This was a lecture delivered during the 15th Postgraduate Course of the Jose R Reyes Memorial Medical Center- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on June 9, 2021. This is intended for Obstetrician-gynecologists in training and/or in practice.
2. Joanne Karen S. Aguinaldo, MD, FPOGS,
FPSURPS
Simplified
Management
Approach,
Recognition and
Treatment
of Common OBGYN Diseases
POP-Q made easy
3. Learning Objectives
1.How to score and stage pelvic organ prolapse using the POP-
Quantification system (POP-Q)
2.How to diagnose anterior and posterior compartment
prolapse
3.How to manage pelvic organ prolapse
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse – Quantification
System (POP-Q)
1. Identified (6) points on the anterior, posterior and apical vagina
2. Used the hymen as a point of reference
8. How to score
Maximum protrusion
• Any protrusion observed
as tight on straining
• Traction causes no further
descent
• Patient confirmation
• Examine on standing,
straining
9. How to score
Point Definition Compartment
Aa [A fixed point] 3 cm proximal to the
external urethral meatus on the anterior
vaginal wall
Anterior
Ba Maximum descent of the anterior wall
11. How to score
Point Definition Compartment
Aa 3 cm proximal to the external urethral
meatus
Anterior
Ba Most distal or dependent position of the
any part of the upper anterior vaginal wall*
*from the anterior fornix/cuff to point Aa
12. How to score : point Ba
-3
+(8)
UPPER ANTERIOR vaginal wall
UPPER ANTERIOR vaginal wall
14. How to score
Point Definition Compartment
Ap [A fixed point] 3 cm proximal to the hymen
on the posterior vaginal wall
Posterior
Bp Most distal or dependent position of the
any part of the upper posterior vaginal
wall*
*from the posterior fornix/cuff to point Ap
21. Other Landmarks Definition
GH Genital hiatus from the middle of the external
urethral meatus to the
posterior midline hymen
PB Perineal body from the posterior margin of
the genital hiatus
to the midanal opening
TVL Total vaginal length greatest depth of the vagina
when point C or D is reduced to
its full normal position
23. GH, PB, TVL = Absolute numbers
At maximum protrusion
With apex fully reduced
24. How to score
How to stage
Stage 0 NO prolapse
Most distal point or the lowest point
I > 1 cm above the hymen
II 1 cm above or below the
hymen
III 1 cm below the hymen
But not more than (TVL) -2 cms
IV Descends to at least
(TVL) – 2 cms below the hymen
25. How to stage
Stage 0
NO PROLAPSE DEMONSTRATED
Points Aa, Ap, Ba, and Bp are all at -3 cm;
Either Point C or D is between – (TVL) cm and – (TVL -2) cm
TVL = 7
-5 and - 7
28. How to stage
Stage Definition
THE MOST DISTAL PORTION OF THE PROLAPSE (or most descended point):
I Is >1 cm above the level of the hymen
II Is < 1 cm proximal to or distal to the plane of the hymen
III Is >1 cm below the hymen but protrudes no further than 2 cm <
total vaginal length in cms [TVL – 2]
IV Protrudes to at least [TVL – 2]cm
29. How to stage
Aa Ba C
+2 +8 +8
GH PB TVL
6 2 9
Ap Bp D
(+) +7 +7
STAGE IV (Ba, C)
30. How to stage
Aa Ba C
(-) +2 +5
GH PB TVL
4 2 8
Ap Bp D
(-) +3 +3
STAGE III (C, D)
31. Learning Objectives
1. How to score and stage pelvic organ prolapse using the POP-Quantification system
(POP-Q)
2.How to diagnose anterior and posterior compartment
prolapse
3.How to manage pelvic organ prolapse
32. How to diagnose Anterior compartment
Prolapse
Image credit: Google Images
33. How to diagnose Anterior compartment
Prolapse
•Urinalysis
•Post void residual determination
Special circumstances:
• Consider further urodynamic assessment if
there is urinary incontinence
• Assess urethral sphincter function in women
with severe prolapse
34. How to diagnose Posterior compartment
prolapse
Image credit: Google Images
35. How to diagnose Posterior compartment
prolapse
Rectovaginal exam
• Perineal descent
• Enterocoele
• Anal sphincter dysfunction
Image credit: Google Images
36. How to manage CONSERVATIVELY
I. Vaginal pessary
1. Pessaries can be fitted in most women
with prolapse, regardless of prolapse
stage or site of predominant prolapse.
