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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-11-2015 | Original Article

The repeatability of sonographic measures of functional pelvic floor anatomy

Authors: Li Tan, Ka Lai Shek, Ixora Kamisan Atan, Rodrigo Guzman Rojas, Hans Peter Dietz

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 11/2015

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Translabial 3D/4D ultrasound is increasingly being used in the diagnostic evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction. The result of the assessment is influenced by a number of confounders that are generally unrecognised. The aim of this study was to determine the short- to medium-term repeatability of translabial ultrasound measures of female pelvic organ support and pelvic floor anatomy.

Methods

This is a retrospective study analyzing archived ultrasound volume datasets of 106 patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Every subject was assessed twice at an average interval of 73 days. Outcome measures including hiatal area on Valsalva, descent of the bladder neck, bladder, uterus and rectal ampulla, rectocele depth, diagnosis of true rectocele, and levator integrity (avulsion) were compared at the first and second appointments.

Results

All parameters of organ descent demonstrated good to excellent reliability (ICC 0.73–0.93) except for rectocele descent, which showed moderate reliability (ICC 0.44, CI 0.26–0.58). The most highly repeatable measure was hiatal area on Valsalva or “ballooning” (ICC 0.93, CI 0.90–0.95). For the diagnosis of levator avulsion and true rectocele, agreement was very high (kappa 0.91 for avulsion (CI 0.77–0.94) and kappa 0.73 (CI 0.56–0.84) for true rectocele).

Conclusions

The short- to medium-term repeatability of translabial ultrasound measures of functional pelvic floor anatomy seems to be high. Hiatal area on Valsalva (ballooning) and diagnosis of levator avulsion were the most repeatable measures. The least repeatable measures related to the posterior compartment.

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Title: The repeatability of sonographic measures of functional pelvic floor anatomy
Authors: Li Tan
Ka Lai Shek
Ixora Kamisan Atan
Rodrigo Guzman Rojas
Hans Peter Dietz
Publication date: 01-11-2015
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2759-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The repeatability of sonographic measures of functional pelvic floor anatomy

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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