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Youssef A, Del Magno A, Nedu B, Dapoto F, Brunelli E. Feasibility and reproducibility of new technique for measurement of transverse diameter of levator ani muscle hiatus using two-dimensional transperineal ultrasound in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:824-832. [PMID: 38308852 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was two-fold. Firstly, we aimed to develop and describe a technique for measurement of the transverse diameter (TD) of the levator ani muscle (LAM) hiatus in the coronal view using two-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in nulliparous women with a term pregnancy. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D-TPUS assessment of LAM hiatal TD and assess intermethod agreement between 2D-TPUS and three-dimensional (3D) TPUS measurement of TD in the axial plane, which is considered the gold standard in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. METHODS We recruited a group of nulliparous women with term pregnancy before the onset of labor. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involved developing and describing the 2D-TPUS technique for measuring LAM hiatal TD, and Phase 2 focused on assessing the technique's feasibility, reproducibility and intermethod agreement with 3D-TPUS measurement of LAM hiatal TD. In Phase 1, we enrolled 30 women. Each woman underwent acquisition of a 3D-TPUS volume, which was analyzed using multiplanar mode to identify and determine the appearance of the lateral borders of the LAM in the coronal plane, at the level of the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions. These borders were used as landmarks for TD measurement. Additionally, we measured the distance between the plane used for TD measurement and the center of the urethra in the axial view. In Phase 2, we recruited 100 women. Each woman underwent acquisition of three 2D-TPUS videoclips in the coronal plane, each encompassing a sweep of the entire LAM hiatus, and a 3D volume, all obtained during rest. On the 2D videoclips, TD was measured twice by one operator and once by another operator. In the 3D volume, TD was measured once, by one operator, in the axial plane; this measurement was considered the gold standard. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements during their assessments. We analyzed intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility and performed an intermethod (2D vs 3D) comparison. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted, and Levene's W0 test and Student's t-test were performed to explore clinical factors that might contribute to systematic differences. RESULTS In Phase 1, we identified successfully the landmarks denoting the lateral borders of the LAM hiatal TD in the coronal view. These appeared as two symmetrical hypoechogenic indentations located at the inner border of the hyperechogenic structure of the LAM, at the point of maximum distance between the two sides of the LAM. The distance between the urethra and the plane where TD should be measured using 3D-TPUS in the axial plane had a median of 4 mm and varied from 0 to 9 mm. This enabled us to describe a method for assessing LAM hiatal TD in the coronal plane using 2D-TPUS. In Phase 2, LAM hiatal TD was measured successfully in all 2D and 3D acquisitions from the entire group of 100 women. The analyses for intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility and the intermethod comparison (2D vs 3D) revealed almost perfect agreement in TD measurements using 2D-TPUS, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90), respectively. The average differences between measurements were 0.1 mm for intraobserver, 1.0 mm for interobserver and 0.2 mm for intermethod repeatability. No systematic differences were observed in any of the measurement sets, except in the interobserver analysis, although this difference was clinically not significant (38.2 vs 37.2 mm, P = 0.01). None of the examined clinical factors (maternal body mass index and maternal age) exhibited a statistically significant impact on intraobserver, interobserver or intermethod reliability. CONCLUSIONS Utilizing our technique, described herein, to measure the LAM hiatal TD in the coronal view using 2D-TPUS is not only feasible but also highly reproducible and accurate in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. Moreover, it yields measurements that are comparable to those obtained in the reconstructed axial plane generated by 3D-TPUS. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Del Magno
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - B Nedu
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Dapoto
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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DeLancey JOL, Masteling M, Pipitone F, LaCross J, Mastrovito S, Ashton-Miller JA. Pelvic floor injury during vaginal birth is life-altering and preventable: what can we do about it? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:279-294.e2. [PMID: 38168908 PMCID: PMC11177602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pelvic floor disorders after childbirth have distressing lifelong consequences for women, requiring more than 300,000 women to have surgery annually. This represents approximately 10% of the 3 million women who give birth vaginally each year. Vaginal birth is the largest modifiable risk factor for prolapse, the pelvic floor disorder most strongly associated with birth, and is an important contributor to stress incontinence. These disorders require 10 times as many operations as anal sphincter injuries. Imaging shows that injuries of the levator ani muscle, perineal body, and membrane occur in up to 19% of primiparous women. During birth, the levator muscle and birth canal tissues must stretch to more than 3 times their original length; it is this overstretching that is responsible for the muscle tear visible on imaging rather than compression or neuropathy. The injury is present in 55% of women with prolapse later in life, with an odds ratio of 7.3, compared with women with normal support. In addition, levator damage can affect other aspects of hiatal closure, such as the perineal body and membrane. These injuries are associated with an enlarged urogenital hiatus, now known as antedate prolapse, and with prolapse surgery failure. Risk factors for levator injury are multifactorial and include forceps delivery, occiput posterior birth, older maternal age, long second stage of labor, and birthweight of >4000 g. Delivery with a vacuum device is associated with reduced levator damage. Other steps that might logically reduce injuries include manual rotation from occiput posterior to occiput anterior, slow gradual delivery, perineal massage or compresses, and early induction of labor, but these require study to document protection. In addition, teaching women to avoid pushing against a contracted levator muscle would likely decrease injury risk by decreasing tension on the vulnerable muscle origin. Providing care for women who have experienced difficult deliveries can be enhanced with early recognition, physical therapy, and attention to recovery. It is only right that women be made aware of these risks during pregnancy. Educating women on the long-term pelvic floor sequelae of childbirth should be performed antenatally so that they can be empowered to make informed decisions about management decisions during labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O L DeLancey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Mariana Masteling
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Fernanda Pipitone
- Faculty of Medicine, Hospital das Clinicas of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jennifer LaCross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sara Mastrovito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - James A Ashton-Miller
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Maheut C, Vernet T, Le Boité H, Fernandez H, Capmas P. Correlation between clinical examination and perineal ultrasound in women treated for pelvic organ prolapse. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2023; 52:102650. [PMID: 37619710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lifetime risk of surgery for female pelvic organ prolapse (FPOP) is estimated at 10 to 20%. Prolapse assessment is mostly done by clinical examination. Perineal ultrasound is easily available and performed to evaluate and stage FPOP. This study's aim is to evaluate the agreement between clinical examination by POP-Q and perineal sonography in women presenting pelvic organ prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS We carried out a prospective study from December 2015 to March 2018 in the gynecologic department of a teaching hospital. Consecutive woman requiring a surgery for pelvic organ prolapse were included. All women underwent clinical examination by POP-Q, perineal ultrasound with measurements of each compartment descent, levator hiatus area and posterior perineal angle. They also answered several functional questionnaires (PFDI 20, PFIQ7, EQ-5D and PISQ12) before and after surgery. Data for clinical and sonographic assessments were compared with Spearman's test and correlation with functional questionnaires was tested. RESULTS 82 women were included. We found no significant agreement between POP-Q and sonographic measures of bladder prolapse, surface of the perineal hiatus or perineal posterior angle. There was a significant improvement of most of the functional scores after surgery. DISCUSSION Our study does not suggest correlation between clinical POP-Q and sonographic assessment of bladder prolapse, hiatus surface or perineal posterior angle. Ultrasound datasets were limited by an important number of missing data resulting in a lack of power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Maheut
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AP-HP, GHU-Sud, Hospital Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94270, France
| | - Thibaud Vernet
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AP-HP, GHU-Sud, Hospital Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94270, France
| | - Hugo Le Boité
- University Paris Cité, 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 75006, France
| | - Hervé Fernandez
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AP-HP, GHU-Sud, Hospital Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94270, France; Faculty of medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 63 rue Gabriel Péri, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94270, France; INSERM - UMR1018 - CESP - Hôpital Paul Brousse, 12 avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Perrine Capmas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AP-HP, GHU-Sud, Hospital Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94270, France; Faculty of medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 63 rue Gabriel Péri, Le Kremlin Bicêtre 94270, France; INSERM - UMR1018 - CESP - Hôpital Paul Brousse, 12 avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier, Villejuif 94800, France.
