Diagnosis and treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Kim, Sun Haeng

Review

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006;49(3):501-512.
Published online March 1, 2006.

Diagnosis and treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Sun Haeng Kim

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine Korea University, Seoul, Korea. ksh5335@kumc.or.kr

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.

Key Words: Pelvic organ prolapse, POP Q, Pessary