Middle and Anterior Pelvic Compartment: Issues for the Colorectal Surgeon

Danielle Patterson, Susan L. Gearhart, Elisa Birnbaum

Key Concepts

  • When considering pelvic organ prolapse, the pelvis is divided into anterior, middle, and posterior compartments. The anterior and middle compartments are typically more susceptible to pelvic organ prolapse.
  • When considering surgical intervention, looking at the pelvis as a whole and considering all compartments is desired. Therefore a multidisciplinary approach offers the chance to coordinate testing and plan treatment.
  • Urogynecologists use a designation called the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) exam to objectively describe and stage middle compartment prolapse.
  • From the gynecology, urogynecology, or urology standpoint, addressing the middle and anterior compartments can be performed via transvaginal route when indicated. For posterior compartment surgeons, this may be combined with a perineal approach to rectal prolapse.
  • An abdominal approach, either open, laparoscopic, or robotic, can combine surgeons with technical expertise from all three compartments and allow addressing all prolapse issues at the same operation.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

Last updated: January 26, 2022