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Fait T, Baltazár T, Bubenickova L, Kestranek J, Stepan M, Muller M, Turcan P. Treatment of Vulvovaginal Laxity by Electroporation: The Jett Plasma Medical for Her II Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6234. [PMID: 37834879 PMCID: PMC10573526 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaginal laxity is a widespread and undertreated medical condition associated especially with vaginal parity. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroporation therapy treatment of vulvovaginal laxity by the Jett Plasma for Her II device. METHODS The Jett Plasma for Her II Study is a multicentric, prospective, randomized, single-blinded, and controlled study. Women presenting with vaginal laxity were randomized to receive electroporation therapy delivered to the vaginal tissue (active-82 patients) vs. therapy with zero intensity (placebo-9 patients). RESULTS A total of 91 subjects whose average age was 48.69 ± 10.89 were included. Due to the results of a one-way analysis of variance, it may be concluded that in the case of the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ), there is a statistically significant difference between actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,574 = 46.91; p < 0.001). In the case of the female sexual function index (FSFI), a one-way ANOVA test also showed a statistically significant difference between the actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,278 = 7.97; p = 0.005). In the case of the incontinence impact questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), a one-way ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference between the actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,384 = 15.51; p < 0.001). It confirms that improvement of vaginal laxity is conjoined with benefits in symptoms of urinary incontinence. Biopsy performed after the end of the treatment shows an increase in the vaginal mucosa thickness by an average of 100.04% in the active group. The treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events. No topical anesthetics were required. CONCLUSIONS Treatments of vulvovaginal laxity by electroporation therapy achieved significant and sustainable 12-month effectiveness. Responses to the questionnaires also suggest subjective improvement in self-reported sexual function, incontinence, sexual satisfaction, and urogenital distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Fait
- Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 150 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Health Care Studies, College of Polytechnics Jihlava, 586 01 Jihlava, Czech Republic
| | - Tivadar Baltazár
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leona Bubenickova
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Jan Kestranek
- Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology, Hospital Trutnov, 541 01 Trutnov, Czech Republic;
- Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Martin Stepan
- Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Miroslav Muller
- Gynedology Pardubice Muller, 530 02 Pardubice, Czech Republic;
| | - Pavel Turcan
- Mediol Centre—Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Blomquist JL, Handa VL. The Predictive Value of the Genital Hiatus. UROGYNECOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2023; 29:595-596. [PMID: 37195889 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan L Blomquist
- From the Department of Gynecology, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Victoria L Handa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Chen L, Chen C, Feng J, Peng C, Tang L, Cao X, Liu P. Vaginal delivery effects on 3D morphology of the bladder, urethra, and vagina: a pilot study comparing women with different numbers of deliveries. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:473-480. [PMID: 36058944 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06622-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore 3D morphological changes of the bladder, urethra, and vagina following different numbers of vaginal deliveries. METHODS Sampled patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging for gynecological diseases in Nanfang Hospital. A total of 167 patients who met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into four groups. Mimics and UG software packages were used for reconstructions and measurements, and data were compared with one-way analyses of variance. RESULTS A total of 167 3D models were constructed, and eight parameters related to the bladder and urethra were measured (5 angles, 2 lengths, and 1 thickness). No statistically significant differences were found between subgroups, although mean plot figures of urethra pubic and α angles showed trends to increase with more deliveries, and the opposite trend was seen for the urethra tilt angle. There were no obvious trends between other parameters and delivery number. There were seven vaginal parameters (6 lengths and 1 shape). Mid-urethral and vaginal gap measurements tended to become wider as delivery number increased, and the opposite was seen for the distal gap. Mid-vaginal 2D cross-sectional shape and the proportion of shallow concave types also tended to significantly increase with more deliveries, especially after the third birth. CONCLUSION As the number of deliveries through the vagina increases, the lateral support function of this organ and the urethra become relatively weaker. These fine anatomical changes are related to delivery numbers and become most obvious after the third birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou North Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chunlin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou North Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Jie Feng
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou North Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lian Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou North Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaojuan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou North Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou North Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Cheng W, English E, Horner W, Swenson CW, Chen L, Pipitone F, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JOL. Hiatal failure: effects of pregnancy, delivery, and pelvic floor disorders on level III factors. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:327-343. [PMID: 36129480 PMCID: PMC10171831 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The failure of the levator hiatus (LH) and urogenital hiatus (UGH) to remain closed is not only associated with pelvic floor disorders, but also contributes to recurrence after surgical repair. Pregnancy and vaginal birth are key events affecting this closure. An understanding of normal and failed hiatal closure is necessary to understand, manage, and prevent pelvic floor disorders. METHODS This narrative review was conducted by applying the keywords "levator hiatus" OR "genital hiatus" OR "urogenital hiatus" in PubMed. Articles that reported hiatal size related to pelvic floor disorders and pregnancy were chosen. Weighted averages for hiatal size were calculated for each clinical situation. RESULTS Women with prolapse have a 22% and 30% larger LH area measured by ultrasound at rest and during Valsalva than parous women with normal support. Women with persistently enlarged UGH have 2-3 times higher postoperative failure rates after surgery for prolapse. During pregnancy, the LH area at Valsalva increases by 29% from the first to the third trimester in preparation for childbirth. The enlarged postpartum hiatus recovers over time, but does not return to nulliparous size after vaginal birth. Levator muscle injury during vaginal birth, especially forceps-assisted, is associated with increases in hiatal size; however, it only explains a portion of hiatus variation-the rest can be explained by pelvic muscle function and possibly injury to other level III structures. CONCLUSIONS Failed hiatal closure is strongly related to pelvic floor disorders. Vaginal birth and levator injury are primary factors affecting this important mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Beaumont Hospital Dearborn, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18101 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, 48124, USA.
| | - Emily English
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan Health-West, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Whitney Horner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carolyn W Swenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Luyun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fernanda Pipitone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James A Ashton-Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John O L DeLancey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Routzong MR, Moalli PA, Rostaminia G, Abramowitch SD. Morphological Variation in the Pelvic Floor Muscle Complex of Nulliparous, Pregnant, and Parous Women. Ann Biomed Eng 2023:10.1007/s10439-023-03150-z. [PMID: 36715838 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Specific levator ani muscle imaging measures change with pregnancy and vaginal parity, though entire pelvic floor muscle complex (PFMC) shape variation related to pregnancy-induced and postpartum remodeling has never been quantified. We used statistical shape modeling to compute the 3D variation in PFMC morphology of reproductive-aged nulliparous, late pregnant, and parous women. Pelvic magnetic resonance images were collected retrospectively and PFMCs were segmented. Modes of variation and principal component scores, generated via statistical shape modeling, defined significant morphological variation. Nulliparous (have never given birth), late pregnant (3rd trimester), and parous (have given birth and not currently pregnant) PFMCs were compared via MANCOVA. The overall PFMC shape, mode 2, and mode 3 significantly differed across patient groups (p < 0.001, = 0.002, = 0.001, respectively). This statistical shape analysis described greater perineal and external anal sphincter descent, increased iliococcygeus concavity, and a proportionally wider mid-posterior levator hiatus in late pregnant compared to nulliparous and parous women. The late pregnant group was the most divergent, highlighting differences that likely reduce the mechanical burden of vaginal childbirth. This robust quantification of PFMC shape provides insight to pregnancy and postpartum remodeling and allows for generation of representative non-patient-specific PFMCs that can be used in biomechanical simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Routzong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, 406 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Pamela A Moalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Surgery, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ghazaleh Rostaminia
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), Division of Urogynecology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Northshore University HealthySystem, Skokie, IL, USA
| | - Steven D Abramowitch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, 406 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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Hyaluronic Acid and Radiofrequency in Patients with Urogenital Atrophy and Vaginal Laxity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121571. [PMID: 36559022 PMCID: PMC9788573 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal laxity (VL) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), as well as aesthetic changes in the vulvar skin, often occur together and cause physical, psychological, and functional problems for women and their partners. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a nonsurgical radiofrequency device (RF) procedure combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the skin of the labia majora on clinical, histological, and aesthetic levels. Twenty women with GSM and VL, aged between 36 and 72 (mean age 53.4), were treated with bipolar RF SECTUM, vaginal and vulvar application, as well as with a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the skin of the labia majora. The Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to examine the clinical effects of the operations. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was utilized to measure patient satisfaction. On a histochemical level, the concentrations of elastin and collagen in the vaginal wall and vulvar skin were examined. Results: There was significantly higher patient satisfaction and a considerable clinical improvement across all areas of analysis. On the histochemical level, elastin and collagen fiber concentration increased after the treatment protocol both in the vulvar skin and in the vaginal wall: elastin in the vaginal wall, 11.4%, and in the vulvar skin, 61%; collagen in the vaginal wall, 26%, and in the vulvar skin, 27%. The current study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this nonsurgical RF procedure combined with a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the skin of the labia majora on clinical, histochemical, and aesthetic levels.
