[Physiopathology of genitourinary prolapse]

The physiopathology of urogenital prolapse is multifactorial, a combination of the interaction between constitutional and acquired factors resulting in the weakening of perineal support. Genetic modifications contribute to the occurrence of prolapse (proof level 2). Differences relating to types of collagen and their proportions, the construction of smooth muscle fibres and nervous structures, have been described between women with and without prolapse. But the relationship of cause and effect is not always clear. It would appear that the reduction in the expression of the elastine gene and the perturbation of metabolism may be at the origin of the cause of a prolapse. However, the intense activity of tissue remodeling is probably the consequence of biomechanical pressure born by the prolapse. Muscular or neuropathic lesions of the levator ani have been widely researched and documented. In the case of prolapse, these were isolated exceptions and most often associated with dehiscence of support tissue.