Pelvic Organs Prolapse in Low-Resources Countries: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Quality of Life. Narrative Review

Objective: Pelvic organ prolapse is an emerging public health problem affecting adult women of all ages with a negative impact on social, physical well-being, and psychological. Its presents several challenges in countries with low resources. This literature review aims to examine POP in its epidemiological aspects, risk factors, and staging by taking up the challenges associated with low-resource settings and identifying some avenues for future research. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The other studies were identified by checking the secondary references in the original citation. We have collected studies on adult women published in English for the last 30 years. In total, 71 articles were read. We excluded studies from all newspaper articles, Studies presenting co-morbidities (fistulas, cervical cancer, pregnancy), those evaluating treatment, letters, comments, case reports, practice guidelines, news, historical articles, legal cases, published erratum, and congresses. Results: 16 studies examining the epidemiology have been identified with 11 in countries defined by the World Bank as limited or intermediate resources. 18 on risk factors whose 10 in countries with limited or intermediate resources, 10 on staging and 27 on physiopathology. Conclusion: POP affects the young more in low-resource settings. Its prevalence remains underestimated for several reasons. Several risk factors found are the same as those of women in countries with a high standard of living. However, there are some specific risk factors for these resource-limited settings.

Anesthetic Treatment in Operations of Small Pelvic Organs Pathology

The article presents data on the surgical treatment of 405 patients with pelvic organ surgical and gynecological diseases. When using regional anesthesia during operations in the lower abdominal cavity of patients with pelvic pathology, a smoother operation course and early postoperative period were observed compared with general anesthesia use. In this work, 405 patients with surgical and gynecological diseases of pelvic organs, operated in the surgical and gynecological departments were analyzed. When using regional anesthesia, it was observed that intraoperative blood loss in patients and consumption of narcotic analgesics in the postoperative period decreases.

Exosomes from umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells promote the collagen production of fibroblasts from pelvic organ prolapse

BACKGROUND Pelvic organ prolapse(POP)involves pelvic organ herniation into the vagina due to pelvic floor tissue laxity,and vaginal structure is an essential factor.In POP,the vaginal walls exhibit abnormal collagen distribution and decreased fibroblast levels and functions.The intricate etiology of POP and the prohibition of trans-vaginal meshes in pelvic reconstruction surgery present challenges in targeted therapy development.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells(hucMSCs)present limitations,but their exosomes(hucMSC-Exo)are promising therapeutic tools for promoting fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling.suppressed inflammation in POP group fibroblasts,stimulated primary fibroblast growth,and elevated collagen I(Col1)production in vitro.High-throughput RNA-seq of fibroblasts treated with hucMSC-Exo and miRNA sequencing of hucMSC-Exo revealed that abundant exosomal miRNAs downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 11(MMP11)expression.CONCLUSION HucMSC-Exo normalized the growth and function of primary fibroblasts from patients with POP by promoting cell growth and Col1 expression in vitro.Abundant miRNAs in hucMSC-Exo targeted and downregulated MMP11 expression.HucMSC-Exo-based therapy may be ideal for safely and effectively treating POP.

Clinically significant changes in anal sphincter hiatal area in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and pelvic organ prolapse

BACKGROUND The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse(POP)increases with age and parity.Specifically,the prevalence of POP among women aged 20 to 39 is 9.7%,while it rises to 49%among women over 80 years old.Additionally,as the number of deliveries increases,the prevalence of POP also rises accordingly,with a rate of 12.8%for women with one delivery history,18.7%for those with two deliveries,and 24.6%for women with three or more deliveries.It causes immense suffering for pregnant women.AIM To evaluate the relationship between the levator ani muscle’s hiatus(LH)area and POP in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)using perineal ultrasound.METHODS The study cohort comprised 104 patients aged 29.8±3.7 years who sought medical care at our institution between January 2021 and June 2023.All were singleton pregnancies consisting of 75 primiparas and 29 multiparas,with an average parity of 1.7±0.5.According to the POP diagnostic criteria,the 104 subjects were divided into two groups with 52 members each:POP group(patients with GDM combined with POP)and non-POP group(patients with GDM without POP).Perineal ultrasound was used to measure differences in the anteroposterior diameter,transverse diameter,and LH area.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for the LH anteroposterior diameter,transverse diameter,and area for diagnosing POP.RESULTS Statistically significant increase in the LH area,anteroposterior diameter,and lateral diameter were observed in the POP group compared with the non-POP group(P<0.05).Both groups exhibited markedly elevated incidence rates of macrosomia and stress urinary incontinence.For the POP group,the area under the curve(AUC)for the LH area was 0.906 with a 95%confidence interval(CI):0.824-0.988.The optimal cutoff was 13.54cm²,demonstrating a sensitivity of 83.2%and a specificity of 64.4%.The AUC for the anteroposterior diameter reached 0.836 with a 95%CI:0.729-0.943.The optimal cutoff was 5.53 cm with a sensitivity of 64.2%and a specificity of 73.4%.For the lateral diameter,its AUC was 0.568 with a 95%CI:0.407-0.729.The optimal cutoff was 4.67 cm,displaying a sensitivity of 65.9%and a specificity of 69.3%.Logistic regression analysis unveiled that age,body weight,number of childbirths,total number of pregnancies,and gestational weight gain constituted the independent risk factors for the cooccurrence of GDM and POP.CONCLUSION Three-dimensional perineal ultrasonography of LH size and shape changes can effectively diagnose POP.Age,weight,number of births,number of pregnancies,and weight gain during pregnancy are independent risk factors affecting the cooccurrence of GDM and POP.GDM can increase the LH area in patients,and an enlarged LH leads to an increased incidence of POP.

