Dynamic assessment of pelvic floor function in women using the intravaginal device test

The aim of the study was to assess pelvic floor function and dysfunction using intravaginal devices (IVD test). One hundred and eighty-five patients were evaluated, 65 (35.1%) in the control group without genital prolapse and 120 (64.9%) in the study group, with prolapse. Anatomic changes were evaluated on a scale described by Halban, and functional classification based on palpation of the muscles of the pelvic floor during contraction. Additionally, weighted vaginal devices were used to assess pelvic floor function. Statistic analysis was performed with the Spearman-Pearson correlation coefficient, the ² test and the response/ operator characteristic curve. There was an acceptable correlation between the IVD test and the functional classification of 0.75. Using this classification, the IVD test showed 86.58% sensitivity, 75.72% specificity, and had a positive predictive value 73.95% and a negative predictive value of 87.64%. Significant differences between pelvic floor muscle activity in those patients with and without genital prolapse were observed (X²=58.28, P=<0.005). It was concluded that pelvic floor assessment can be done through the evaluation of active muscle strength or pelvic floor integrity using the functional classification and the IVD test.EDITORIAL COMMENT: In 1988, Peattie and Plevnick introduced the use of weighted vaginal cones to exercise the pelvic floor muscles and treat stress urinary incontinence [1]. Contreras-Ortiz and Nuñez build on this earlier work, using a similar technique to assess pelvic floor muscle function and integrity. Specifically, pelvic floor function is assessed by a combination of digital palpation of the pubococcygeus muscle at rest and during contraction; pelvic floor integrity is assessed by the patient's ability to retain a weighted cone vaginally for 1 minute. Scoring of these two parameters can then be objectively followed for therapeutic response to treatment for urinary incontinence or pelvic relaxation. Many of us forget to palpate the pubococcygeus muscle at rest and during an elicited contraction during baseline or follow-up examination. As this study indicates, simple assessment of pelvic floor function and integrity is possible, and should be used both clinically and in research.     

Severity of pelvic organ prolapse associated with measurements of pelvic floor function

This study tested the hypothesis that clinical measurements of the superficial perineum and of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function correlate with the severity of pelvic organ prolapse. This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed 1037 women in an academic urogynecologic practice. Greatest descent of prolapse, by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, was correlated with two assessments of levator function—the Oxford grading scale and levator hiatus (LH) size measured by digital examination. Correlations were calculated using Pearsons correlation for continuous variables and Kendalls tau-b. Severity of prolapse correlated moderately with genital hiatus (GH) (r=0.5, p<0.0001) and with LH (transverse r=0.4, p<0.0001; longitudinal r=0.5, p<0.0001), but weakly with the Oxford grading scale (r=–0.16, p<0.0001). LH correlated with GH (r=0.5, p<0.0001) but not with perineal body (r=0.06, p=0.06). Both GH and LH size are associated with the severity of prolapse. LH size correlates more strongly to prolapse severity than assessment of PFM function by the Oxford grading scale.W. Thomas Gregory: financial support from NIH/NICHD (K12HD-0143)     

Spanish language translation of pelvic floor disorders instruments

The purpose of the study is to translate existing measures of pelvic symptoms and quality of life from English into Spanish, facilitating research participation of Hispanic/Latina women. The forward–backward translation protocol was applied then adjudicated by a concordance committee. The measures included the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ), Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) Questionnaire, Hunskaar Severity Measure, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and modified Manchester Questionnaire, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (PISQ), and the Life Orientation Test (LOT). English and Spanish versions were administered to 50 Hispanic/Latina women with pelvic symptoms. Kappa correlations of items and correlation coefficients for scales were computed. Psychometric testing for translations demonstrated good (0.80–0.89), very good (0.90–0.95), or excellent (>0.95) correlations for primary scales of the PFDI, PFIQ, MESA, Hunskaar, PISQ, and LOT. Strict translation techniques and testing yielded valid Spanish translations of instruments assessing pelvic symptoms/functional life impact in women with pelvic floor disorders. Electronic supplementary material The Spanish translations of the instruments discussed herein are available as Appendixes 1-7 in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be found at http://dx.doi.org/.     

