Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that applying cervical suction and persistent tension can develop a novel and efficient rat model of pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: Fifteen rats underwent pilot testing to optimize the protocol. Sixteen rats were subjected to pelvic organ prolapse induction by cervical suction and constant traction, while five rats served as controls. The pelvic organ prolapse rats were assessed by a Rat Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system at different time points, and their diet, urine, and stool were monitored for 21 days. The pelvic organ prolapse rats were also evaluated for urinary incontinence, urinary retention, leak point pressure, and vaginal histopathology at 21 days after operation. RESULTS: This rat model demonstrated pelvic floor prolapse in anatomic level, as well as physiological variations (urine incontinence, urinary retention) and pathological changes (collagen fracture, decreased collagen density). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first establishment of the pelvic organ prolapse rat model with all compartment defects, which provides a valuable tool for elucidating pelvic organ prolapse mechanisms and evaluating potential interventions.