(Level III, Grade A)
37. How to manage CONSERVATIVELY
I. Vaginal pessary
2. …pessary use should be considered
before surgical intervention in women
with symptomatic prolapse. (Level III,
Grade A)
2019 recommendation - ACOG, NICE
40. How to manage
II. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise
Despite the lack of high quality evidence
supporting pelvic floor muscle training
for prevention and treatment, it poses no
cost and risk to the patient.
(Level II-3, Grade B)
41. How to manage
II. Patient Education and Lifestyle Modifications
Patients with POP should be counseled on the
importance of various modifications that may
prevent or improve their symptom of prolapse.
(Level II-3, Grade B)
2019 NICE guidelines on Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• losing weight, if the woman has a BMI > 30
kg/m2
• minimizing heavy lifting
• preventing or treating constipation
42. How to manage DEFINITIVELY
Reconstructive
surgery
Aims to restore anatomy and function
of the pelvic floor
Obliterative
surgery
Closes off the vagina
44. POP-Q made easy
Simplified Management Approach, Recognition and Treatment
of Common OBGYN Diseases
Joanne Karen S. Aguinaldo, MD, FPOGS, FPSURPS
Learning Objectives:
1. How to score and stage pelvic organ prolapse (POP-Q
system)
2. How to diagnose anterior and posterior compartment
prolapse
3. How to manage pelvic organ prolapse
45. POP-Q made easy
Simplified Management Approach, Recognition and Treatment of Common OBGYN Diseases
Joanne Karen S. Aguinaldo, MD, FPOGS, FPSURPS
10 June 2021
References:
1. Bump RC, Mattiasson A, Bø K, Brubaker LP, DeLancey JO, Klarskov P, Shull
BL, Smith AR. The standardization of terminology of female pelvic organ
prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996
Jul;175(1):10-7.
2. Ostergaard’s Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Dystfunction, 6th Ed. 2008.
3. Te Linde’s Atlas of Gynecologic Surgery. 2014.
4. Te Linde’s Operative Gynecology, 10th Ed. 2003.
5. Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, 4th Ed. 2015.
Editor's Notes
Good afternoon. I am glad to be a part of the 15th post-graduate course the Jose R Reyes Memorial Medical Center Dept of OBGYN
I have been asked to lecture on Pelvic organ prolapse.
At the end of my lecture, you will be familiar with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quant Sys
You will know how to use the POP Q to score and stage pelvic organ prolapse.
I will talk specifically on the diagnosis and management of anterior and posterior compartment prolapse.
By now, all gynecologists are aware of the POP-Q. Since its introduction in 1996 by the International Continence Society, it has been widely taught and used all over the world.
The quantification system describes the site and degree of a prolapse through these key elements:
There are 6 identified points on the anterior, posterior and apical vagina,
and their descent is measured with reference to a definite anatomic landmark, the hymen
The quantification system identifies and measures the descent 6 points on the vagina, including the cervix.
It also describes other landmarks, namely: Genital hiatus, perineal body and total vaginal length.
The scores for each point as well as the measurement of the landmarks are tabulated on a tic tac toe grid like so
Measurements are recorded as negative numbers when proximal to the hymen and positive numbers when distal to the hymen.
The unit of measurements is in centimeters.
During the examination, it is critical that the examiner sees and describes the maximum protrusion that the patient experiences during her daily activities.
How do know that the maximum prolapse is already demonstrated?
Well, you can observe that the protrusion of the vaginal wall has become TIGHT during straining such as in this picture on the left
Or, application of traction ON the prolapse causes no further descent. You must be gentle when you do this, you can use an allis, babcook or your fingers.
You can also ask the patient to confirm that the size of the prolapse and the extent of the protrusion is indeed what she experiences at home. I find a mirror helpful so the patient visualize the protrusion and give feedback.