Evaluation of the Clinical Advantages of Laparoscopic Transverse Abdominal Wall Suspension in the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective:To evaluate the clinical advantages of laparoscopic transverse abdominal wall suspension in treating pelvic organ prolapse.Methods:Sixty patients diagnosed with moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse and underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 were selected.According to different surgical methods,they were divided into an observation group(given laparoscopic transverse abdominal wall suspension)and a control group(given transvaginal mesh implantation),with 30 subjects/group.The data on perioperative-related indicators,quality of life scores,postoperative recurrence,and complications of the two groups of patients were collected.Results:The postoperative hospitalization days and intraoperative bleeding volume of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group,but had longer operation time than that of the control group(P<0.05).The differences between the two groups were statistically significant 6 months after surgery,and the Pelvic Floor Disease Quality of Life Impact Questionnaire(PFIQ-7)score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Both groups of patients completed 12 months of follow-up without any postoperative recurrence.The number of complications in the observation group was slightly lower than that of the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Laparoscopic transverse abdominal wall suspension was more effective in treating pelvic organ prolapse and is an ideal surgical procedure.

Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy for Pelvic Organs Prolapse Diseases

Sacral colpopexy,a surgical treatment for middle compartment defects,connects the uterus or the top of the vagina with the sacral anterior longitudinal ligament by bridging grafts.It is currently the recognized gold standard of prolapse surgery, with a long-term success rate of 74-98%.It is suitable for patients with uterine prolapse or Stage Ⅱ-ⅣV vaginal vault prolapse and recurrence after the operation, particularly for younger patients who are sexually active.In the present article,we analyzed the clinical and follow-up data of 204 patients （mean age：59.7 ± 8.8 years,range：40-75 years） who underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy （LSC） treatment for pelvic organ prolapse （POP） in the Second Hospital of Shandong University from January 2012 to June 2015.

New native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse:Medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic vaginal stump-round ligament fixation

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse(POP)is a new and widely used approach;however,ever since the United States Food and Drug Administration warned against the use of surgical mesh,repairs performed using patients’tissues[i.e.native tissue repair(NTR)]instead of mesh have attracted much attention.At our hospital,laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy(the Shull method)was introduced in 2017.However,patients with more severe POP who have a long vaginal canal and overextended uterosacral ligaments may not be candidates for this procedure.AIM To validate a new NTR treatment for POP,we examined patients undergoing laparoscopic vaginal stump–round ligament fixation(the Kakinuma method).METHODS The study patients were 30 individuals with POP who underwent surgery using the Kakinuma method between January 2020 and December 2021 and who were followed up for>12 mo after surgery.We retrospectively examined surgical outcomes for surgery duration,blood loss,intraoperative complications,and incidence of recurrence.The Kakinuma method involves round ligament suturing and fixation on both sides,effectively lifting the vaginal stump after laparoscopic hysterectomy.RESULTS The patients’mean age was 66.5±9.1(45-82)years,gravidity was 3.1±1.4(2-7),parity was 2.5±0.6(2-4)times,and body mass index was 24.5±3.3(20.9-32.8)kg/m2.According to the POP quantification stage classification,there were 8 patients with stage Ⅱ,11 with stage Ⅲ,and 11 with stage Ⅳ.The mean surgery duration was 113.4±22.6(88-148)min,and the mean blood loss was 26.5±39.7(10-150)mL.There were no perioperative complications.None of the patients exhibited reduced activities of daily living or cognitive impairment after hospital discharge.No cases of POP recurrence were observed 12 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION The Kakinuma method,similar to conventional NTR,may be an effective treatment for POP.

Medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with posterior approach for a pelvic organ prolapse:A retrospective study of 124 cases

Objective:Pelvic organ prolapse(POP)is a common gynecological disease in middle-aged and older women that seriously affects patients'physical health and quality of life,increases the financial burden for patients,and becomes a major public health concern.The aim of this study was to investigate the medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with a posterior approach for patients with severe POP.Methods:Patients with severe POP quantitation stage III-IV who underwent laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with a posterior approach at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine between September 2016 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study.The results and complications were recorded.Data were retrospectively reviewed.Results:In total,124 patients were analyzed.Patients were followed up for 32.2712.90 months.The objective cure rate for patients who underwent hysterectomy was 917%(100/109),with 7(6.4%)patients had anterior vaginal wall prolapse and 2(1.8%)patients had posterior vaginal wall prolapse.The objective cure rate for patients who retained uterus was 66.7%(10/15).All 5 patients with recurrence had uterine prolapse,and 3(20.0%)of them also had anterior vaginal wall prolapse.Conchusions:Laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with the posterior approach is a safe,minimally invasive,and effective method for patients with severe POP.Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm the clinical effects.

Plasma Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been shown in POP tissues. However, no studies have evaluated plasma TGF-β1 levels in patients with POP, so it is unknown whether they are also changed or not. Therefore, we compared plasma TGF-β1 levels in women with and without POP. Methods: Participants were 49 women with POP and 23 healthy control women. All participants were postmenopausal. We measured plasma TGF-β1 and compared data between patients with POP and controls, and between patients with uterine prolapse (UP, n = 19) and those with a cystocele (CC, n = 30). In addition, in patients, we assessed the POP quantification system (POP-Q) stage. Results: Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. POP-Q stage was not significantly different between the UP and CC subgroups, but POP-Q stage IV was diagnosed in 63% of patients with UP and 7% of those with CC. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the CC subgroup than in the UP subgroup. Conclusion: Plasma TGF-β1 is decreased in POP. It remains unclear whether the lower levels indicate a reduction in systemic TGF-β1 activity, but they can be assumed to reflect reduced TGF-β1 expression in POP tissues.

Expression and significance of lysyl oxidase-like 1 and fibulin-5 in the cardinal ligament tissue of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic organ prolapse （POP） is a disabling disorder in women characterized by a loss of pelvic floor support, leading to the herniation of the uterus into or through the vagina. POP is a complex problem that likely involves multiple mechanisms with limited therapies available, and is associated with defects in connective tissue including elastic fibers. This study was designed to investigate the expression of fibulin-5 and lysyl oxidase-like 1 （LOXL1） in the cardinal ligament in samples taken from the POP group compared to the non-POP group. Specimens were obtained during abdominal hysterectomy from the cardinal ligament of 53 women with POP and 25 age- and par- ity- matched women with non-POP among post-menopausal women with benign gynecologic pathology. Protein expression was evaluated using the immunohistochemical staining method. For statistical analyses, chi-square test and Spearman＇s correlation were used with the statistical package SPSS13.0 system. Our results showed that both fibulin-5 and LOXL1 expressions were decreased in the cardinal ligament in the POP group compared to the non- POP group （P 〈 0.05）. The expression of fibulin-5 and LOXL1 were correlated closely with the stage of POP, ac- companied by stress urinary incontinence and frequency of vaginal delivery （P 〈 0.05）, but had no relationship with post-menopausal state （P 〉 0.05）. The expression of fibulin-5 was positively associated with LOXL1 in POP （P 〈 0.05）. We conclude that changes in fibulin-5 and LOXL1 expression may play a role in the development of POP.

Current Situation of Transvaginal Mesh Repair for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

SURGICAL mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Surgical mesh has been used since the 1950s to repairabdominal hernias. In the using surgical mesh products 1970s, gynecologists began to indicate the repair of pelvic organ prolapse （POP）, and in the 1990s, gynecologists began using surgical mesh for POP. Then the U.S. Food andDrug Administration （FDA） approved the first surgical mesh product specifically for use in POP.

