OBJECTIVE: As pelvic organ prolapse progresses, the morphology of the vagina
dramatically changes. The objective of this study was to determine whether these changes
observed clinically correlate with histologic and biochemical evidence of tissue remodeling
METHODS: After informed consent, full-thickness biopsies of the vaginal apex were
obtained at the time of surgery from 77 women. The tissue of 15 premenopausal women with
less than stage II prolapse (controls) was compared with that of 62 women with prolapse …

Biochemical studies of the vagina and its supportive connective tissues have improved
understanding of the contribution of altered connective tissue to the pathogenesis of
prolapse. It is important to continue research in this area, as the knowledge gained from
these studies will allow for the development of innovative reconstructive procedures and the
establishment of preventive measures.