Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2006 Mar;49(3):501-512.

Diagnosis and treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Kim SH

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse is defined anatomically as the descent of a pelvic organ into or beyond the vagina, perineum or anal canal. As a society is industrialized and the average span of life is increased, there are a growing numbers and concerns with pelvic organ prolapse. It can endanger our quality of life not only by a specific mechanical symptom, such as bulge outside the vagina, but by functional symptoms like bladder, bowel and sexual problems. Growth in demand for services to care for pelvic organ prolapse generates a demand for objective diagnostic tool and successful treatment strategies. So, first, we would like to discuss the POP Q system which is by far the most often used by clinicians and researchers since it's adoption in 1996, and second, we would like to compare the types, characteristics, success rates, and recurrence rates of two broad categories of prolapse management, nonsurgical treatment, which includes pelvic floor muscle training and pessary use, and surgery for anterior, apical and posterior vaginal wall defects.

Keyword

Pelvic organ prolapse; POP Q; Pessary

MeSH Terms

Anal Canal
Diagnosis*
Pelvic Floor
Pelvic Organ Prolapse*
Perineum
Pessaries
Prolapse
Quality of Life
Recurrence
Urinary Bladder
Vagina