[Quantitative assessment of pelvic organ prolapse: integration of multidimensional tool and optimization of clinical...

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition among middle-aged and elderly women, and its accurate quantitative assessment is key to optimizing clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions. This review summarizes the current clinical applications, strengths, and limitations of multidimensional POP assessment tools. Contemporary evaluation of POP encompasses symptomatology, physical examination, and imaging modalities. Key instruments include patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and patient-reported goals (PRG) for quantifying symptoms, the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system for staging anatomical changes, and pelvic floor ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for detailed visualization of pelvic anatomy. While each tool offers unique insights, they also present challenges: PRO/PRG face interpretative complexity, time constraints, and standardization barriers; POP-Q staging is technically demanding, underutilized in primary care, and may not fully reflect clinical presentations; and imaging techniques lack standardized protocols, incur higher costs, and have not yet to demonstrate clear guidance for patient management. We propose that future advancements should focus on enhancing clinician training, establishing standardized imaging protocols, and developing an integrated, multidimensional framework that unites symptom, anatomical, and functional data. Through the coordinated use of these complementary tools and the mitigation of their respective limitations, a more comprehensive and individualized assessment and management of POP could be achieved, thereby advancing clinical practice.