Analysis

The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) is a tool used to evaluate the severity of pelvic organ prolapse in women. It was developed to provide a standardized method for quantifying and comparing the degree of prolapse of female pelvic organs, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and support clinical decision-making.

Objective

The main goal of the POP-Q system is to offer an objective and comparable method for assessing the severity of pelvic organ prolapse. The system enables precise documentation of organ positions and measurement of the extent of prolapse, thereby assisting healthcare professionals in evaluating clinical conditions, monitoring prolapse progression, and planning treatment or surgical interventions.

Scoring

The POP-Q method includes a set of reference points used to measure pelvic organ prolapse. The assessment involves evaluating the position of pelvic organs, categorizing the type and degree of prolapse, and examining associated symptoms. Scoring is based on a scale that measures the depth and extent of the prolapse, such as the protrusion depth and severity across various vaginal regions.

References

Bump, R. C., Mattiasson, A., Bø, K., Brubaker, L., DeLancey, J. O., Klarskov, P., & Laumann, E. (1996). The standardization of terminology of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 175(1), 10–17.
Swift, S. E., Woodman, P., O’Boyle, A. L., & Kahn, M. A. (2005). Pelvic organ prolapse quantification system: A new method for assessing pelvic organ prolapse. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 105(4), 860–868.
Haylen, B. T., de Ridder, D., Freeman, R. M., Maher, C., & Urology, G. S. (2008). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 27(1), 1–7.
Tunn, R., & Mitchell, C. M. (2004). Evaluating the effectiveness of pelvic organ prolapse quantification in clinical practice. Journal of Pelvic Medicine & Surgery, 10(6), 238–242.
Barber, M. D., & Maher, C. (2008). Surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. The Lancet, 371(9615), 1028–1038.