Surgical options for apical prolapse repair.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common medical condition that affects the quality of life of many women. Approximately 50% of parous women have pelvic organ prolapse and the lifetime risk for surgical intervention is 6.7% at the age of 80 years. In the USA, the number of women at risk for symptomatic prolapse is increasing, which is consistent with the recent increase in the overall number of prolapse and incontinence procedures being performed. Although prolapse is usually multicompartmental and isolated defects are rare, the apical compartment deserves special attention because apical support is integral to a durable prolapse repair. Since many women may initially present to their primary care physicians, all members of the medical community should have a basic understanding of the diagnosis and treatment for apical prolapse.