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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-03-2014 | Original Article

Postpartum translabial 2D and 3D ultrasound measurements of the anal sphincter complex in primiparous women delivering by vaginal birth versus Cesarean delivery

Authors: Kate V. Meriwether, Rebecca J. Hall, Lawrence M. Leeman, Laura Migliaccio, Clifford Qualls, Rebecca G. Rogers

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Consensus on normal translabial ultrasound (TL-US) anal sphincter complex measurements for postpartum women is lacking. We aimed to evaluate normative measurements in 2D and 3D TL-US for the anal sphincter complex (ASC) at 6 months postpartum and compare these measurements in women who had a vaginal birth (VB) and in those who had a Cesarean delivery (CD).

Methods

A large, prospective cohort of primiparous women underwent 2D and 3D TL-US 6 months after their first delivery. For normative sphincter measurements, we excluded women with third- or fourth-degree lacerations or with sphincter interruption on TL-US. Measurements included the sphincter thickness at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions of the external anal sphincter (EAS) and the internal anal sphincter (IAS) at proximal, mid, and distal levels. We also measured the mean coronal diameter of the pubovisceralis muscle (PVM).

Results

696 women consented to participate, and 433 women presented for ultrasound imaging 6 months later. Women who sustained a third- or fourth-degree laceration had significantly thicker EAS measurements at 12 o’clock. Sphincter asymmetry was common (69 %), but was not related to mode of delivery. Only IAS measurements at the proximal and distal 12 o’clock position were significantly thicker for CD patients. There were no significant differences in the EAS or PVM measurements between VB and CD women.

Conclusions

There appear to be few differences in normative sphincter ultrasound measurements between primiparous patients who had VB or CD.

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Title: Postpartum translabial 2D and 3D ultrasound measurements of the anal sphincter complex in primiparous women delivering by vaginal birth versus Cesarean delivery
Authors: Kate V. Meriwether
Rebecca J. Hall
Lawrence M. Leeman
Laura Migliaccio
Clifford Qualls
Rebecca G. Rogers
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2215-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

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Postpartum translabial 2D and 3D ultrasound measurements of the anal sphincter complex in primiparous women delivering by vaginal birth versus Cesarean delivery

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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