In times when the prolapse can not be observed during the pelvic exam, you can ask the patient to stand and strain.
Okay, I will now go by compartment and discuss the POP-Q points to be scored
There are 2 points to be scored in the anterior compartment, point A and B.
The small letter a designates they are in the anterior vagina
Point Aa is located in the midline of the anterior vaginal wall 3 cm proximal to the external urethral meatus
This corresponding to the approximate location of the "urethrovesical crease," However this landmark of variable prominence and is usually obliterated in many patients with prolapse.
By definition, the range of position of point Aa relative to the hymen is -3 to +3 cm.
Point Ba represents the most distal position of any part of the upper anterior vaginal wall from the vaginal cuff or anterior vaginal fornix to point Aa.
By definition, point Ba is at -3 cm in the absence of prolapse
Point Ba represents the most distal position of any part of the upper anterior vaginal wall – this means from anterior vaginal fornix or vaginal cuff to point Aanterior.
For point Ba, you looking which part of the upper anterior vaginal wall descends the lowest.
Consider the area from the anterior fornix to point Aanterior and score the most dependent part
So in the case of no prolapse, the part that is most dependent is correspond to Aa
So point Ba is scored as -3 because the point is 3 cms above the hymen
Now the part of the upper vagina that will be scored will change with progressive prolapse
Consider the case of maximum prolapse, the part that descends the lowest is closer to the anterior fornix
And it will be given a (+) value because it lies lower than the hymen
Similarly, the posterior compartment is also described using the corresponding Point A and B.
The small letter p indicates that these points are in the posterior vagina
Point Bposterior represents the most distal position of any part of the upper posterior vaginal wall
And Point Ap is the point located in the midline of the posterior vaginal wall 3 cm from to the hymen.
from the vaginal cuff or posterior vaginal fornix to point Ap. By definition, point Bp is at-3 cm in the absence of prolapse and would have a positive value equal to the position of the cuff in a woman with total posthysterectomy vaginal eversion.
For Apost, we are looking at the point 3 cms from the hymen..
Again for B posterior, we are looking at the upper post wall which is this area from the posterior fornix to Ap
Point Bp is a point in the most distal or dependent portion of the area, which in a case of no prolapse will correspond to point Ap
And given a score of -3
In the case of maximum prolapse, the point that is most distal or dependent or lies the lowest from the hymen is at the posterior fornix
In this example, Bp is scored with a positive value since it lies below the hymen
Lets look this case here. Points Aposterior and Bposterior clearly lie below the hymen and will be given (+) scores
Point Bposterior is identified close to the fornix here
In the example, point Aposterior seem to lie within the vagina and will be given a (-) score
While the part of the upper posterior vaginal wall that is the most dependent is here at the fornix and so this will be designated as Bposterior. It will be scored with a positive value because it lies below the cervix
For the midline or apical compartment, the points to be scored are C and D
Where C represents either the most dependent)edge of the cervix or the leading edge of the vaginal cuff after total hysterectomy
Point D corresponds to the location of the posterior fornix (or pouch of Douglas) in a woman who still has a cervix
And so it is cannot be identified or scored in patient with a vault prolapse
D is included as a point of measurement to differentiate suspensory failure of the uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex from cervical elongation.
When the location of point C is significantly more positive than the location of point D, it is indicative of cervical elongation, which may be symmetric or eccentric.
Of all the compartments, the points on the apex may be the easiest to score since you only need to identify definite anatomic parts namely the cervix and the insertion of the uterosacral ligament which is at the posterior fornix
In a patient without a uterus, point C refers to the hysterectomy scar or the cuff
The other landmarks that must be measured are the following:
The length of the genital hiatus and perineal body at maximum prolapse
And the depth of the vagina when the apex is reduced to its normal position
The genital hiatus is measured from the mid urethral opening to the level of posterior midline vagina, while
the perineal body is assessed from posterior margin of the genital hiatus to the midanal opening
The total vaginal length is taken from the hymen to the posterior fornix
As these measurements are lengths, they ARE NOT DESIGNATED AS + or –
But rather reported as absolute values
While GH and PB are assessed at maximum protrusion
the total vaginal length is taken from the hymen to the posterior fornix with the apex reduced
As these measurements are lengths, they ARE NOT DESIGNATED AS + or –
But rather reported as absolute values
Now that we have discussed how to score, lets us move on to staging the prolapse.
