Voiding dynamics of pelvic organ prolapse: Large scale comparative study.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Pelvic Health

Background:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects a significant number of women, often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Understanding the impact of POP on voiding dynamics is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the voiding dynamics between female patients with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
• To identify specific urodynamic parameters and symptoms associated with POP.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 373 female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms was conducted.
• Patients were categorized into groups with and without POP, and their symptoms, characteristics, and urodynamic findings (including free urine flow and detrusor voiding pressure curves) were compared.

Main Results:

• Patients with POP (189/373) were older, had weaker pelvic floor muscles, and reported more hesitancy compared to those without POP (184/373).
• POP patients demonstrated a prolonged-tailed free urine flow pattern and higher detrusor voiding pressure at maximum flow rate (P_det Q_max).
• Severe POP was associated with significantly lower maximum flow rate (Q_max) and higher P_det Q_max.

Conclusions:

• Voiding dynamics in patients with POP differ significantly from those without POP.
• Key indicators of POP include higher P_det Q_max, increased hesitancy, and a prolonged free flow curve pattern.
• Severe POP correlates with reduced Q_max, highlighting the impact of prolapse severity on bladder outlet obstruction.