Comparison of Estimated Cervical Length From the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Exam and Actual Cervical Length at Hysterectomy

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Abstract
Introduction: Cervical elongation is a condition that may present as pelvic organ prolapse. The original description of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification scale (POP-Q) suggests that if there is a large difference between point C and point D, it is suggestive of cervical elongation. The purpose of this study is to determine if calculating the difference between these 2 points from the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) correlates with actual cervical length (aCL) from the pathology specimen. Methods: The charts of 39 consecutive patients were reviewed. The estimated cervical length (eCL) was calculated from the preoperative POP-Q by subtracting point D from point C. Actual cervical length was recorded from the pathology report. A 2-tailed paired t test was performed comparing eCL and aCL to determine if the measurements differed. Results: The mean eCL was 5.6 cm ± 2.91 and the mean aCL was 3.2 cm ± 0.99, which was statistically different (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The diagnosis of cervical elongation can be challenging. Utilizing the preoperative POP-Q to help make this diagnosis may not be accurate.