Correlation of POP-Q posterior compartment measures with defecatory dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Pelvic Floor Disorders
• Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Background:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects many women.
• Defecatory dysfunction is a common symptom associated with POP.
• The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system measures prolapse severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific POP-Q measurements (pb and Bp) and defecatory dysfunction.
• To determine if higher POP-Q values correlate with symptoms of stool trapping and incomplete evacuation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 1,663 urogynecology patients.
• Compiled Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and POP-Q exam results.
• Defined rectocele (Bp > -0.5) and perineocele (pb > 3) to compare symptoms.

Main Results:

• Perineocele (pb) was not linked to defecatory symptoms or bother.
• Isolated rectocele (Bp) correlated with increased splinting and incomplete evacuation.
• Women with rectocele reported significantly higher bother scores.

Conclusions:

• The POP-Q Bp measurement is associated with defecatory dysfunction.
• The POP-Q pb measurement does not correlate with these symptoms.
• Bp point is a relevant indicator for assessing bowel function issues in POP.