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Shek KL, Dietz HP. Is urethral pressure associated with parity and delivery mode? Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:3435-3439. [PMID: 35648180 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Stress urinary incontinence is the most prevalent type of urinary incontinence and childbirth is a risk factor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between delivery mode and urethral sphincter function as measured by the maximum urethral pressure (MUP). METHODS A retrospective study on women seen in a tertiary urogynaecological center for urodynamic testing between January 2017 to December 2019. Women were classified into the following groups: (1) nulliparous; (2) caesarean section only; (3) at least one spontaneous vaginal delivery but no instrumental deliveries; (4) at least one vacuum delivery but no forceps; (5) at least one forceps delivery. RESULTS The complete data sets of 1238 women were analysed; 1112 (90%) were vaginally parous. Mean age was 58 (18-95) years. Mean parity was 2.6 (0-9); 57 (4.6%) were nulliparous, 69 (5.6%) had only been delivered by caesarean section, 762 (61.6%) had at least one spontaneous vaginal delivery but no instrumental deliveries, 41 (3.3%) had at least one vacuum but no forceps delivery, and 309 (25%) had at least one forceps delivery. Mean MUP was 41.8 cmH2O. There was a significant association between vaginal parity and MUP (P < 0.001). On ANOVA test, delivery mode was significantly associated with MUP. This became nonsignificant on regression analysis, with only age significantly associated with MUP (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The effect of childbirth on urethral sphincter function seems to be largely due to the first vaginal birth. We failed to show an effect of instrumental delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Lai Shek
- Liverpool Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia. .,Nepean Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Kolczewski P, Kozłowski M, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Micro-Focused Ultrasound Therapy in Patients with Urogenital Atrophy and Vaginal Laxity. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236980. [PMID: 36498554 PMCID: PMC9739894 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal laxity (VL) and genitourinary syndromes of menopause (GSM) create physical, psychological, and functional problem for women and their partners. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) therapy performed twice in the vaginal canal in a patients with VL and GSM. A total of 20 women with GSM and VL were treated with MFU Ultravera by Hironic. The treatment course consisted of two vaginal applications of MFU at an interval of 6 weeks. The clinical effects of the protocol were evaluated using the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The overall values of the vaginal laxity evaluation for the total subject population showed a statistically significant improvement between the baseline and the findings at 3 and 6 months after treatment. The effect of therapy was consistent across all domains of FSFI. It peaked at the 6 week follow-up visit (from 26.5 to 32) and plateaued at 12 weeks and 6 months. There was a significant VHI improvement over time, with the greatest and most significant change between the study entry and 21 days after treatment; the VHI score leveled off up to 3 months after the procedures. MFU therapy, performed twice in the vaginal canal, showed promising efficacy and safety profiles, meriting further investigation.
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Liu DD, Xin J, Liu W, Zhang YF, Li P. Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction by Pelvic Floor Ultrasonography after Total Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer. SCANNING 2022; 2022:5914344. [PMID: 36247719 PMCID: PMC9534714 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5914344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective To study the value of pelvic floor ultrasonography in evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) after total hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Methods All the enrolled patients were given 4D pelvic floor ultrasound examination before and after surgery. The results of ultrasonic examination and the parameters of four-dimensional ultrasonic examination before and after surgery were analyzed, and the quality of life of the patients before and after surgery was evaluated. Results Postoperatively, the posterior angle of bladder and urethra, the rotation angle of urethra, the decreased value of bladder neck, and the distance between bladder neck and pubic symphysis were (122.60 ± 9.53)°, (136.47 ± 14.67)°, (58.90 ± 18.19)°, (18.14 ± 7.32) mm, and (2.76 ± 0.46) cm, significantly greater than the preoperative (89.90 ± 9.59)°, (107.30 ± 9.96)°, (27.59 ± 10.96)°, (13.27 ± 5.69) mm, and (2.24 ± 0.21) cm (P < 0.05). Postoperative detrusor muscle thickness, bladder neck movement, residual urine volume, and bladder rotation angle (4.48 ± 0.82) mm, (0.64 ± 0.17) cm, (12.82 ± 2.69) ml, (12.11 ± 2.43)° were significantly higher than those of preoperative (3.70 ± 0.64) mm, (0.43 ± 0.18) cm, (4.83 ± 1.07) ml, (4.30 - 1.19)° (P < 0.05). The scores of emotional function, psychological function, social function, and physiological function were (2.35 ± 0.75) points, (2.45 ± 0.66) points, (2.30 ± 0.77) points, and (2.19 ± 0.71) points, significantly higher than those of (1.01 ± 0.50) points, (1.25 ± 0.54) points, and (1.00 ± 0.57) points before surgery, (1.05 ± 0.46) (P < 0.05). Conclusions The application of pelvic floor ultrasonography to detect pelvic floor dysfunction after total hysterectomy can clearly display the anatomical structure of the pelvic floor, which is conducive to disease prevention and treatment. Four-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound can clearly show the postoperative pelvic floor function, which is worthy of clinical promotion and reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-dan Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Laishan Branch of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Jing Xin
- Obstetric Center, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Health Management Division, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Yan-feng Zhang
- Surgery, Laishan Branch of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Peishan Li
- Operation Room, Laishan Branch of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
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Tjokroprawiro B, Setyaningrum T, Listiawan MY, Santoso B, Prakoeswa CS. Treating vaginal relaxation syndrome using erbium: Yttrium aluminum garnet fractional laser: A retrospective study. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 2022; 11:23-27. [PMID: 35310128 PMCID: PMC8926051 DOI: 10.4103/gmit.gmit_141_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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van Gruting IMA, van Delft KWM, Sultan AH, Thakar R. Natural history of levator ani muscle avulsion 4 years following childbirth. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2021; 58:309-317. [PMID: 32936957 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary aim was to evaluate prospectively the natural history of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion 4 years following first delivery and its correlation with signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of a second vaginal delivery on the incidence of LAM avulsion and PFD. METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal study of nulliparous women recruited antenatally, who were assessed at 36 weeks' gestation and 3 months, 1 year and 4 years postpartum for signs and symptoms of PFD and presence of LAM avulsion. Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by digital palpation, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was assessed using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system. Validated questionnaires were used to evaluate urinary, bowel and sexual function and symptoms of POP. Transperineal ultrasound was performed to assess LAM integrity and hiatal biometry. Differences in signs and symptoms of PFD over time were evaluated using a linear mixed model, separately in women who had had one delivery and in those who had two or more deliveries during the study period. RESULTS Of 269 women recruited, 147 (55%) attended the 4-year follow-up and were examined at a mean interval of 3.8 ± 0.4 years after their first delivery. Of these, 74 (50%) had a subsequent delivery. The prevalence of LAM avulsion 4 years after a first vaginal delivery was 13%, with no difference between women who had one and those who had two or more vaginal deliveries. Women with an intact LAM and one or more deliveries showed no change in signs and symptoms of PFD at 4 years compared with the previous assessments. Of women with one vaginal delivery who were diagnosed with LAM avulsion 3 months or 1 year postpartum, those in whom the LAM avulsion was no longer evident at 4 years (42%) showed worsening of POP-Q measurements, whereas those with persistent LAM avulsion (58%) showed significant worsening in pelvic floor muscle strength and hiatal area on ultrasound. After a second vaginal delivery, no new avulsions were diagnosed, however, previous LAM avulsion became more extensive in 44% of women and hiatal area increased in women with persistent LAM avulsion. CONCLUSIONS The first vaginal delivery carries the greatest risk for LAM avulsion, with impact on signs of PFD 4 years later. A second vaginal delivery could result in deterioration of LAM avulsion, but no new avulsions were found. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M A van Gruting
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - K W M van Delft
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A H Sultan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - R Thakar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Cheng C, Cao Y, Ma SX, Cheng KX, Zhang YF, Liu Y. The strategy for vaginal rejuvenation: CO 2 laser or vaginoplasty? ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:604. [PMID: 33987302 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Vaginal laxity may result from trauma to the pelvic floor muscle, which may affect patients' sensation and quality of life. Vaginal rejuvenation, including surgical or nonsurgical interventions, aims to improve laxity. In this study, we aimed to establish a strategy for vaginal rejuvenation by comparing surgical and nonsurgical methods. Methods A retrospective clinical study was performed on patients who complained about vaginal laxity from 2017 to 2019. The degree of vaginal laxity severity was evaluated by vaginal examination in each patient. The patients were categorized as having a light, moderate or severe degree of vaginal laxity, and different correction methods were chosen accordingly. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to the patients preoperatively and at three months and one year after treatment. Results Seventeen patients with severe-degree vaginal laxity were treated with vaginoplasty. The total FSFI score was 23.21±2.57 before the operation and significantly increased to 29.36±1.84 (P<0.01) at one year after surgery. Eleven patients with moderate-degree vaginal laxity were treated with vaginoplasty and had a significant improvement in the total FSFI score at one year after surgery (29.86±1.74, P<0.01) compared with the FSFI score before surgery (23.41±2.84). Three patients with moderate-degree vaginal laxity were treated with a CO2 laser and tended to have increased FSFI scores but did not show significant improvement after the operation. CO2 laser treatment was performed on 16 patients with light-degree vaginal laxity. The total FSFI score improved from 23.76±2.35 to 26.16±2.58 at one year (P<0.05). Conclusions The strategy for vaginal rejuvenation should be selected based on the degree of vaginal laxity severity. Surgical treatment is suitable for severe- and moderate-degree vaginal laxity while nonsurgical treatment is suitable for light-degree vaginal laxity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Xiang Ma
