Levator co-activation is a significant confounder of pelvic organ descent on Valsalva maneuver.

OBJECTIVE: A Valsalva maneuver is used clinically and on imaging in order to determine female pelvic organ prolapse. We have examined the potential confounding effect of levator co-activation at the time of a Valsalva maneuver and the impact of repetition with biofeedback instruction. METHODS: Fifty nulliparous women at 36-38 weeks' gestation received 3D/4D translabial ultrasound investigation in the dorsal resting position after bladder emptying. Valsalva maneuvers were recorded initially and after repeated attempts with visual biofeedback both during the maneuver and after, with the operator demonstrating findings on the ultrasound monitor, in order to abolish levator co-activation. Offline analysis was subsequently undertaken. RESULTS: Significant differences between first and optimal Valsalva maneuver were found for bladder neck position, bladder neck descent, hiatal sagittal diameter and hiatal area on Valsalva. In a minority of women (22/50) we observed a reduction in the sagittal hiatal diameter on first Valsalva maneuver, indicating levator co-activation. A reduction in sagittal diameter was seen in only 11/50 after instruction. Levator co-activation was associated with significantly lower bladder neck descent. CONCLUSION: The Valsalva maneuver is frequently accompanied by a pelvic floor muscle contraction. Levator co-activation may be a substantial confounder, reducing pelvic organ descent. Without repetition and digital, auditory or visual biofeedback, women may not perform a correct Valsalva maneuver. Biofeedback markedly reduces the likelihood of levator co-activation but does not abolish it completely.     

Biometry of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus by three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: Until recently, magnetic resonance was the only imaging method capable of assessing the levator ani in vivo. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound has recently been shown to be able to demonstrate the pubovisceral muscle. The aim of this study was to define the anatomy of the levator hiatus in young nulliparous women with the help of 3D ultrasound. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, 52 nulligravid female Caucasian volunteers (aged 18-24 years) were assessed by two-dimensional (2D) and 3D translabial ultrasound after voiding whilst supine. Pelvic organ descent was assessed on Valsalva maneuver. Volumes were acquired at rest and on Valsalva maneuver, and biometric indices of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus were determined in the axial and coronal planes. RESULTS: In the axial plane, average diameters of the pubovisceral muscle were 0.4-1.1 cm (mean 0.73 cm). Average area measurements were 7.59 (range, 3.96-11.9) cm2. The levator hiatus at rest varied from 3.26 to 5.84 (mean 4.5) cm in the sagittal direction, and from 2.76 to 4.8 (mean 3.75) cm in the coronal plane. The hiatus area at rest ranged from 6.34 to 18.06 (mean 11.25) cm2 increasing to 14.05 (6.67-35.01) cm(2) on Valsalva maneuver (P = 0.009). There were significant correlations between pelvic organ mobility and hiatus area at rest (P = 0.018 to P < 0.001) and on Valsalva maneuver (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Biometric indices of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus can be determined by 3D ultrasound. Significant correlations exist between hiatal area and pelvic organ descent. These data provide support for the hypothesis that levator ani anatomy plays an independent role in determining pelvic organ support.     

New imaging method for assessing pelvic floor biomechanics.

OBJECTIVES: The investigation of female pelvic floor biomechanics is attracting attention due to its importance in pelvic floor dysfunction and childbirth. To date, there are no established means of assessing pelvic floor elasticity. We propose the use of translabial ultrasound to estimate strain, one element of pubovisceral muscle elasticity. METHODS: Ultrasound datasets of 98 women seen at a tertiary urogynecology clinic were reviewed using proprietary software. Data were processed to estimate muscle fiber strain during Valsalva and contraction by measuring hiatal circumference and deducting bony arc length. Clinical assessment included levator palpation during maximal contraction (modified Oxford grading scale) and at rest, with tone recorded on a new six-point scale. Analysis of imaging data was performed without knowledge of clinical data. RESULTS: Mean age was 52.2 (range, 19-87) years and mean parity was 2.4 (range, 0-8). Mean (SD) hiatal area during contraction, rest and Valsalva was 15.4 (3.8) cm(2), 18.9 (5.0) cm(2) and 27.3 (8.9) cm(2), respectively. There was a moderate association between strain during contraction and Oxford grade (r = 0.439, P < 0.0001), and a weak but significant association between strain during Valsalva and resting tone (r = - 0.224, P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Translabial ultrasound can be used to measure strain, a component of pubovisceral muscle elasticity, and we have validated the technique against clinical assessment. Pubovisceral strain during contraction correlates positively with Oxford grade. Pubovisceral strain during Valsalva correlates negatively with resting tone grade. This new non-invasive ultrasound technique may be of value for assessing patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.     

