The effect of bladder fullness on evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of bladder fullness on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) staging via the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q). Methods Sixty women with advanced POP underwent pelvic examination with maximal Valsalva straining via POP-Q with an empty bladder and after transcatheter bladder filling to maximum cystometric capacity, with simultaneous intra-abdominal and intravesical pressure recordings. Main outcome measures included POP-Q values and staging with full versus empty bladder. Results An empty bladder was associated with a significantly higher POP-Q staging (median, 3 vs 2; P < 0.0001); and a lower location of points Ba (4.51 vs 1.37; P < 0.0001), Aa (2.58 vs 0.62; P < 0.0001), Bp (− 0.68 vs − 1.10; P = 0.01), Ap (0.83 vs − 1.27; P = 0.002), C (1.57 vs − 1.07; P < 0.0001), and D (0.14 vs − 2.77; P < 0.0001) compared with a full bladder. However, genital hiatus, perineal body, and total vaginal length values were not significantly affected by bladder fullness. No differences in intra-abdominal or detrusor pressures were noted between empty and full bladder states. Conclusion POP-Q assessment with a full bladder is associated with underestimation of POP severity. Therefore, bladder emptying should be a standard requirement for POP-Q staging and reporting.