Female stress urinary incontinence and the pelvic floor

Damage to the pelvic floor muscles leads to an altered relationship of the uterus and the urethrovesical unit to the levator plate and creates conditions predisposing to pelvic relaxation associated with stress incontinence. Morphological changes of pelvic floor muscles are age dependent and associated with deterioration of the urethral closure mechanism. Urodynamic assessment and knowledge of the morphology of pelvic floor muscles improves the understanding of pelvic floor function as it relates to the support of the pelvic viscera and the urethral mechanism that maintains continence of urine.     

Patient-selected goals: the fourth dimension in assessment of pelvic floor disorders

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between self-expressed urogynecologic goals, symptoms, and treatment choice. Charts of women presenting for urogynecology consultation were reviewed. Demographics, diagnoses and responses to the pelvic floor distress inventory and medical, social, and epidemiologic aspects of aging questionnaires were recorded. Patients listed urogynecology goals before consultation. We categorized goals into five categories and then compared these categories by symptom type, severity, and treatment. Three hundred five women reported 635 goals (median 2, range 1–6). The number of goals listed per patient did not differ by age, race, comorbidities, or clinical diagnosis (p > 0.05). The most frequent goal category was symptoms (67%), followed by information seeking (12%), lifestyle (11%), emotional (4%), and “other” (6%). Women selecting non-surgical treatment were more likely to list information seeking as primary goal than those who chose surgery (p = 0.009). One third of participants expressed a primary non-symptom goal and were more likely to seek non-surgical therapy.     

Prevalence and degree of bother from pelvic floor disorders in obese women

We aimed to determine the prevalence and bother from pelvic floor disorders (PFD) by obesity severity, hypothesizing that both would increase with higher degrees of obesity. We performed a secondary analysis of 1,155 females enrolled in an epidemiologic study that used a validated questionnaire to identify PFD. Prevalence and degree of bother were compared across three obesity groups. Logistic regression assessed the contribution of degree of obesity to the odds of having PFD. Prevalence of any PFD was highest in morbidly (57%) and severely (53%) obese compared to obese women (44%). Regression models demonstrated higher prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, and any PFD in morbidly compared to obese women and higher prevalence of stress urinary incontinence in severely obese compared to obese women. Degree of bother did not vary by degree of obesity. Prevalence of PFD increases with higher degrees of obesity.     

Anorexia nervosa and pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction in women with eating disorders is an underexplored area. We present a case of pelvic floor dysfunction in a nulliparous woman with anorexia nervosa.     

盆底障碍性疾病盆底自主收缩肌肉力量研究

目的比较正常人和盆底障碍性疾病(PFD)患者的盆底肌肉功能。方法对2007年11月至2008年4月在本院就诊的压力性尿失禁(SUI)、盆腔器官脱垂(POP)、POP合并SUI患者以及健康对照组各10例,行阴道指诊、阴道挤压力检测盆底肌肉收缩力量进行评估。结果肛提肌肌肉指诊力量和阴道挤压力呈正相关(r=0.549,P<0.05)。对照组阴道指诊肌力等级为(4.1±0.8),阴道挤压压力为(38.4±21.1)mmH2O,15 s内可自主收缩肛提肌(6.0±1.2)次,收缩持续时间为(4.78±1.78)s。SUI组、POP组、SUI+POP组阴道指诊肌力等级分别为(2.6±0.7)(、3.2±1.2)和(3.0±1.4),均显著低于对照组(P<0.05);阴道内挤压压力分别为(20.2±11.1)、(13.8±10.3)、(20.0±10.4)mmH2O,均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。SUI组15 s内可自主收缩肛提肌(3.6±1.0)次,显著少于对照组(P<0.05),收缩持续时间为(2.40±1.35)s,与对照组比较显著缩短(P<0.05)。结论肛提肌的阴道指诊的肌力测定,简单易行,可在临床广泛应用。PFD患者普遍存在肛提肌肉收缩力量减弱。SUI患者收缩速率慢、收缩持续时间短,不能对抗连续的腹压增高可能是SUI的发病机制。     