三维超声断层成像技术评估晚孕期提肌裂孔大小与分娩进程的相关性探讨

目的：探讨不同分娩进程与提肌裂孔大小间的相关性,从而为进行正常阴道分娩提供有用信息。方法：经检查为单胎妊娠,并适宜阴道分娩的孕36～40周初产妇67例。在孕36～40周进行4D超声检查,并离线进行三维超声断层成像技术（TUI）分析。在最小前后径平面测量最小生殖裂孔（LH）前后径（AP）、左右径（LR）、面积（A）。通过产科记录获得分娩过程中第二产程的时间,即宫颈内口完全开放至胎儿娩出的时间。结果：在阴道分娩中,第二产程时间长度的中位数是75 min（26～115 min）。第二产程的时长与提肌裂孔前后径在各种状态下都呈负相关（-0.40、-0.37、-0.38）,与提肌裂孔面积在静息和Valsalval动作时呈负相关（-0.33、-0.39）,而在肛提肌收缩状态下负相关不明显,同时左右径与产程长无相关性。结论：本研究阐明了初产妇提肌裂孔大小与分娩时第二产程呈负相关,检测提肌裂孔有助于临床医生判断第二产程,为客观评价产程进展及影响因素提供影像学支持。     

经会阴三维超声对正常未育妇女盆膈裂孔的研究

目的通过经会阴三维超声对正常未育妇女盆膈裂孔的观察,探讨盆腔器官下降与Valsalva动作时盆膈裂孔面积之间的关系。方法选择年龄20~36岁未育妇女65例,应用经会阴三维超声获取静息状态及Valsalva动作时盆膈裂孔容积数据成像。离线分析测量肛提肌平均厚度(Tm-PR),盆膈裂孔前后径(AP)、左右径(LR)、面积(HA)及盆腔器官至耻骨联合下缘的距离。结果①静息状态下肛提肌的厚度为0.58~1.15 cm[平均(0.89±0.13)cm],Valsalva动作时其厚度为0.56~1.11 cm[平均(0.76±0.11)cm];静息状态下AP、LR及HA分别为3.31~5.31 cm[平均(4.56±0.54)cm]、3.03~4.29 cm[平均(3.62±0.36)cm]、7.16~15.64 cm2[平均(12.59±2.77)cm2];Valsalva动作时AP、LR及HA分别为3.62~6.40 cm[平均(5.25±0.89)cm]、3.32~4.77 cm[平均(3.92±0.45)cm]、7.40~28.51 cm2[平均(15.70±4.68)cm2];②Valsalva动作时AP、LR及HA均较静息状态下增大,肛提肌平均厚度较静息状态下减小,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);③膀胱颈、宫颈及直肠壶腹部下降与HA的相关系数分别为0.682、0.484、0.487,呈中度相关(P0.05)。结论盆腔器官下降与Valsalva动作时HA呈中度相关;经会阴三维超声对盆膈裂孔各参数的测量可靠性高、重复性好,是观察女性盆底结构的一种有效的新影像学技术。     