To stage the severity of the prolapse as 1, 2, 3 or 4, look at your scoring grid and take the most distal of the 6 points
Which has the most positive value
And then you can consider if this point lie way 1 cm above the hymen – and therefore is a stage 1
Around the area of the hymen – stage II
Or far below and is
When there is no prolapse demonstrated
Points A and B anterior as well as A and B posterior will all lie 3 cms above the hymen.. And therefore have a -3 score
Points C and D will lie at the very depth (or top) of the vaginal canal (or within 2 cms of it) and have a negative value
So that if the total vaginal length is 7, the scores of C and D will be between -5 and -7
In a stage I prolapse, the most dependent point lie within the vaginal canal, more than 1 cm above the hymen. This is a mild, oftentimes, asymptomatic prolapse
In a stage II prolapse, the most dependent point is at the introitus – specifically it lies in between 1 cm above the hymen and 1 cm below it.
Significant prolapse is reported when the protrusion falls way below the hymen, the most dependent point is descend to a level more than 1 cm below the hymen.
In a total prolapse, the entire length of the vagina is out. So that the measurement of the protrusion will approximate at least total vaginal length in centimeters MINUS 2. This is a Stage IV.
In a stage III prolapse, the most distal point does not fall lower than the level of TVL – 2.
Remember that a st II prolapse will descend 1 cm above to 1 cm below the hymen.
If the prolapse is observed higher than 1 cm above the hymen, it is a stage I
A stage IV prolapse will protrude to the level of the TVL –2 at least
Higher than that, but more 1 cm beyond the plane of the hymen is a stage III
Lets look at examples- the identifiable points here are Aanterior +2, Banterior +8
The Cervix is at the same level as Ba +8
And Bposterior is pegged at the same level as the posterior fornix +7
The points most dependent are Ba and C
Total vaginal length -2 is 7 (9-2)
Since these points fall beyond 7 cms, this is a stage IV prolapse
I hope that I have adequately covered the POP Q
For the remainder of the time allotted, I will discuss diagnosis and management of the anterior and posterior compartment prolapse
Oftentimes, in a predominantly apical prolapse, the extent of the anterior compartment prolapse may be overlooked
It is ideal to isolate the anterior vagina during the examination by using a vaginal retractor or Sims speculum to depress the posterior vagina. You should also reduce the apex (meaning the cervix or the vaginal cuff) to its original position.
Instruct you patient to cough or stain, and move your retractor slowly, outward, to allow the anterior vagina to descend.
Take note of the position of Aanterior and B anterior
After a careful history and physical examination, few diagnostic tests are needed to evaluate patients with anterior vaginal prolapse. A urinalysis should be performed to evaluate for urinary tract infection if the patient complains of any lower urinary tract dysfunction. Hydronephrosis occurs in a small proportion of women with severe prolapse; however, even if identified, it usually does not change management in women for whom surgical repair is planned. Therefore, routine imaging of the kidneys and ureters is not necessary
If urinary incontinence is present, further diagnostic testing is indicated to determine the cause of the incontinence. Urodynamic (simple or complex), endoscopic, or radiologic assessments of filling and voiding function are generally indicated only when symptoms of incontinence or voiding dysfunction are present. Even if no urologic symptoms are noted, voiding function should be assessed to evaluate for completeness of bladder emptying. This procedure usually involves a timed, measured void, followed by urethral catheterization or bladder ultrasound to measure postvoid residual urine volume.
