Anneke B. Steensma

The prevalence of major abnormalities of the levator ani in urogynaecological patients.

Objectives  While morphological abnormalities of the pubovisceral muscle have been described on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), their relevance remains unclear. This study was designed to define prevalence and clinical significance of such abnormalities in urogynaecological patients.

Ballooning of the levator hiatus.

The levator hiatus defines the ‘hernial portal’ through which female pelvic organ prolapse develops. Hiatal area may therefore be an independent etiological factor for this condition. In this retrospective study we defined ‘normality’ for hiatal area by assessing its relationship with symptoms and clinical signs of prolapse.

The biology behind fascial defects and the use of implants in pelvic organ prolapse repair

Implant materials are increasingly being used in an effort to reduce recurrence after prolapse repair with native tissues. Surgeons should be aware of the biology behind both the disease as well as the host response to various implants. We will discuss insights into the biology behind hernia and abdominal fascial defects. Those lessons from “herniology” will, wherever possible, be applied to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) problems. Then we will deal with available animal models, for both the underlying disease and surgical repair. Then we will go over the features of implants and describe how the host responds to implantation. Methodology of such experiments will be briefly explained for the clinician not involved in experimentation. As we discuss the different materials available on the market, we will summarize some results of recent experiments by our group.

Three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor: the effect of parturition on paravaginal support structures

It is assumed that support of the female urethra and bladder is maintained by paraurethral and paravaginal fascial structures, with hypermobility resulting from delivery‐related trauma. This study used three‐dimensional translabial ultrasound to assess these structures and document peripartal changes.

Prevalence of major levator abnormalities in symptomatic patients with an underactive pelvic floor contraction

Introduction and hypothesisMajor levator ani abnormalities (LAA) may lead to abnormal pelvic floor muscle contraction (pfmC) and secondarily to stress urinary incontinence (SUI), prolapse, or fecal incontinence (FI).MethodsA retrospective observational study included 352 symptomatic patients to determine prevalence of LAA in underactive pfmC and the relationship with symptoms. On 2D/3D transperineal ultrasound, PfmC was subjectively assessed as underactive (UpfmC) or normal (NpfmC) and quantified. LAA, defined as a complete avulsion of the pubic bone, was analyzed using tomographic ultrasound imaging.ResultsLAA were found in 53.8% of women with UpfmC versus 16.1% in NpfmC (P < 0.001). Patients with UpfmC were less likely to reduce hiatal area on pfmC (mean 7% reduction vs 25% in NpfmC (P < 0.001)). An UpfmC was associated with FI (P = 0.002), not with SUI or prolapse of the anterior and central compartment.ConclusionAn underactive pfmC is associated with increased prevalence of LAA and FI.

Validation of the urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6) and incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ-7) in a Dutch population

The Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) assess symptom distress and the impact on daily life of urinary incontinence. The UDI‐6 has not been validated before in males. Our aim was to validate the UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 in Dutch men and women.

Antenatal pelvic organ mobility is associated with delivery mode

Objective: Relaxation of pelvic ligaments may facilitate parturition in certain animal species. Biomechanical properties of pelvic connective tissue may also influence progress of labour in the human female. This study was designed to test whether peripheral joint mobility or pelvic organ mobility as measures of connective tissue biomechanical properties are associated with progress in labour and delivery mode.

Detection of anal sphincter defects in female patients with fecal incontinence: a comparison of 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound and 2-dimensional endoanal ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Endoanal ultrasound is widely used for the detection of external and internal anal sphincter defects in patients with fecal incontinence. Recently, 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound has been introduced as a noninvasive imaging method for the detection of these sphincter defects. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess agreement between 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound and 2-dimensional endoanal ultrasound regarding the detection of anal sphincter defects in women with fecal incontinence. DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective observational study. SETTINGS: The study took place in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Between October 2008 and June 2009, all women with concerns of fecal incontinence underwent 2-dimensional endoanal ultrasound as well as 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures are the presence of external and internal anal sphincter defects. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included. External and internal anal sphincter defects were observed with 2-dimensional endoanal ultrasound in 27 (49%) and 15 (27%) patients. Three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound detected an external and internal sphincter defect in 19 (35%) and 16 (29%) patients. The Cohen &kgr; coefficient for the detection of external (&kgr; = 0.63) and internal (&kgr; = 0.78) anal sphincter defects was good. LIMITATIONS: This study’s limitations include the absence of a surgical examination as the reference standard in the determination of sphincter defects. CONCLUSION: This study shows good agreement between 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound and 2-dimensional endoanal ultrasound regarding the detection of anal sphincter defects. Based on these data, 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound might be considered as a valuable alternative noninvasive investigation method.

OC264: Correlation between 3D/4D translabial ultrasound and colpocystodefecography in diagnosis of posterior compartment prolapse

Valsalva. Subjective scores for pelvic floor muscle contraction were given on dynamic 3D and 4D using the standardized ICS terminology for assessment of pelvic muscle contraction (non-functioning, weak, normal or strong). Offline analysis of the datasets was undertaken using the software GE Kretz 4D View. Measurements were taken at the level of minimal hiatal dimensions using the inferior margin of the symphysis pubis as reference point on 2D and 3D datasets. On 2D ultrasound the diameter of the minimal anteroposterior (AP) hiatus, vertical displacement of the bladder neck and levator angle were measured. 3D datasets were used for obtaining AP and left–right diameter as well as area of the hiatus. Results: Complete datasets were available for 349 women. The proportional difference (value A rest–value A contraction/value A rest) between the above parameters was calculated. There were significant correlations (P < 0.001) in all parameters between women with no, weak, normal or strong contractions except for vertical bladder neck displacement. The proportional 2D AP difference between rest and contraction measured in the 2D volume seemed to be the strongest predictor, followed by 3D AP diameter and hiatal area. Conclusions: Proportional differences of the AP measurement between rest and contraction in 2D volumes is the easiest method for quantification of pelvic floor muscle contraction. Surprisingly, vertical bladder neck displacement did not seem to be significant between women with no, weak, normal or strong pelvic floor contractions.

Anterior sphincteroplasty for fecal incontinence: is the outcome compromised in patients with associated pelvic floor injury?

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that vaginal delivery may result not only in sphincter defects, but also in pelvic floor injury. However, the influence of this type of injury on the etiology of fecal incontinence and its treatment is unknown. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence of pelvic floor injury in patients who underwent anterior sphincteroplasty for the treatment of fecal incontinence and to determine the impact of this type of injury on the outcome of this procedure. METHODS: Women who underwent anterior sphincteroplasty in the past were invited to participate in the present study. With transperineal ultrasound, which has been developed recently, pelvic floor integrity was examined in 70 of 117 patients (60%). Follow-up was obtained from a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The median time period between anterior sphincteroplasty and the current assessment was 106 (range, 15–211) months. Pelvic floor injury was diagnosed in 43 patients (61%). Despite the prior sphincteroplasty, an external anal sphincter defect was found in 20 patients (29%). Outcome did not differ, neither between patients with and those without pelvic floor injury, nor between patients with and those without an adequate repair. However, patients with an adequate repair and an intact pelvic floor did have a better outcome than patients with one or both abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The majority of female patients with incontinence who were eligible for anterior sphincteroplasty have concomitant pelvic floor injury. Based on the present study, it seems unlikely that this type of injury itself has an impact on the outcome of anterior sphincteroplasty.