Uterus-reserved or hysterectomized total pelvic floor reconstruction for female pelvic dysfunction:a clinical analysis of 74 cases

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the entire pelvic floor reconstruction(Prolift) with uterus reserved in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction diseases.Methods From March 2008 to January 2009,74 female cases from our hospital who had different defects in pelvic organ prolapse were treated with the entire reconstructive pelvic surgery,in which 38 had uterus retained(observation group) and 36 cases had hysterectomy(control group).The two groups were compared.The patients with combined stress urinary incontinence had transobturator tension-free vaginal tape(TVT-O technique) at the same time.The results of operations were objectively evaluatedaccording to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification sub-degree method(POP-Q) developed by the International Continence Society.Results For observation group,the average operative time was 50 min,and the average amount of bleeding was 100 mL.For control group,the average operative time was 110 min,and the average amount of bleeding was 200 mL.During the postoperative follow-up(8 ~18 months),in the observation group the structures of patients' pelvic floor were normal;stress urinary incontinence was all cured;related symptoms disappeared or were markedly improved;and no postoperative infection appeared.In control group,two cases had postoperative infection;the patients ' pelvic structures were normal during the postoperative follow-up;the related symptoms disappeared or were significantly improved.After 3 months,POP-Q score was significantly elevated in the two groups.Conclusion Full reconstructive pelvic surgery with uterus retained can complete the whole pelvic floor structure and function of all or part of the reconstruction with fast recovery and clear short-term effect.However,the long-term efficacy remains to be revealed.

The role of lysyl oxidase-like 1 and fibulin-5 in the development of atherosclerosis and pelvic organ prolapse

Dear Editor： I would like to congratulate Zhou et al.[1] on their study of the correlation between expression of lysyl oxidase-like 1 （LOX-1） and fibulin-5 （F5） in the car- dinal ligament tissue and pelvic organ prolapse （POP）. In their elegant work, they evaluated the levels of LOX-1 and F5 in connective tissue of the cardinal ligament in order to demonstrate signs of elastinopa- thy in women with POP. They stress the concept that several environmental risk factors could cause qualitative and quantitative changes in the connective tissue promoting POP. The above authors conclude that the specific mechanism of LOXL1 and F5 involved in the development of POP is unclear.

Management of recto-vaginal fistulas after prosthetic reinforcement treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

AIM: To communicate our findings on successful treat-ment of recto-vaginal fistulas (RVFs) after prosthetic reinforcement surgery of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: A retrospective single center study between 1998 and 2008 was performed. A total of 80 patients with RVF were identified, of which five patients (6%), with a mean age of 65 years (range: 52-73), had undergone previous surgery for POP with pros-thetic reinforcement. RESULTS: All patients complained about ongoing vaginal infections and febrile episodes. These symptomswere reported after a mean period of 18 mo after POP repair. As a first intervention, three patients underwent ablation of the prosthetic material (PM). As a second intervention, open proctectomy with a primary anas-tomosis, an omental patch, and a protective ileostomy were performed in two patients. One patient required a terminal colostomy due to complete destruction of the anal sphincters. In two other patients, ablation of the PM and proctectomy was performed as a one-step procedure. The postoperative course in all patients was uneventful, with a mean length of hospitalization of 20 d (range: 15-30). Closure of the ileostomy was achieved in all four patients within four months. After a mean period of 35 mo (range: 4-60) of follow-up, no recurrence was observed with normal continence in four patients.CONCLUSION: In our experience, the definitive treat-ment of high RVFs after PM repair for POP necessitates ablation of the PM, proctectomy with a primary colo-rectal anastomosis, an omental patch interposition, and a temporary ileostomy.

Laparoscopic surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse and female stress urinary incontinence

Pelvic organ prolapse(POP) occurs in a relatively big population of women which is continuously increasing and is associated with a variety of urinary bowel and sexual symptoms. As this problem magnifi es, the need for surgical repair is increasing relatively. The main goals of surgical repair for POP include: no anatomic prolapse, no functional symptoms, patient satisfaction and avoidance of complications, goals that cannot always be fully achieved. The decision for the type of surgery depends of various factors such as patient characteristics and prolapsed compartment but also by the surgeon expertise. The laparoscopic approach is already the gold standard procedure for many urologic procedures and can also be used for the treatment of POP and stress urinary incontinence. Herein, we review the literature about the available data concerning laparoscopic surgery techniques for treating POP.

