The POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) system uses the hymen as the fixed reference plane (0 point). In a woman with Stage III cystocele, the leading edge of the cystocele is located where?

• A More than 1 cm distal to the hymen but not at the maximum possible descent ✓
• B More than 1 cm proximal to the hymen (negative POP-Q value)
• C Between 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the hymen
• D At the maximum possible descent (total vaginal length cm or within 2 cm)

Explanation

POP-Q staging: Stage 0 = no prolapse; Stage I = leading edge >1 cm proximal to the hymen (< -1 cm); Stage II = leading edge between -1 and +1 cm relative to the hymen (i.e., within 1 cm above or below); Stage III = leading edge >+1 cm distal to the hymen but not at the maximum possible descent (i.e., > +1 cm but < total vaginal length minus 2 cm); Stage IV = maximum possible descent (leading edge ≥ TVL - 2 cm, essentially eversion of the vagina). Stage III represents prolapse beyond the hymen but not complete prolapse.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.