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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 5/2010

01-05-2010 | Original Article

MR features of the levator ani muscle in the immediate postpartum following cesarean delivery

Authors: Sebastien Novellas, Madleen Chassang, Sylvie Verger, Abdi Bafghi, André Bongain, Patrick Chevallier

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 5/2010

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

We wanted to show that at the time of cesarean delivery, the active process of labor itself was sufficient to create early alterations of the pelvic floor musculature as detectable via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Thirty primipara patients underwent pelvic MRI between the second and third day after cesarean delivery. Ten patients had a cesarean without labor while 20 patients underwent urgent cesarean delivery after the onset of labor.

Results

Patients undergoing active labor during cesarean had 2.7 times more abnormalities than the patients with cesareans without labor. The abnormalities the most frequently found were a hypersignal in the puborectalis (p = .004), a hypersignal in the iliococcygeus (p = .064) and a defect in the orientation of this same muscular bundle (p = .049).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that active labor during the time of a cesarean induces early lesions of the pelvic muscular floor.
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Metadata
Title
MR features of the levator ani muscle in the immediate postpartum following cesarean delivery
Authors
Sebastien Novellas
Madleen Chassang
Sylvie Verger
Abdi Bafghi
André Bongain
Patrick Chevallier
Publication date
01-05-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-1068-6

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