Assessment of sexual function in women with pelvic floor dysfunction

Forty-seven women participated in a pilot study for a multi-centre randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for women with prolapse. Women with symptomatic stage I or II prolapse [measured by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q)] were randomized to a 16-week physiotherapy intervention (PFMT and lifestyle advice; n = 23) or a control group receiving a lifestyle advice sheet (n = 24). Symptom severity and quality of life were measured via postal questionnaires. Blinded POP-Q was performed at baseline and follow-up. Intervention women had significantly greater improvement than controls in prolapse symptoms (mean score decrease 3.5 versus 0.1, p = 0.021), were significantly more likely to have an improved prolapse stage (45% versus 0%, p = 0.038) and were significantly more likely to say their prolapse was better (63% versus 24%, p = 0.012). The data support the feasibility of a substantive trial of PFMT for prolapse. A multi-centre trial is underway.     

改良全盆底重建手术治疗女性盆腔器官脱垂35例疗效观察

目的评价改良盆底重建术治疗盆腔脏器脱垂的临床效果。方法盆腔脏器脱垂定量(POP-Q)分度为Ⅲ～Ⅳ度35例患者行改良盆底重建术,观察手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间等围手术期指标,以POP-Q分度为客观疗效评价指标,以临床症状消失为主观治愈指标。术后定期随访,观察疗效。结果手术平均时间(55士20.2)min、术中平均出血(100±40.2)ml,术后住院平均(4.5±1.5)d,术后随访3～18个月、中位随访时间6个月,客观治愈率94%(33/35),主观有效率91%(32/35)。术后仅1例发生网片侵蚀,3例发生排尿困难,2例发生性交痛,2例发生急迫性尿失禁。结论改良盆底重建术是治疗盆腔脏器脱垂的有效术式,保留子宫同时加强盆底组织,手术简单、安全、微创、经济,远期疗效有待进一步观察。     

Estrogen receptor in pelvic floor tissues in patients with stress urinary incontinence

Our study is to investigate the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) and its possible etiological relationship with the development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Thirty-one biopsy specimens from pelvic floor tissues were obtained from 31 patients categorized into three groups: pelvic organ prolapse (POP), SUI and control groups. ER in the pelvic muscles tissues was evaluated quantitatively after immunohistochemical staining to visualize the ER in the tissue. The sampling rate of levator ani (striated) muscle was 6.7% in total sample from the pelvic floor tissues, with the remaining showing connective tissues, smooth muscles and nerve fibers. ER positive staining was found in the in the nuclei of connective tissue, smooth muscles and nerve fibers. The positive rates of ER staining in tissues were 1.4%, 4.7% and 5.7%, respectively in control group versus 1.1%, 2.8% and 2.7% in SUI group and 4.1%, 9.5% and 11.6% in POP group. The positive rates of ER staining in connective tissue, smooth muscle and nerve fibers in SUI group were significantly lower than that in control and POP group (P<0.01). Our study suggests that a decrease of ER in the pelvic floor tissues might be related to the occurrence of SUI and implies that hormone replacement therapy might not be effective in treatment for SUI.     

Pelvic floor muscle function in women presenting with pelvic floor disorders

Introduction and hypothesis  This observational study was undertaken to determine knowledge, prior instruction, frequency of performance, and ability to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises in a group of women presenting for evaluation of pelvic floor disorders. Methods  Three hundred twenty-five women presenting for evaluation of pelvic floor disorders were questioned concerning knowledge and performance of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PMEs) and then examined to determine pelvic floor muscle contraction strength. Results  The majority of women (73%) had heard of PMEs, but only 42% had been instructed to perform them and 62.5% stated they received verbal instruction only. Only 23.4% of patients could perform pelvic muscle contractions with Oxford Scale 3, 4, or 5 strengths. Increased age, parity, and stage of prolapse were associated with lower Oxford scores. Conclusions  Although most women with pelvic floor disorders are familiar with PMEs, less than one fourth could perform adequate contractions at the time of initial evaluation.     

