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01-04-2019 | Ultrasound | General Gynecology

Anatomic and functional evaluation of the levator ani muscle after an obstetric anal sphincter injury

Authors: Eva Martínez Franco, José Luís López Negre, David Parés, Cristina Ros Cerro, Lluís Amat Tardiu, Daniel Cuadras, Montserrat Espuña Pons

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Purpose

To study the relationship between symptoms of anal incontinence (AI) and the anatomy and functionality of the levator ani muscle in women with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI).

Methods

This is a cohort study including patients with OASI from 2013 to 2016. Patients were assessed by a physical examination, endoanal ultrasound using Starck Scale, perineometry and 4D transperineal ultrasound. AI in all patients was measured with the Wexner scale. Correlation between variables has been analyzed in these patients.

Results

72 patients were analyzed: 28 with a IIIA degree tear, 26 with a IIIB, 13 with a IIIC and 5 with a IV. 38 patients showed a residual anal sphincter (AS) defect on endoanal ultrasound with an average Starck score of 6.5 ± 3.7. 21 patients expressed AI, with an average Wexner score of 4.1 ± 2.4. In 27 (37.5%) patients, a levator ani avulsion was observed: 17 unilateral and 10 bilateral. Patients with a levator ani defect had weaker pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. These differences were statistically significant with perineometry (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03) but not for the Oxford test (p = 0.08). Patients with a residual AS defect as well as an injury to the levator ani muscle expressed greater AI symptomatology than patients with residual sphincter injury who maintain the integrity of the levator ani: Wexner 4.9 0.9 vs 3.3 1 (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The PFM has correlation with AI symptom development in patients with a history of OASI. Therefore, we suggest a key role of anatomical and functional assessments of the levator ani muscle in these patients.

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Title: Anatomic and functional evaluation of the levator ani muscle after an obstetric anal sphincter injury
Authors: Eva Martínez Franco
José Luís López Negre
David Parés
Cristina Ros Cerro
Lluís Amat Tardiu
Daniel Cuadras
Montserrat Espuña Pons
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05070-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Anatomic and functional evaluation of the levator ani muscle after an obstetric anal sphincter injury

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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