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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-01-2020 | Ultrasound | Review Article

Diagnostic value of pelvic floor ultrasonography for diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review

Authors: Yuanjing Gao, Zhiwei Zhao, Yanlin Yang, Meiqin Zhang, Jiang Wu, Yali Miao

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common medical condition universally. In addition to physical examination, experts have increasingly turned their attention to ultrasound in diagnosing POP for its low cost and dynamic imaging. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the methods of pelvic floor ultrasound in diagnosing POP, which has been lacking up till now.

Methods

We included original papers comparing the outcome of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system and ultrasound, published from 2008 to present in English, using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PUBMED). All stages of the review were conducted in parallel by two reviewers.

Results

Fifteen papers were included. We found that current methods have advantages and limitations. The main methods are to measure levator hiatus-related parameters and distances between the lowest point of the pelvic organs and reference lines during Valsalva maneuver, contraction, and at rest.

Conclusions

Pelvic floor ultrasound is valuable in diagnosing POP, yet suffers from a weakness in precision compared with physical examination. From the existing research, we found that the differences in baseline data such as weight, height, ethnicity, etc., may affect the cutoffs of the above-mentioned parameters. Further research is required to find one appropriate cutoff for each parameter, even if it is necessary to set group values for every parameter according to varying situations.

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Title: Diagnostic value of pelvic floor ultrasonography for diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review
Authors: Yuanjing Gao
Zhiwei Zhao
Yanlin Yang
Meiqin Zhang
Jiang Wu
Yali Miao
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04066-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Diagnostic value of pelvic floor ultrasonography for diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review

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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