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai-Xiang Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Fan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Kikuchi JY, Muñiz KS, Handa VL. Surgical Repair of the Genital Hiatus: A Narrative Review. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 32:2111-2117. [PMID: 33606054 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS An enlarged genital hiatus (GH) is associated with the development of prolapse and may be associated with prolapse recurrence following surgery; however, there is insufficient evidence to support surgical reduction of the GH as prophylaxis against future prolapse. The objective of this review is (1) to review the association between GH size and pelvic organ prolapse and (2) to discuss the existing literature on surgical procedures that narrow the GH. METHODS A literature search was performed in the PubMed search engine, using the keyword "genital hiatus." Articles were included if they addressed any of the following topics: (1) normative GH values; (2) associations between the GH and prolapse development or recurrence; (3) surgical alteration of the GH; (4) indications, risks or benefits of surgical alteration of the GH. RESULTS An enlarging GH has been observed prior to the development of prolapse. Multiple studies show that an enlarged pre- and/or postoperative GH is associated with an increased risk of recurrent prolapse following prolapse repair surgery. There are limited data on the specific risks of GH alteration related to bowel and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS GH size and prolapse appear to be strongly associated. Because GH size appears to be a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse, the GH size should be carefully considered at the time of surgery. Surgeons should discuss with their patients the risks and potential benefits of additional procedures designed to reduce GH size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Y Kikuchi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Keila S Muñiz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Victoria L Handa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Baran E, Akbayrak T, Özgül S, Nakip G, Çinar GN, Üzelpasacı E, Gursen C, Beksaç K, Aydin E, Çağan M, Beksaç MS. Musculoskeletal and anthropometric factors associated with urinary incontinence in pregnancy. Physiother Theory Pract 2021; 38:1789-1798. [PMID: 33522357 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1878568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common pelvic floor dysfunction in pregnancy. The relationship between biomechanical changes and pregnancy-related UI has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of various musculoskeletal and anthropometric changes in pregnancy that affect gestational UI. METHODS The study was conducted with 275 pregnant women. Ninety-three, 110 and 72 women were in first, second and third trimesters, respectively. Incontinence Impact Questionnaire for UI, Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form and Incontinence Severity Index were applied. Lumbar lordosis measurement was performed by Baseline Bubble Inclinometer while diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) measurement was carried out by finger-width method. Manual muscle test for rectus abdominis and right and left external oblique abdominal muscles, and Benign joint hypermobility test with Beighton scoring method were also applied as musculoskeletal measurements. Tape measurement at the waist, umbilical and hip levels, caliper with bi-iliac and bi-trochanteric diameters were also recorded as anthropometric measurements. RESULTS Significant associated factors for UI were: umbilical DRA (OR = 1.57; p = .012); rectus abdominis muscle strength (values of 3 and below, OR = 1.2; p = .014); umbilical environment (OR = 1.1; p = .029); bi-iliac diameter (OR = 1.1; p = .05;) and bi-trochanteric diameter (OR = 1.3; p = .05), respectively. CONCLUSION Changing musculoskeletal and anthropometric characteristics of pregnant women should be taken into consideration in UI follow-up during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Baran
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Türkan Akbayrak
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Serap Özgül
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Gülbala Nakip
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Gamze Nalan Çinar
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Esra Üzelpasacı
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Ceren Gursen
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Kemal Beksaç
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara Oncology Hospital, Yenimahalle, Turkey
| | - Emine Aydin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Medipol University, Üsküdar, Turkey
| | - Murat Çağan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sinan Beksaç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, Samanpazari, Turkey
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Tang JH, Zhong C, Wen W, Wu R, Liu Y, Du LF. Quantifying Levator Ani Muscle Elasticity Under Normal and Prolapse Conditions by Shear Wave Elastography: A Preliminary Study. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2020; 39:1379-1388. [PMID: 32003904 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether elasticity quantification of the levator ani muscle (LAM) using shear wave elastography (SWE) is different between women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to determine whether LAM elasticity is associated with the prolapse stage or the dimensions of the levator hiatus. The secondary aim was to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of LAM elasticity measurements using SWE. METHODS The study participants included 20 women with normal pelvic support and 38 women with prolapse (stages I-III). The levator hiatus was imaged by transperineal 3-dimensional ultrasound, and LAM elasticity and the elastic modulus were measured by SWE at rest and while performing the Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS The elastic modulus increased significantly from rest to during to maximal Valsalva maneuver (29.2 versus 54.1 kPa; P < .05) in all women. Levator ani muscle elasticity was significantly higher under prolapse conditions than under normal conditions at rest (27.9 versus 31 kPa; P < .001) but was lower during the maximal Valsalva maneuver than under normal conditions (57.3 versus 53.1 kPa; P < .05). Levator ani muscle elasticity at rest was associated with the hiatus area during the Valsalva maneuver (Spearman r = 0.608; P < .001) and distensibility of the levator hiatus (r = 0.594; P < .001), and the hiatus area decreased as the LAM elastic modulus increased during the maximal Valsalva maneuver (r = -0.414; P < .05). Moreover, LAM elasticity was associated with the severity of prolapse (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS As a noninvasive quantitative method, SWE, may be used to assess the biomechanical properties of the pelvic floor muscle, providing some research basis for a thorough understanding of POP and its treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hua Tang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital of NanJing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhong
- Departments of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wen
- Departments of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian-Fang Du
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital of NanJing Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Kimmich N, Birri J, Zimmermann R, Kreft M. Association between the side of levator Ani muscle trauma and fetal position at birth - a prospective observational study. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2020; 225:134-139. [PMID: 32380559 DOI: 10.1055/a-1153-9387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trauma of the levator ani muscle (LAM) is common after vaginal birth and can most reliably be diagnosed by 3-dimensional (3D) translabial ultrasound (TLUS). Multiple risk factors are known in general, but not in association to a specific side of the body. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate different impact factors which cause LAM trauma on either side of the body or bilateral by focusing on the fetal position at birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS As part of a prospective cohort study between 3/2017 and 4/2019, we analyzed vaginal births of nulliparous women with singletons in vertex presentation≥36+0 gestational weeks. We evaluated their pelvic floor for hematomas, partial and complete LAM avulsions by 3D TLUS 2-4 days postpartum and searched for an association between the affected body side and different fetal, maternal and obstetrical factors. RESULTS 71 out of 213 women (33.3%) suffered from LAM trauma - 17 (23.9%) on the right side, 20 (28.2%) on the left side and 34 (47.9%) bilateral. No association between the different evaluated factors and the affected body side could be identified, except for the quality of fetal heart rate tracing. CONCLUSIONS No significant impact factors of LAM trauma could be associated with a specific side of the body. Other possible mechanisms need investigation in the future, such as the time of the birth canal and the fetus to adapt to each other, including adequate time for the tissue to stretch and the fetus to rotate into the ideal position within the LAM hiatus. EINLEITUNG Levatormuskelverletzungen sind häufig nach Vaginalgeburten und können zuverlässig mittels translabialem 3D-Ultraschall diagnostiziert werden. Diverse Risikofaktoren sind hierfür bekannt, allerdings keine hinsichtlich der Assoziation zu einer der beiden Körperseiten. Daher war das Ziel dieser Arbeit, verschiedene Einflussfaktoren im Rahmen vaginaler Geburten zu evaluieren, welche eine Levatorverletzung auf einer der beiden Körperseiten bzw. beidseitig begünstigen, v. a. hinsichtlich der Kindsposition im Geburtskanal. MATERIAL UND METHODIK In einer prospektiven Kohortenstudie analysierten wir von 3/2017-4/2019 Erstgebärende mit vaginalen Einlingsgeburten aus Schädellage≥36+0 SSW. Wir evaluierten 2-4 Tage postpartal ihren Beckenboden mittels 3D-Ultraschall hinsichtlich Hämatomen sowie partiellen und kompletten Levatoravulsionen und suchten nach Assoziationen zwischen der betroffenen Körperseite und fetalen, maternalen und geburtshilflichen Einflussfaktoren. ERGEBNISSE Von 213 Frauen erlitten 71 (33.3%) eine Levatorverletzung - 17 (23.9%) rechtsseitig, 20 (28.2%) linksseitig und 34 (47.9%) beidseitig. Es wurden keine Assoziationen zwischen den untersuchten Einflussfaktoren und der betroffenen Körperseite gefunden, bis auf die Qualität der fetalen Herzfrequenz. DISKUSSION Es konnten keine signifikanten Einflussfaktoren für das Auftreten einer Levatorverletzung einer spezifischen Körperseite eruiert werden. Daher bedarf es in Zukunft der Untersuchung weiterer Mechanismen, wie der Adaptationsvorgänge von Geburtskanal und Fet und der adäquaten Zeit für das Gewebe zur notwendigen Dehnung, v. a. im Bereich der Levatoröffnung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kimmich
