; Tulikangas, P. (2017-03-01). "29: Implementation of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system in peer-reviewed journals". American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 216 (3): S591. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.12.076 . ISSN   0002-9378.
  5. ↑ Oyama, Ian A.; Steinberg, Adam C.; Watai, Travis K.; Minaglia, Steven M. (2012). "Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Use in the Literature". Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. 18 (1): 33–34. doi:10.1097/spv.0b013e31823bd1ab. PMID   22453265. S2CID   26251358.
  6. 1 2 Hoffman, Barbara L.; Williams, J. Whitridge (2012). Williams gynecology (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. pp. 647–653. ISBN   9780071716727. OCLC   779244257.
  7. 1 2 Sengupta, Niladri; Hilliard, Timothy (2013). "Urogynecological Risk Assessment in Postmenopausal Women". www.medscape.com. Retrieved 2017-12-29.
  8. ↑ Practitioners, The Royal Australian College of General. "RACGP – Pelvic organ prolapse – a review". www.racgp.org.au. Retrieved 2017-12-29.
  9. ↑ Wang, Yi-ting; Jiang, Jun-ying; Han, Jin-song (2016-02-01). "A review of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system in China". International Urogynecology Journal. 27 (2): 287–290. doi:10.1007/s00192-015-2830-6. ISSN   0937-3462. PMID   26353847. S2CID   20771630.
  10. ↑ Halpern-Elenskaia, Ksenia; Umek, Wolfgang; Bodner-Adler, Barbara; Hanzal, Engelbert (2017-12-06). "Anterior colporrhaphy: a standard operation? Systematic review of the technical aspects of a common procedure in randomized controlled trials". International Urogynecology Journal. 29 (6): 781–788. doi:10.1007/s00192-017-3510-5. ISSN   0937-3462. PMC   5948274 . PMID   29214325.
  11. 1 2 3 Zimmern, Philippe E.; Haab, Francois; Chapple, Christopher R. (2007-12-09). Vaginal Surgery for Incontinence and Prolapse. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 40. ISBN   9781846283468.
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