In women with severe prolapse, it is important to check urethral function after the prolapse is repositioned. Women with severe prolapse may be paradoxically continent because of urethral kinking; when the prolapse is reduced, urethral dysfunction may be unmasked with occurrence of incontinence (occult stress incontinence). A pessary, vaginal retractor, or vaginal packing can be used to reduce the prolapse before office bladder filling or electronic urodynamic testing. If urinary leaking occurs with coughing or Valsalva maneuvers after reduction of the prolapse, the urethral sphincter may be incompetent, even if the patient is normally continent. This is reported to occur in 17% to 69% of women with stage III or IV prolapse. In this situation, the surgeon should choose an anti-incontinence procedure in conjunction with anterior vaginal prolapse repair. If stress incontinence is not present even after reduction of the prolapse, an anti-incontinence procedure probably is not indicated, although this is a subject of ongoing research.
A few diagnostic tests are needed in patients with anterior vaginal prolapse.
A urinalysis should be performed to evaluate for infection if the patient complains of any lower urinary tract dysfunction, which most women with prolapse do.
Their ability to completely empty the bladder even if there are no urinary symptoms reported.
*This procedure usually involves a timed, measured void, followed by urethral catheterization or bladder ultrasound to measure postvoid residual urine volume.
*You may consider further urodynamic assessment if urinary incontinence is present.
*In women with severe prolapse, it is important to check urethral function after the prolapse is repositioned.
They may be paradoxically continent bec of the urethra kinking, and when the prolapse is reduced, occult stress urinary incontinence is unmasked. Leakage observed with coughing or Valsalva maneuvers may indicate that the urethral sphincter is incompetent. This is occurs in up to 70% of women with stage III or IV prolapse. Continence surgery maybe warranted and can be done with prolapse repair.
For posterior compartment prolapse, evaluation of the vaginal wall is likewise performed with a vaginal retractor such as the posterior blade of a bivalve speculum or Sim's speculum. The retractor elevates the anterior wall and reduces any uterine or cuff prolapse. Ballooning of the vaginal wall is observed with a cough or Valsalva and point A and B posterior are scored.
A rectovaginal examination should be done to evaluate the descent of the perineal body AND check if loops of small bowel or sigmoid colon is palpable within the rectovaginal space. This confirms an enterocele.
An assessment of the anal sphincter should be undertaken, noting noting anal tone, squeeze, and symmetry.
Women with prolapse often describe bulging of the vagina and pressure (particularly if the prolapse extends beyond the hymen), which worsens by the end of the day and improves when she is lying down. Sexual function is multifaceted in women. Sexual dysfunction may occur in the setting of prolapse through discomfort, loss of sensation, alteration in body image, or incontinence. Women with a perineal body defect, which leads to a widened genital hiatus, may describe loss of sensation for her and her partner during intercourse. If stool is trapped in the rectocele, intercourse may lead to fecal incontinence or instill the fear of fecal incontinence, leading to the avoidance of se
How can pelvic organ prolapse be managed?
Our patients have surgical and nonsurgical options.
Vaginal pessries can be fitted in most women… This is a recommendation form the POGS CPG on Urogynecology
Not only is it an option for all, pessary use…
The recent guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
And the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have maintained this recommendation
Here are examples of support pessaries that can be for uterine and vaginal prolapse
Here are space occupying pessaries particularly useful in patient with large vault prolapse and posterior compartment prolapse
Pelvic floor muscle exercise may be offered to all patients who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and are interested in preventing the progression of the condition and who decline other treatments as it poses no risk to the patient
We should counsel on the modifying certain risks factors to improve the symptom of prolapse
..
The definitive treatment for pelvic organ prolapse is surgery.
The main goal is to relieve the patient of the symptom of prolapse.
Reconstructive procedures will achieve this through restoration of the pelvic floor support
While obliterative surgery simply close off the vagina
Generally, for both anterior and posterior compartment prolapse, colporrhapy can be done. In some select cases, the repair can be augmented with a mesh.
Partial or total colpocleisis involves suturing the distal or entire length of the anterior vaginal wall to the posterior, effectively close off the canal.
How to score and stage pelvic organ prolapse using the POP-Quantification system (POP-Q)
How to diagnose anterior and posterior compartment prolapse
How to manage pelvic organ prolapse
How to score and stage pelvic organ prolapse using the POP-Quantification system (POP-Q)
How to diagnose anterior and posterior compartment prolapse
How to manage pelvic organ prolapse