ABSTRACT
Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the presence of defects in the pelvic muscles, muscle configuration, and the relationship of pelvic organs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women with apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and compare these findings with measurements from women without POP.
Materials and Methods:
The study analyzed computer-based medical records of patients diagnosed with POP prolapse at İzmir Bakırçay University Çiğli Training and Research Hospital between March 2022 and May 2023. Forty-five patients diagnosed with apical POP were matched with 45 patients of the same age group without prolapse. Pelvic MRI images of all patients were examined, and the pubococcygeal line, H line, and M line were marked. Additionally, measurements of the uterocervical angle, genital hiatus width, obturator internus muscle area, and levator ani defect were assessed.
Conclusion:
MR images revealed defects in pelvic floor muscles and descent of pelvic organs in patients with POP. MRI has the potential to become a standard preoperative examination for pelvic floor abnormalities, assisting in surgical planning.
Results:
The demographic characteristics of patients with POP were similar to those in the control group. There were no statistical differences in the POP group regarding pubococcygeal distance, genital hiatus length, vaginal length, uterocervical length, and puborectal distance (H). The presence of unilateral and bilateral levator ani muscle defects was more common in the POP group (p=0.02 and p=0.03). The obturator internus muscle area was lower in the POP group compared to the control group (1770±293.4 mm2 vs. 2104±303.5 mm2, p=0.02). M length was higher in women with POP (27.3±5.8 mm vs. 15±4.2 mm, p=0.02).