经会阴四维超声成像对自然分娩后产妇盆底功能异常的评价

目的探讨经会阴四维超声对产后盆底组织解剖结构改变及早期盆底功能障碍（PFD）的图像特征。方法对2010年1月至2012年9月在北京妇产医院自然分娩的产妇于产后第42天依照超声检查提示有无盆底组织异常进行分组,进行临床妇科检查及经会阴四维超声检查。其中盆底功能障碍组产妇53例,对照组产妇19例（超声检查未发现盆底组织异常）。对两组72例产妇均检测静息及Valsalva动作两个时态图像;膀胱颈、子宫颈、直肠肛管形态及两时态相对活动度;三维图像重建后的肛提肌裂孔平面上测量肛提肌裂孔长径、面积及耻骨直肠肌厚度;观察耻骨直肠肌的形态及连续性;记录两组产妇临床及超声检查结果并进行比较。结果 72例自然分娩后第42天产妇临床及经会阴四维超声检查和测量结果：（1）盆底功能障碍组53例,经会阴四维超声检出膀胱颈活动度增加38例（71.70%,38/53）,阴道前壁脱垂15例（28.30%,15/53）,子宫脱垂4例（7.55%,4/53）,直肠前壁膨出17例（32.07%,17/53）,耻骨直肠肌撕裂8例（15.09%,8/53）;临床检查发现产妇压力性尿失禁15例（28.30%,15/53）,阴道前壁脱垂5例（9.43%,5/53）,子宫脱垂4例（7.55%,4/53）,未检出直肠膨出和耻骨直肠肌撕裂。对照组19例产妇经会阴四维超声检查均未见异常表现;临床检查发现压力性尿失禁3例。（2）经会阴四维超声测量结果：盆底功能障碍组产妇Valsalva动作肛提肌裂孔面积测值[（23.33±1.61）cm2]与对照组测值[（19.73±1.74）cm2]比较明显增大;盆底功能障碍组产妇膀胱颈活动度增加[（23.67±1.72）cm2]、阴道前壁脱垂[（25.87±2.28）cm2]、子宫脱垂[（27.95±3.89）cm2]和直肠膨出[（23.68±2.50）cm2]的产妇Valsalva动作时肛提肌裂孔面积均较对照组测值明显增大。结论产后经会阴四维超声可早期发现临床检查中不易发现的轻度盆底功能障碍及肛提肌损伤,     

三维超声评价足月妊娠经阴道分娩中外源激素的应用对盆底功能的影响

目的 采用经阴式三维超声评价足月妊娠经阴道分娩中应用外源激素对盆底功能的影响。方法 90名足月经阴道分娩的产妇按使用外源激素情况分为自然分娩组、催产素组和前列腺素E2（PGE2）组,各30名。于产后42天进行超声检查,分别获得静息状态、瓦氏和缩肛动作时盆隔裂孔图像,比较3组产妇盆隔裂孔前后径和面积。结果 自然分娩组和催产素组于静息、瓦氏和缩肛动作时盆隔裂孔的前后径、面积测量值差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。PGE2组与自然分娩组、催产素组在静息、瓦氏和缩肛动作时盆隔裂孔测量值差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。结论 足月妊娠经阴道分娩中应用不同外源激素的产妇产后盆底功能存在差异,应用外源PGE2对盆底功能的损伤大于应用催产素和自然阴道分娩;应用催产素对盆底功能的影响较自然阴道分娩无差异。     

Pelvic floor dynamics during high-impact athletic activities: A computational modeling study

BackgroundStress urinary incontinence is a significant problem in young female athletes, but the pathophysiology remains unclear because of the limited knowledge of the pelvic floor support function and limited capability of currently available assessment tools. The aim of our study is to develop an advanced computer modeling tool to better understand the dynamics of the internal pelvic floor during highly transient athletic activities.MethodsApelvic model was developed based on high-resolution MRI scans of a healthy nulliparous young female. A jump-landing process was simulated using realistic boundary conditions captured from jumping experiments. Hypothesized alterations of the function of pelvic floor muscles were simulated by weakening or strengthening the levator ani muscle stiffness at different levels. Intra-abdominal pressures and corresponding deformations of pelvic floor structures were monitored at different levels of weakness or enhancement.FindingsResults show that pelvic floor deformations generated during a jump-landing process differed greatly from those seen in a Valsalva maneuver which is commonly used for diagnosis in clinic. The urethral mobility was only slightly influenced by the alterations of the levator ani muscle stiffness. Implications for risk factors and treatment strategies were also discussed.InterpretationResults suggest that clinical diagnosis should make allowances for observed differences in pelvic floor deformations between a Valsalva maneuver and a jump-landing process to ensure accuracy. Urethral hypermobility may be a less contributing factor than the intrinsic sphincteric closure system to the incontinence of young female athletes.     

