Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Unitary or Multidisciplinary Approach?

Abstract

The concept of the female pelvic floor as a single functional entity is not new. As this concept has developed, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the management of pelvic organ dysfunction has become more apparent. For example, pelvic organ prolapse is the descent of one or more organs into the vaginal canal. Many women with pelvic organ prolapse may have symptomatic dysfunction in adjacent compartments within the pelvis such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or rectal prolapse. This makes sense as among many neuromuscular factors, the levator ani complex is a major component of pelvic floor musculature which contributes to the support of all the pelvic floor organs. As such, an optimal outcome may not be achieved unless all of a patient’s symptomatic pelvic floor dysfunctions are addressed at the same time.