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International Urogynecology Journal

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Open Access 01-05-2018 | Original Article

Interobserver agreement in perineal ultrasound measurement of the anovaginal distance: a methodological study

Authors: Sofia Pihl, Eva Uustal, Linda Hjertberg, Marie Blomberg

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Objective outcome measures of the extent of laceration at delivery are needed. In this study we evaluated and describe here a method for learning perineal ultrasound measurement of the anovaginal distance (AVD). The learning period needed for examiners proficient in vaginal ultrasound examination and the interobserver agreement after reaching proficiency in AVD measurement were determined. The hypothesis was that the method is feasible to learn and reproducible for use in further research.

Methods

The method was taught by an examiner experienced in perineal ultrasonography. The distance between the mucosal margin of the internal anal sphincter was measured with a vaginal probe. The studied examiners measured the AVD until similar results (±5 mm) were achieved. The AVD in 40 women was then measured and documented by two examiners who were blinded to each other’s results. Interobserver agreement was calculated using the kappa score.

Results

Examiners with previous experience in vaginal ultrasonography had learned the method after performing five sets of comeasurements. The AVD measurements after the learning period showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.87) between the examiners.

Conclusions

The method for perineal ultrasound measurement of AVD was learned quickly with high interobserver agreement. The method is feasible to learn and reproducible for use in further research.

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Title: Interobserver agreement in perineal ultrasound measurement of the anovaginal distance: a methodological study
Authors: Sofia Pihl
Eva Uustal
Linda Hjertberg
Marie Blomberg
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3392-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Interobserver agreement in perineal ultrasound measurement of the anovaginal distance: a methodological study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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