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jana Birri
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Kreft
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Sydney Ultrasound for Women, Sydney, Australia
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Manzini C, Friedman T, Turel F, Dietz HP. Vaginal laxity: which measure of levator ani distensibility is most predictive? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 55:683-687. [PMID: 31568590 PMCID: PMC7417815 DOI: 10.1002/uog.21873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the predictive value of measures of levator hiatal distension at rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver for symptoms of vaginal laxity. METHODS This was a retrospective study of women seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit. All women underwent a standardized interview, clinical examination and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound examination. Area, anteroposterior diameter (APD) and coronal diameter (CD) of the levator hiatus were measured at rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver in the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions using the rendered volume technique, by an operator blinded to all clinical data. The association between levator hiatal measurements and vaginal laxity was assessed, and receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis was used to determine their predictive value. RESULTS Data from 490 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 58 (range, 18-88) years, and vaginal laxity was reported by 111 (23%) women. Measurements obtained on maximum Valsalva were significantly larger in women who reported vaginal laxity than in those who did not, with mean levator hiatal area, APD and CD of 30.45 ± 8.74 cm2 , 7.24 ± 1.16 cm and 5.60 ± 0.89 cm, respectively, in the vaginal-laxity group, compared with 24.84 ± 8.63 cm2 , 6.64 ± 1.22 cm and 5.01 ± 0.97 cm in the no-laxity group (P < 0.001 for all). Measurements obtained at rest were not significantly different between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age, body mass index, vaginal parity and levator avulsion confirmed these results. The best regression model for the prediction of vaginal laxity included age, vaginal parity and levator hiatal area on maximum Valsalva. ROC-curve analysis of levator hiatal measurements on maximum Valsalva in the prediction of vaginal laxity demonstrated areas under the curve of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.63-0.73) for area, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.57-0.68) for APD and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.62-0.73) for CD. CONCLUSIONS Levator hiatal area on maximum Valsalva seems to be the measure of levator ani distensibility that is most predictive of symptoms of vaginal laxity. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Manzini
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - F. Turel
- University of SydneySydneyAustralia
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21
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Prediction of levator ani muscle avulsion by genital tears after vaginal birth-a prospective observational cohort study. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 31:2361-2366. [PMID: 32277269 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Visible birth tears and levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma are common after birth. For the diagnosis of LAM trauma ultrasound evaluation is advisable. As ultrasound equipment and trained personnel are not available everywhere at all times, we aimed to evaluate whether specific overt birth tears are an indicator for LAM trauma. METHODS In a prospective cohort study at our center from March 2017-April 2019, we evaluated vaginal births of nulliparous women with singletons in vertex presentation ≥ 36 + 0 gestational weeks for LAM trauma by translabial ultrasound and for overt birth tears by inspection. We then calculated the association of overt birth tears with complete LAM avulsion. RESULTS Of 213 women, 23.9% had any kind of LAM trauma, with 14.1% being complete avulsions. In univariate analysis, solely high-grade perineal tears (OASIS) were significantly associated with complete LAM avulsions. CONCLUSIONS Fourteen percent of women suffered a complete LAM avulsion after vaginal birth, with OASIS being the only associated parameter of significance. The occurrence of such trauma might be an indicator for a mismatch between the size of the fetus and the structures of the birth canal, leading to birth trauma. Assessing for LAM trauma by translabial ultrasound in women with OASIS might be worthwhile.
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Li Y, Shek KL, Subramaniam N, Friedman T, Dietz HP. Parity and anal sphincter trauma. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 31:553-556. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-04093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Mathew S, Guzmán Rojas RA, Salvesen KA, Volløyhaug I. Levator ani muscle injury and risk for urinary and fecal incontinence in parous women from a normal population, a cross‐sectional study. Neurourol Urodyn 2019; 38:2296-2302. [DOI: 10.1002/nau.24138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seema Mathew
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsSt. Olavs University Hospital Trondheim Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway
| | - Rodrigo A. Guzmán Rojas
- Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad de MedicinaClínica Alemana‐Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago Chile
- Departamento de Ginecología y ObstetriciaHospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Kjell A. Salvesen
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsSt. Olavs University Hospital Trondheim Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway
| | - Ingrid Volløyhaug
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsSt. Olavs University Hospital Trondheim Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway
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Swenson CW, Masteling M, DeLancey JO, Nandikanti L, Schmidt P, Chen L. Aging effects on pelvic floor support: a pilot study comparing young versus older nulliparous women. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 31:535-543. [PMID: 31388719 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-04063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS We sought to determine age-related changes to the pelvic floor in the absence of childbirth effects. METHODS A case-control study was conducted from June 2017 to August 2018 comparing two groups of nulliparous women: <40 years old and ≥ 70 years old. Clinical evaluation included POP-Q, instrumented speculum testing, and handgrip strength. Dynamic 3D-stress MRI was performed on all women to obtain genital and levator hiatus (LH) lengths, LH area, and levator bowl volume. LH shape was quantified using a novel measure called the "V-U index." Pubovisceral muscle (PVM) cross-sectional area (CSA) was also measured. Bivariate comparisons between the two groups were made for all variables. Effect sizes were calculated for MRI measurements. RESULTS Twelve young and 9 older nulliparous women were included. Levator bowl volume at rest was 83% larger in older women (108.0 ± 34.5 cm3 vs 59.2 ± 19.3 cm3, p = 0.001, d = 1.82). MRI genital hiatus at rest was larger among the older group (2.7 ± 0.6 cm vs 3.5 ± 0.6 cm, p = 0.007, d = 1.34). V-U index, a measure of LH shape where 0 = "V" and 1 = "U," differed between groups indicating a more "U"-like shape among older women (0.71 ± 0.23 vs 0.35 ± 0.18, p = 0.001, d = 1.72). Handgrip strength was lower in the older vs young group (23.2 ± 5.2 N vs 33.4 ± 5.2 N, p < 0.0001); however, the Kegel augmentation force and PVM CSA were similar (3.2 ± 1.1 N vs 3.3 ± 2.2 N, p = 0.89, and 0.8 ± 0.3 cm2 vs 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2, p = 0.23 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Levator bowl volume at rest was over 80% larger among older women, reflecting a generalized posterior distension with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn W Swenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Mariana Masteling
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John O DeLancey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Payton Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Luyun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Walton LM, Raigangar V, Abraham MS, Buddy C, Hernandez M, Krivak G, Caceras R. Effects of an 8-week pelvic core stability and nutrition community programme on maternal health outcomes. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 24:e1780. [PMID: 31038256 DOI: 10.1002/pri.1780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women, during the antenatal and post-partum period, report pelvic, low back pain, stress and urge urinary incontinence, colorectal dysfunction, and other co-morbidities that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Exercise and nutrition are important considerations for improving maternal health in this period. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a community-driven nutrition and exercise programme focused on pelvic floor and core stability, healthy nutrition, and breastfeeding counselling over an 8-week period on pelvic floor and urinary distress (UDI), prolapse and colorectal distress for antenatal and post-partum women with limited access to health care, and low socio-economic resources from a Midwestern Region of the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS Purposive sample of 35 females, ages 18-44, were recruited for this prospective, preintervention to postintervention study, following ethical approval from Institutional Review Board and voluntary written consent from participants. The Health History Questionnaire, SF-36, Food Frequency Questionnaire, report of pelvic organ prolapse dysfunction (POPDI), colorectal-anal dysfunction (CRADI), and UDI as measured by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) were completed before and after intervention. RESULTS Thirty-five women (n = 35) 18 to 44 years old (mean age of 22.72 ± 3.45 years) completed the study. A significant difference was found from preintervention to postintervention scores means for PFDI total scores, CRADI individual scores, and UDI individual scores (p < .05). POPDI scores decreased preintervention to postintervention but were not significant. A significant improvement in healthy nutrition and breastfeeding postintervention was also found (z = 3.21, p = .001). Further analysis showed significant, but weak, correlation between parity and POPDI (r = .366, p = .033); between parity and UDI (r = .384, p = .03); and between parity and PFDI (r = .419, p = .014). DISCUSSION Our study found a significant reduction in pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary, and colorectal-anal distress symptoms and improvement in breastfeeding and healthy nutrition following an 8-week community-driven nutrition and exercise programme focused on pelvic floor and core stability, healthy nutrition, and breastfeeding counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Maria Walton
