Correlation of POP-Q posterior compartment measures with defecatory dysfunction

Abstract

The relationships of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) items pb and Bp with defecatory dysfunction were evaluated with the hypothesis that increased values for both items would correlate with symptoms of stool trapping. Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) results and POP-Q exams from 1,663 urogynecology patients were compiled in a database. Rectocele was defined as POP-Q point Bp > -0.5 and perineocele as pb >3. PFDI-20 questions were used to compare defecatory symptoms and bother in women with and without rectocele and perineocele. While perineocele was not associated with symptoms or bother, women with isolated rectoceles had higher rates of splinting (p < 0.001) and incomplete evacuation (p = 0.001) and higher bother scores (p < 0.001) than those with neither rectocele nor perineocele. The POP-Q Bp point, but not the pb measurement, correlates with symptoms of defecatory dysfunction.