Outcome measures to assess anatomy and function of the posterior vaginal compartment

Optimal measures for assessing anatomy and defecatory symptoms related to posterior compartment prolapse are unknown. Our objectives were: (1) to test the inter- and intrarater reliability of commonly used or reported anatomic measures of posterior compartment prolapse performed in the clinic setting and under anesthesia; and (2) to examine the correlation between posterior compartment anatomy and defecatory symptoms prior to surgical intervention.

A prospective cohort of women with pelvic floor disorders was assessed using a variety of validated questionnaires and standardized examination measures at baseline, at a preoperative visit, and intraoperatively. Inter- and intrarater reliability for anatomic measures were assessed by two separate examiners at the initial visit and repeated by one of the original examiners at a preoperative visit. Reliability was measured using kappa or intraclass correlations according to data type. Symptom and anatomic measure correlations were analyzed using Spearman rank tests.

Mean age of the 120 women recruited was 57 ± 15 years, 49 (41 %) had a point Bp ≥ 0; 59 % reported at least moderate bother from at least one obstructed defecation symptom on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI). At baseline, most anatomic measures showed at least moderate to good inter/intrarater reliability (> 0.5). There were no moderate or better correlations between any symptom and anatomic measure (all r <  0.27).

Most anatomic measures of posterior compartment prolapse are reliable and reproducible; however, they do not correlate well with defecatory symptoms.