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Sharjah/College of Health Sciences, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Veena Raigangar
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Sharjah/College of Health Sciences, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mini Sara Abraham
- Department of Nursing, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Cherisse Buddy
- Department of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
| | - Magaly Hernandez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
| | - Gretchen Krivak
- Department of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
| | - Rose Caceras
- Department of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
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Lin S, Atan IK, Dietz HP, Herbison P, Wilson PD. Delivery mode, levator avulsion and obstetric anal sphincter injury: A cross-sectional study 20 years after childbirth. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 59:590-596. [PMID: 30793279 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levator ani muscle (LAM) and anal sphincter injuries are common after vaginal birth and are associated with pelvic organ prolapse and anal incontinence. AIMS Our objective was to investigate long-term association between delivery mode, LAM avulsion and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in women at least 20 years after their first birth. METHODS All women recruited at 'index birth' of the Dunedin (New Zealand) arm of ProLong (PROlapse and incontinence LONG-term research) Study, were invited to have translabial and transperineal ultrasound assessment of LAM and anal sphincters. Post-processing analysis of imaging data was performed blinded against delivery data. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test and results are expressed as odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Of the initial 1250 participants, 196 women returned for examination. Mean age was 50.8 years with a mean body mass index of 27.6 and median parity was three. They were seen on average 23 years after their first delivery. Four data sets were unavailable and one declined ultrasound assessment, leaving 191 for analysis. LAM avulsion was diagnosed in 29 (15.2%), and 24 women (12.6%) had significant anal sphincter defect. LAM avulsion was associated with forceps delivery (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.04-5.80, P = 0.041). Forceps conveyed a greater risk of OASIS (21%) compared to a spontaneous vaginal delivery (11%) but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Forceps delivery is associated with long-term injurious effect on pelvic floor structures. Discussions of the long-term negative impact of pelvic floor structures and their functions are necessary to achieve an informed consent toward an operative vaginal delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Lin
- Women's Health Waikato DHB, Hamilton, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ixora Kamisan Atan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hans Peter Dietz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Herbison
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine Dunedin School of Medicine University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Peter Donald Wilson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Nesbitt-Hawes EM, Dietz HP, Abbott JA. Morphometry of the nulliparous pelvic floor. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2018; 52:672-676. [PMID: 29700879 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe morphometry of the pelvic floor in a large population of nulliparous women, comparing those with and those without pelvic pain. We also aimed to assess its association with characteristics such as age and body mass index (BMI). METHODS This was a prospective study performed between January 2013 and November 2015 in non-pregnant nulliparous women attending a general gynecology clinic. Following collection of demographic data, women were examined using translabial four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Dynamic volumes of pelvic floor muscle were obtained at rest, on maximal contraction and on Valsalva maneuver, and analyzed at a later date by an assessor blinded to demographic details. Standard measurements for each volume included levator hiatal area and anteroposterior and transverse diameters, and pubovisceral muscle length and width. Subanalysis was performed comparing women with and those without pelvic pain. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between characteristics, including age and BMI, and levator hiatal area at rest. RESULTS Three hundred and sixty eight nulliparous women were examined using translabial 4D ultrasound. Median levator hiatal area was 10.62 cm2 at rest, 11.95 cm2 on Valsalva maneuver and 8.18 cm2 on maximal contraction. There was no difference between women with and those without pelvic pain when comparing biometric measurements of the pelvic floor musculature, except for in pubovisceral muscle width during the contraction phase. Regression analysis demonstrated that higher age and BMI were associated with increased levator hiatal area measurement. CONCLUSIONS Pelvic floor morphometry in nulliparous women is unchanged by pelvic pain, but levator hiatal area is increased in women with higher BMI and age. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Nesbitt-Hawes
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - H P Dietz
- Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - J A Abbott
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Wen L, Zhou Q. Can We Evaluate Hiatal Ballooning by Measuring the Anteroposterior Diameter With 2-Dimensional Translabial Ultrasonography? JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2018; 37:1001-1006. [PMID: 29027694 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the association between the anteroposterior hiatal diameter and pelvic organ prolapse and to determine whether 2-dimensional translabial ultrasonography can evaluate hiatal ballooning by measuring the anteroposterior diameter. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of 312 women seen for lower urinary tract symptoms or pelvic organ prolapse between December 2014 and July 2016. All women had an International Continence Society (ICS) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system examination and 4-dimensional translabial ultrasonography. The anteroposterior hiatal diameter was measured in the midsagittal plane, and the hiatal area was measured in the minimal axial plane during the maximal Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS Valid data from 294 patients were analyzed. International Continence Society POP-Q stage 0 was found in 121 women, stage 1 in 49, stage 2 in 78, stage 3 in 42, and stage 4 in 4. The anteroposterior diameter had an excellent linear correlation (r = 0.814; P < .001) with the hiatal area during the Valsalva maneuver and was strongly related to ICS POP-Q stages (P < .01). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis proposed a cutoff of 6.0 cm for the anteroposterior diameter against ICS POP-Q stage 2 and higher (sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 52%) and prolapse symptoms (sensitivity, 74%; specificity, 64%). CONCLUSIONS The anteroposterior hiatal diameter, which represents hiatal distensibility in the midsagittal plane, can be used to evaluate hiatal ballooning. "Mild" ballooning was defined as an anteroposterior diameter measurement of 6.0 to less than 6.5 cm, "moderate" ballooning as 6.5 to less than 7.0 cm, and "marked" ballooning as 7.0 cm or greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieming Wen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qichang Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonography, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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It is the first birth that does the damage: a cross-sectional study 20 years after delivery. Int Urogynecol J 2018; 29:1637-1643. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-018-3616-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Caudwell-Hall J, Kamisan Atan I, Brown C, Guzman Rojas R, Langer S, Shek KL, Dietz HP. Can pelvic floor trauma be predicted antenatally? Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2018; 97:751-757. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Caudwell-Hall
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
| | - Ixora Kamisan Atan
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Chris Brown
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Center; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Rodrigo Guzman Rojas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Clínica Alemana de Santiago-Universidad del Desarrollo; Santiago Chile
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - Susanne Langer
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
| | - Ka L. Shek
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
- Liverpool Clinical School; Western Sydney University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Hans P. Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
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Dietz HP, Gómez M, Atan IK, Ferreira CSW. Association between vaginal parity and rectocele. Int Urogynecol J 2018; 29:1479-1483. [PMID: 29464300 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-017-3552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Rectocele is common in parous women but also seen in nulliparae. This study was designed to investigate the association between vaginal parity and descent of the rectal ampulla/rectocele depth as determined by translabial ultrasound (TLUS). METHODS This retrospective observational study involved 1296 women seen in a urogynaecological centre. All had undergone an interview, clinical examination and 4D ultrasound (US) imaging supine and after voiding. Offline analysis of volume data was undertaken blinded against other data. Rectal ampulla position and rectocele depth were measured on Valsalva. A pocket depth of 10 mm was used as a cutoff to define rectocele on imaging. RESULTS Most women presented with prolapse (53%, n = 686); 810 (63%) complained of obstructed defecation (OD). Clinically, 53% (n = 690) had posterior-compartment prolapse with a mean Bp of -1 [standard deviation (SD)1.5; -3 to 9 cm]. Mean descent of the rectal ampulla was 10 mm below the symphysis (SD 15.8; -50 to 41). A rectocele on imaging was found in 48% (n = 618). On univariate analysis, OD symptoms were strongly associated with rectal descent, rectocele depth and rectocele on imaging (all P < 0.001). The prevalence of a rectocele seen on imaging increased with vaginal parity (P < 0.001). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of vaginal parity against rectal descent and rectocele depth showed a dose-response relationship (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Vaginal parity was strongly associated with descent of the rectal ampulla and rectocele depth. This relationship approximated dose-response characteristics, with the greatest effect due to the first vaginal delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Peter Dietz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia.