Vaginographic examination of the pelvic floor

In women with genital prolapse, damage to the pelvic floor muscles, fasciae, and ligaments leads to characteristic changes in the shape and position of the vagina. This observational study was undertaken to determine how these changes can be used to document damage to individual pelvic floor structures. Resting and straining radiographs in the standing position with barium in the vagina were made of 23 women with normal and 31 women with abnormal support, and correlated with anatomic studies of 23 cadavers. These studies demonstrate that the downward sagging of the upper vagina seen in frontal radiographs reflects a failure of the cardinal-uterosacral complex. Loss of the lateral indentations in the lower vagina indicates loss of the constricting effects of the levator ani. In lateral radiographs the levator plate's inclination can be measured. The distance between the pubic symphysis and anterior perineal body indicates the levator ani muscles' closure of the vagina. A line from the lower pubic symphysis to the ischial spine represents the location of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis. The distance between this line and the anterior vaginal wall indicates the status of the pubocervical fascia and its attachment to the arcus. With these observations, the vaginogram can be used to examine the status of the fascial and muscular supports of the vagina. It offers a research tool for the study of individual parts of the supportive system, and can be applied to such questions as the frequency of damage to muscles, fasciae or ligaments in recurrent prolapse.     

Correlation between vaginal stiffness index and pelvic floor disorder quality-of-life scales

The objective of this study was to determine if vaginal stiffness index, an in vivo vaginal biomechanical property, is correlated with pelvic floor disorder symptom distress, impact on quality of life, or sexual function as measured by disease-specific quality-of-life scales. Forty-eight women completed validated quality-of-life scales (pelvic floor distress inventory-short form, pelvic floor impact questionnaire, and pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire) and underwent in vivo vaginal biomechanical testing. After bivariate relationships between vaginal stiffness index and demographic, obstetric, and gynecologic variables were explored, multiple linear regression controlling for pelvic organ prolapse quantitative (POP-Q) stage of prolapse was performed. The vaginal stiffness index was inversely correlated with pelvic organ prolapse distress severity (POPDI-6) after controlling for POP-Q stage of prolapse (p = 0.011, r = 0.67, r (2) = 0.450, beta = -2.3). These findings provide initial evidence for the construct validity of in vivo vaginal biomechanical testing for pelvic organ prolapse evaluation because an increasing vaginal stiffness index is correlated with decreasing symptomatic and anatomic severity of disease.     

Relations between pregnancy-related low back pain, pelvic floor activity and pelvic floor dysfunction

To assess the occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in pregnancy- related low back and pelvic pain (PLBP) patients, a cross-sectional study was performed, comprising 77 subjects. Each subject underwent physical assessment, and filled in the Urogenital Distress Inventory completed with gynaecological questions. Differences in the presence of PFD between PLBP patients and healthy controls as well as differences in pelvic floor muscle activity were tested for significance. Interaction by age and vaginal delivery were tested. PFD occurred in 52% of all PLBP patients, significantly more than in the healthy control group. In PLBP patients a significantly increased activity of the pelvic floor muscles could be demonstrated with respect to healthy controls. The occurrence of PFD and PLBP was influenced by a confounding effect of age. Clinicians should be aware of the relation between PLBP and PFD and hence address both problems at the same time.     