Prospective Evaluation of Outcomes of Mechanical Devices in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Ogbomoso, South-Western Nigeria

Background: Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) impacts the sufferers’ quality of life negatively. There is a preference for a mechanical device in certain conditions though the definitive management of POP is surgical. Objectives: We conducted the study to evaluate the outcome of management of POP using mechanical devices. Methods: It was a prospective study. It took place in the gynecology unit of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso between May 2014 and April 2019. We followed up with eligible patients who opted for pessary use for a median duration of 18 months (Range 12 - 84 months). We excluded those who refuse to participate in the study. Results: Of the 127 patients with symptomatic POP, seventy-five (59.1%) opted for the use of mechanical devices, and 70 successfully retained them four weeks after insertion. We lost Six (9.2%) patients to follow up. Of the 64 women included in the analysis, 16 (25%) discontinued use at some point after four weeks, whereas 36 (56.3%) used the pessary successfully throughout the follow-up period. Overall, 12.1% of the women experienced minor complications (6.9% pain or discomfort, 3.2% excoriation or bleeding, and 2.0% dis-impaction or constipation). After cessation of pessary use, 12 (25%) of the 48 women chose surgery, and 10 (20.8%) chose no further treatment. Conclusion: This study concluded that pessary use for pelvic organ prolapse is safe in low resource settings. Therefore, it is justifiable to offer pessaries in the initial management of uterovaginal prolapse to all patients who opt for conservative management and those awaiting surgery.

Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse and follow-up: An institutional multi-center experience

AIM: To investigate the effects of the Elevate Anterior and Posterior transvaginal mesh procedure on 30 patients affected by pelvic organ prolapse(POP) at 12 mo follow-up.METHODS: Between September 2011 and September 2012, a prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 30 consecutive patients with POP-Q ≥ stage Ⅱ. After a preoperative evaluation, patients underwent prolapse repair utilizing the Elevate Anterior and Posterior Prolapse Repair System(American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, United States). Operative technique was standardized and performed by the same surgical team under spinal or general anesthesia. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo.RESULTS: All 30 patients completed the 12 mo followup. The mean age was 65.3 years(range 49-81 years) and average hospital stay was 4.5 d. The mean operative time was 65 min(range 40-120 min). Related adverse events reported were mesh extrusions(6.7%) and post void residual urine volume(13.3%). There were no visceral injuries, no infection of the mesh, and no symptoms of recurrent prolapse. All quality-of-life scores signifi cantly improved from baseline. CONCLUSION: One year's follow-up of our 30 patients confi rms the safety and the effi cacy of the Elevate Anterior and Posterior transvaginal mesh procedure for POP treatment. Our fi nal results are comforting but longer term follow-up is ongoing.

Health Promotion to Patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: An Integrative Review

Introduction and Hypothesis: The Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) is a common gynecological condition that causes significant morbidity in the affected population, increasing clinical and financial challenge for the Public Health Services. Methods: This study aimed to review the available evidence and interventions to promote the health of women with PFD. We used the following databases to select papers for this review: Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and Cochrane. The sample consists of seven articles, with evidence levels 1 and 2. Results: The results of the articles point out to a greater number of activities related to the management of Urinary Incontinence (UI) behavioral support to the patient and physical therapy of the pelvic floor muscles. They were both beneficial to UI prevention and treatment. Conclusions: The physical therapy approach, when associated with cognitive and behavioral strategies, leverages UI outcomes in patients.

Transvaginal mesh implant for pelvic organ prolapse:Huaxi protocol

With increasing age,pelvic organ prolapse(POP),due to its high incidence,has become a common disease that seriously affects patients’quality of life and places a heavy economic burden on families and society.Transvaginal mesh(TVM)is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for POP,although its use remains controversial due to the potential risk of mesh-related complications.The US Foods and Drugs Administration,along with authorities in England,Australia,New Zealand,and other countries,have banned the sale and distribution of commercial TVM kits designed for POP.The TVM procedure remains an option for POP treatment and still appeals to many surgeons and patients today in Asia and most European countries,which suggests that a considerable number of POP patients can benefit from its continued refinement.Here we introduce the Huaxi protocol of the TVM plant for the treatment of POP.

Consensus statement AIGO/SICCR diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation(Part Ⅱ:Treatment)

The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should increase their fibre intake through their diet or with commercial fibre. Osmotic laxatives may be effective in patients who do not respond to fibre supplements. Stimulant laxatives should be re- served for patients who do not respond to osmotic laxatives. Controlled trials have shown that serotonin- ergic enterokinetic agents, such as prucalopride, and prosecretory agents, such as lubiprostone, are effec- tive in the treatment of patients with chronic constipa- tion. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Total colectomy with ileorectostomy may be considered in patients with slow-transit constipation and inertia coil who are resistant to medical therapy and who do not have defecatory disorders, generalised motility disorders or psychological disorders. Randomised controlled trials have established the efficacy of rehabilitative treat- ment in dys-synergic defecation. Many surgical proce- dures may be used to treat obstructed defecation in patients with acquired anatomical defects, but none is considered to be the gold standard. Surgery should be reserved for selected patients with an impaired quality of life. Obstructed defecation is often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery with the placement of prostheses is replacing fascial surgery in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, but the efficacy and safety of such procedures have not yet been established.