| | - Mariángeles Gómez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia
- Tomografía Computada de Buenos Aires, entidad afiliada a la Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ixora Kamisan Atan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Caroline S Wanderley Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Chan SSC, Cheung RYK, Lee LL, Chung TKH. Longitudinal pelvic floor biometry: which factors affect it? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2018; 51:246-252. [PMID: 28236365 DOI: 10.1002/uog.17446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate pelvic floor biometry of women 3-5 years after their first delivery. The effect of a subsequent delivery and the mode of delivery on pelvic floor biometry were also studied. METHODS Three-hundred and twenty-eight women who had been examined by translabial ultrasound during their first singleton pregnancy and at 8 weeks and 1 year postpartum, were invited for a follow-up 3-5 years later. The positions of the bladder neck, cervix, anorectal junction and hiatal area (HA) were evaluated using translabial ultrasound. The effects of parity, mode of delivery and levator ani muscle avulsion were studied. RESULTS A total of 240 women completed the study. Of these, 179 had one or more vaginal deliveries (VD) (VD-only group), 52 had one or more Cesarean sections (CS) (CS-only group) and nine had both VD and CS at follow-up. The mean interval between the first delivery and follow-up was 3.8 years. A significantly lower bladder neck and anorectal junction on Valsalva, a lower cervix at rest, on Valsalva and pelvic floor muscle contraction, and a greater HA were observed in the VD-only group at follow-up, compared with findings at 1 year of follow-up or in the first pregnancy. The findings were similar in the CS-only group, except without a lower anorectal junction on Valsalva. Compared with the primiparous VD-only group, a greater HA at rest was observed in the multiparous VD-only group (P = 0.027). The VD-only group had a greater HA than the CS-only group. CONCLUSIONS At 3-5 years after first delivery, a lower bladder neck, cervix and anorectal junction, and a greater HA were observed compared with findings in the first trimester and at 1 year of follow-up, regardless of parity or mode of delivery. Women with two or more VDs had a greater HA compared with those who had only one VD, and women with at least one VD had a greater HA compared with those who delivered by CS only. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S C Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - R Y K Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - L L Lee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - T K H Chung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Wen L, Zhang J, Zeng S, Zhou Q. UsingZ-scores to evaluate levator hiatal dimensions with four-dimensional translabial ultrasound. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2017; 43:1840-1847. [PMID: 28984047 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lieming Wen
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Shi Zeng
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Qichang Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
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Increasing Anteroposterior Genital Hiatus Widening Does Not Limit Apical Descent for Prolapse Staging During Valsalva's Maneuver: Effect on Symptom Severity and Surgical Decision Making. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2017; 24:412-418. [PMID: 28914705 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine if anteroposterior genital hiatus (GH) widening obscures rather than facilitates signs and symptoms, inadvertently altering management decisions for women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) during Valsalva's Maneuver, at a given total vaginal length (TVL). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort with nested cross-sectional study of patients who underwent POP surgery. Data from obstetric and gynecologic history, preoperative and postoperative physical examinations, and 20-item Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and 7-item Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) scores were extracted. Study participants were compared in 2 groups: anteroposterior widened (>3 cm) and not widened (≤3 cm) GH, for baseline leading edge and POP stage, while controlling for TVL. Baseline PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores were evaluated within GH groups. Delta GH, PFDI-20, and PFIQ-7 scores after apical suspension with and without posterior colporrhaphy were compared to assess the clinical value of the procedure. RESULTS Study participants with anteroposterior GH widening during Valsalva maneuver had greater baseline leading edge descent and higher POP stage compared with those without anteroposterior GH widening after controlling for TVL. Baseline PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores were similar within both GH categories controlling for prolapse severity. Adding posterior colporrhaphy to apical suspension resulted in a greater anteroposterior GH reduction without improving delta PFDI-20 or PFIQ-7 scores. CONCLUSIONS Facilitation through herniation rather than obscuration from anteroposterior GH widening explains why patients will not be undertreated based on signs and symptoms of disease. Adding posterior colporrhaphy to apical suspension more effectively reduces anteroposterior GH widening without differential improvement in symptoms rendering the operation to no more than a cosmetic procedure.
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Youssef A, Cavalera M, Pacella G, Salsi G, Morganelli G, Montaguti E, Cataneo I, Pilu G, Rizzo N. Is curved three-dimensional ultrasound reconstruction needed to assess the warped pelvic floor plane? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 50:388-394. [PMID: 27642724 DOI: 10.1002/uog.17304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caudal distension of the female pelvic floor is common and results in perineal descent and a caudally curved levator hiatus (warping). Image reconstruction of the pelvic floor using currently available ultrasound techniques involves a linear approach (flat-plane reconstruction). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, reproducibility and potential usefulness of a new three-dimensional (3D) technique capable of reconstructing a curved plane of the levator hiatus. METHODS Primiparous women were recruited to undergo a 3D/four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound examination 3-6 months after delivery. Levator ani muscle warping was evaluated on Valsalva maneuver by measuring the distance between the plane extending from the pubic rami to the anorectal angle and the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions on the coronal plane. Warping distance was used to reconstruct a curved plane of the levator hiatus using the curved OmniView volume contrast imaging (VCI) technique (C-OV). Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the C-OV technique were assessed, as was intermethod agreement between the C-OV technique and the linear OmniView-VCI (L-OV) technique, for the measurement of levator hiatal area on Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS Measurement of the levator hiatal area using C-OV was feasible in all 84 women recruited. The warping distance ranged from -3.5 to 9.7 mm, confirming that the 1-2-cm slice thickness traditionally used for linear reconstruction was adequate for proper assessment of levator hiatal area in our population. C-OV showed excellent intra- and interobserver reproducibility, as well as excellent agreement with the L-OV technique for measuring levator hiatal area. No systematic difference was demonstrated in any of the reproducibility studies performed. CONCLUSIONS 3D reconstruction of the warped levator hiatal plane is feasible and highly reproducible. In our population, reconstruction of a curved plane to correct for levator hiatal warping did not offer any benefit over the traditionally performed linear reconstruction. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Cavalera
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pacella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Salsi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Morganelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Montaguti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Cataneo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - N Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Dietz HP, Stankiewicz M, Atan IK, Ferreira CW, Socha M. Vaginal laxity: what does this symptom mean? Int Urogynecol J 2017; 29:723-728. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-017-3426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Is levator hiatus distension associated with peripheral ligamentous laxity during pregnancy? Int Urogynecol J 2017; 28:1223-1231. [PMID: 28083713 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-016-3252-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The impact of pregnancy on pelvic floor disorders remains poorly understood. During pregnancy, an increase in ligamentous laxity and pelvic organ mobility is often reported. Our main objective was to investigate a possible association between peripheral ligamentous laxity and levator hiatus (LH) distension during pregnancy. METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal study of 26 pregnant women followed up from the first to the third trimester. We collected the following information: occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms (score higher than 0 for the POP section of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 questions score), 4D perineal ultrasound scan results with LH distension assessment and measurement of metacarpophalangeal joint mobility (MCP laxity). The association between MCP laxity and LH distension was estimated by mixed multilevel linear regression. The associations between MCP laxity and categorical parameters were estimated in a multivariate analysis using a generalized estimating equation model. RESULTS MCP laxity and LH distension were correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.26 (p = 0.02), and 6.8% of the LH distension variance was explained by MCP laxity. In the multivariate analysis, MCP laxity was associated with POP symptoms with an odds ratio at 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.11) for an increase of 1° in MCP laxity. CONCLUSION LH distension and peripheral ligamentous laxity are significantly associated during pregnancy. However, the relationship is weak, and the results need to be confirmed in larger populations and with more specific techniques such as elastography to directly assess the elastic properties of the pelvic floor muscles.