Australian pelvic floor questionnaire: a validated interviewer-administered pelvic floor questionnaire for routine clinic and research

The aim of this study was to design and validate an interviewer-administered pelvic floor questionnaire that integrates bladder, bowel and sexual function, pelvic organ prolapse, severity, bothersomeness and condition-specific quality of life. Validation testing of the questionnaire was performed using data from 106 urogynaecological patients and a separately sampled community cohort of 49 women. Missing data did not exceed 2% for any question. It distinguished community and urogynaecological populations regarding pelvic floor dysfunction. The bladder domain correlated with the short version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, bowel function with an established bowel questionnaire and prolapse symptoms with the International Continence Society prolapse quantification. Sexual function assessment reflected scores on the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire. Cronbach’s α coefficients were acceptable in all domains. Kappa coefficients of agreement for the test–retest analyses varied from 0.5 to 1.0. The interviewer-administered pelvic floor questionnaire assessed pelvic floor function in a reproducible and valid fashion in a typical urogynaecological clinic. The validation of the interviewer-administered pelvic floor questionnaire was presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Continence Society in 2004, Paris (podium presentation; extended abstract): A validated female pelvic floor questionnaire for clinicians and researchers, Baessler K, O’Neill S, Maher C, Battistutta D, Neurourol Urodynam 2004; 23: 398–399.     

直肠内脱垂合并盆底疝的影像学诊断

目的评价盆腔造影结合排粪造影对直肠内脱垂合并盆底疝的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析120例直肠内脱垂合并盆底疝患者的影像学表现,观察直肠型盆底疝和不含直肠型盆底疝的其他类型疝合并直肠内脱垂的类型。结果盆腔造影结合排粪造影片上,120例盆底疝有直肠型56例、间隔型27例、阴道型12例和混合型25例,而混合型中有18例直肠型盆底疝。分组结果显示,74例直肠型盆底疝均合并全层直肠套叠,盆底疝疝囊位于套叠的直肠壁环形浆膜囊袋内;46例不含直肠型盆底疝的其他类型疝均不合并全层直肠套叠。结论盆腔造影结合排粪造影能准确诊断各型盆底疝,由于直肠型盆底疝与全层直肠套叠合并出现,因此,盆腔造影结合排粪造影也能准确区分全层直肠套叠与直肠黏膜脱垂。     

超声评估盆腔脏器脱垂患者盆底结构的研究进展

目的盆腔器官脱垂(POP)显著影响女性生活质量。本文对比三维超声新技术与其他成像技术,对经二维、三维超声成像技术获取的信息及超声观察POP患者的盆底结构的研究进展进行综述。     

经阴道网片盆底重建术治疗盆底脏器脱垂患者临床疗效

目的探讨经阴道网片盆底重建术治疗盆底脏器脱垂（pelvic organ prolapse,POP）患者的临床效果观察及安全性疗效。 方法选取2016年1月至2017年12月,河北省邯郸市中心医院118例POP患者的临床资料,按照术式不同分为2组,每组患者59例。对照组采用传统的手术方式进行治疗,试验组采用经阴道网片盆底重建术进行治疗。 结果试验组手术时间、术后首次下床活动及住院时间均短于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。试验组术中出血量与对照组比较比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。试验组术后有效率明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论经阴道网片盆底重建术是治疗POP患者有效、安全的术式,可显著改善患者的临床症状,但需严格按照手术适应症进行。     

Does the severity of spontaneous genital tract trauma affect postpartum pelvic floor function?

We describe the impact of genital trauma on pelvic floor function in a low-risk cohort of women after vaginal birth. Questionnaires (Present Pain Intensity Scale, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Fecal Incontinence Score, and Intimate Relationship Scale) were completed up to 12 weeks postpartum. Severity of trauma was recorded at delivery. Overall follow-up was 444/565 (79%). Major trauma (trauma that involved perineal muscles or required suturing) occurred in 20%; 20% delivered intact. At 12 weeks, 10% complained of perineal pain; 24% reported anal (AI) and 27% urinary incontinence (UI). Women with trauma were no more likely than those intact to complain of UI or AI, sexual inactivity, or perineal pain postpartum (all P = NS). Women with major trauma had weaker pelvic floor exercise strength than those who delivered intact or with minor trauma (odds ration 3.06, 95% confidence interval 1.41–6.63). Pelvic floor complaints postpartum were common but not associated with severity of genital trauma in a cohort of low-risk women.