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Hallock JL, Handa VL. The Epidemiology of Pelvic Floor Disorders and Childbirth: An Update. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2016; 43:1-13. [PMID: 26880504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Using a lifespan model, this article presents new scientific findings regarding risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), focusing on the role of childbirth in the development of single or multiple coexisting PFDs. Phase I of the model includes predisposing factors, such as genetic predisposition and race. Phase II includes inciting factors, such as obstetric events. Prolapse, urinary incontinence (UI), and fecal incontinence (FI) are more common among vaginally parous women, although the impact of vaginal delivery on risk of FI is less dramatic than prolapse and UI. Phase III includes intervening factors, such as age and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Hallock
- Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 301 Building, Suite 3200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Victoria L Handa
- Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 301 Building, Suite 3200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Speksnijder L, Oom DMJ, Koning AHJ, Biesmeijer CS, Steegers EAP, Steensma AB. Agreement and reliability of pelvic floor measurements during rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver using three-dimensional translabial ultrasound and virtual reality imaging. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:243-249. [PMID: 26483139 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Imaging of the levator ani hiatus provides valuable information for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study compared measurements of levator ani hiatal volume during rest and on maximum Valsalva, obtained using conventional three-dimensional (3D) translabial ultrasound and virtual reality imaging. Our objectives were to establish their agreement and reliability, and their relationship with prolapse symptoms and POP quantification (POP-Q) stage. METHODS One hundred women with an intact levator ani were selected from our tertiary clinic database. Information on clinical symptoms were obtained using standardized questionnaires. Ultrasound datasets were analyzed using a rendered volume with a slice thickness of 1.5 cm, at the level of minimal hiatal dimensions, during rest and on maximum Valsalva. The levator area (in cm(2) ) was measured and multiplied by 1.5 to obtain the levator ani hiatal volume (in cm(3) ) on conventional 3D ultrasound. Levator ani hiatal volume (in cm(3) ) was measured semi-automatically by virtual reality imaging using a segmentation algorithm. Twenty patients were chosen randomly to analyze intra- and interobserver agreement. RESULTS The mean difference between levator hiatal volume measurements on 3D ultrasound and by virtual reality was 1.52 cm(3) (95% CI, 1.00-2.04 cm(3) ) at rest and 1.16 cm(3) (95% CI, 0.56-1.76 cm(3) ) during maximum Valsalva (P < 0.001). Both intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients were ≥ 0.96 for conventional 3D ultrasound and > 0.99 for virtual reality. Patients with prolapse symptoms or POP-Q Stage ≥ 2 had significantly larger hiatal measurements than those without symptoms or POP-Q Stage < 2. CONCLUSIONS Levator ani hiatal volume at rest and on maximum Valsalva is significantly smaller when using virtual reality compared with conventional 3D ultrasound; however, this difference does not seem clinically important. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Speksnijder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D M J Oom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A H J Koning
- Department of Bioinformatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C S Biesmeijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A B Steensma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Lowder JL, Oliphant SS, Shepherd JP, Ghetti C, Sutkin G. Genital hiatus size is associated with and predictive of apical vaginal support loss. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:718.e1-8. [PMID: 26719211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition and assessment of apical vaginal support defects remains a significant challenge in the evaluation and management of prolapse. There are several reasons that this is likely: (1) Although the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification examination is the standard prolapse staging system used in the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery field for reporting outcomes, this assessment is not used commonly in clinical care outside the subspecialty; (2) no clinically useful and accepted definition of apical support loss exists, and (3) no consensus or guidelines address the degree of apical support loss at which an apical support procedure should be performed routinely. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify a simple screening measure for significant loss of apical vaginal support. STUDY DESIGN This was an analysis of women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage 0-IV prolapse. Women with total vaginal length of ≥7 cm were included to define a population with "normal" vaginal length. Univariable and linear regression analyses were used to identify Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification points that were associated with 3 definitions of apical support loss: the International Consultation on Incontinence, the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network revised eCARE, and a Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification point C cut-point developed by Dietz et al. Linear and logistic regression models were created to assess predictors of overall apical support loss according to these definitions. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated to determine test characteristics of the predictor variables and the areas under the curves were calculated. RESULTS Of 469 women, 453 women met the inclusion criterion. The median Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage was III, and the median leading edge of prolapse was +2 cm (range, -3 to 12 cm). By stage of prolapse (0-IV), mean genital hiatus size (genital hiatus; mid urethra to posterior fourchette) increased: 2.0 ± 0.5, 3.0 ± 0.5, 4.0 ± 1.0, 5.0 ± 1.0, and 6.5 ± 1.5 cm, respectively (P < .01). Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification points B anterior, B posterior, and genital hiatus had moderate-to-strong associations with overall apical support loss and all definitions of apical support loss. Linear regression models that predict overall apical support loss and logistic regression models predict apical support loss as defined by International Continence Society, eCARE, and the point C; cut-point definitions were fit with points B anterior, B posterior, and genital hiatus; these 3 points explained more than one-half of the model variance. Receiver operator characteristic analysis for all definitions of apical support loss found that genital hiatus >3.75 cm was highly predictive of apical support loss (area under the curve, >0.8 in all models). CONCLUSIONS Increasing genital hiatus size is associated highly with and predictive of apical vaginal support loss. Specifically, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification measurement genital hiatus of ≥3.75 cm is highly predictive of apical support loss by all study definitions. This simple measurement can be used to screen for apical support loss and the need for further evaluation of apical vaginal support before planning a hysterectomy or prolapse surgery.
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Youssef A, Montaguti E, Sanlorenzo O, Cariello L, Salsi G, Morganelli G, Azzarone C, Pilu G, Rizzo N. Reliability of new three-dimensional ultrasound technique for pelvic hiatal area measurement. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 47:629-635. [PMID: 26105710 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the reproducibility of a new technique for three-/four-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor: OmniView™ volume contrast imaging (VCI) for measurement of the pelvic hiatal area on maximum contraction and Valsalva maneuver. In addition, we aimed to study the intermethod agreement between the new technique and the 3D/4D render method. METHODS We acquired one static 3D and two dynamic 4D transperineal volumes (one obtained during contraction and one during Valsalva maneuver) from 35 nulliparous asymptomatic healthy volunteers and 35 women with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Each 3D dataset was analyzed using the OmniView-VCI technique to measure the pelvic hiatal area at rest, on maximum contraction and on maximum Valsalva. Analysis was performed twice by the same operator and once by another operator in order to assess intra- and interobserver reproducibility. All measurements were repeated by one operator using the 3D/4D render method to evaluate the intermethod agreement. Reproducibility and intermethod agreement were studied by means of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS Measurement of hiatal area using the OmniView-VCI technique showed excellent intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility in both asymptomatic and symptomatic women at rest, on contraction and on Valsalva maneuver. In addition, excellent agreement was demonstrated between OmniView-VCI and 3D/4D render in both groups (ICCs on Valsalva in asymptomatic and symptomatic women were 0.894 and 0.975, respectively). No systematic difference was noted in any of the reliability studies performed. CONCLUSIONS OmniView-VCI is a reliable method for pelvic hiatal area measurement. Both rendering mode and OmniView-VCI can be used interchangeably for assessing pelvic hiatal area. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Montaguti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - O Sanlorenzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Cariello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Salsi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Morganelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Azzarone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - N Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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