阴道分娩不同助产方式对盆底功能的影响

目的 采用经会阴三维超声探讨阴道分娩中不同助产方式对妇女盆底功能的影响。方法 选取经阴道分娩的产妇84名,按助产方式的不同分为会阴完整组32例、会阴侧切组30例、产钳助产组22例。分别获得静息状态、瓦氏动作和缩肛动作时盆隔裂孔图像,比较3组妇女产后盆隔裂孔前后径和面积的差异。结果 会阴完整组和会阴侧切组于静息状态、瓦氏动作和缩肛动作时盆隔裂孔的前后径、面积差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。会阴完整组和产钳助产组在静息状态、瓦氏动作和缩肛动作时的盆隔裂孔前后径、面积,静息-瓦氏和静息-缩肛时盆隔裂孔改变面积差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。结论 产钳对盆底功能的损伤大于自然阴道分娩,阴道分娩中,是否会阴切开对盆底功能损伤无明显差异。     

Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor. Part II: three-dimensional or volume imaging.

In this second part of a review of pelvic floor ultrasound imaging, current three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound technology and its use for imaging pelvic floor structure and function is described. Recent technical developments enable rapid automated volume acquisition in real time, and currently available transducers designed for abdominal use are well suited for translabial/transperineal imaging. To date, such systems have been used to image the urethra, the levator ani and paravaginal supports, prolapse and implants used in pelvic floor reconstruction and anti-incontinence surgery. While 3D pelvic floor imaging is a field that is still in its infancy, it is already clear that the method has opened up entirely new opportunities for the observation of functional anatomy.     

MRI评估宫颈癌子宫根治术后患者肛提肌长期变化

目的 采用MRI评估宫颈癌子宫根治术(RH)后1、5年患者肛提肌变化。方法 前瞻性纳入30例接受RH的宫颈癌患者,分别于术前、术后1年及5年采集静息态及最大瓦尔萨尔瓦动作下盆底MRI,重建骨盆及肛提肌三维模型;测量并比较不同时间点肛提肌裂孔横径(LH-W)、前后径(LH-L)、肛提肌板角度(LPA)、肛提肌体积(LVOL),双侧肛提肌与耻骨联合下缘间距(LSG)、髂尾肌角度(ICA)及厚度(ICT)、耻骨直肠肌厚度、M线及H线长度的差异。结果 静息态及最大瓦尔萨尔瓦动作下,双侧ICT及耻骨直肠肌厚度逐渐变薄、M线逐渐延长,各时间点差异均有统计学意义(P均＜0.05)。术后1年,静息态下LVOL较术前减小(P＜0.05);最大瓦尔萨尔瓦动作下,双侧ICA及LPA均较术前增大而LVOL减小(P均＜0.05)。结论 宫颈癌RH术后患者髂尾肌、耻骨直肠肌逐渐萎缩变薄,盆底支持能力逐渐减弱。     

超声评价女性压力性尿失禁患者盆膈裂孔形态

目的 探讨经会阴三维盆底图像重建技术评估女性压力性尿失禁患者不同状态下盆膈裂孔及肛提肌形态变化的价值。方法 收集压力性尿失禁((SUI)患者40例(病例组)及同期妇科良性疾病患者各40例(对照组),对所有患者均于静息、瓦氏、缩肛状态下在盆膈裂孔最小平面上,进行经会阴三维超声容积扫查,重建盆底图像并观测盆膈裂孔(LH)前后径(LH-M)、左右径(LH-N)、面积(LH-S)、周长(LH-L)、肛提肌厚度(T),对两组间的差异进行统计学分析。结果 静息、瓦氏、缩肛状态下病例组LH-M、LH-S、LH-L较对照组增大,LH-M、LH-S差异具有统计学意义(P均<0.05),LH-N差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05);缩肛状态下LH-L差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),静息及瓦氏状态下,LH-L差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);静息状态下肛提肌厚度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而瓦氏状态下和缩肛状态下右侧肛提肌厚度差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论 三维盆底图像重建技术可用于观测女性压力性尿失禁患者盆膈裂孔及肛提肌形态。     

经会阴三维超声评价女性盆底功能障碍疾病的诊断价值

目的应用经会阴三维超声观察女性盆底功能障碍性疾病(PFD)患者术前及术后盆膈裂孔的形态结构改变。方法选取盆底功能障碍患者(PFD组)和妇科良性疾病患者各60例,经会阴三维超声观测对照组、PFD组术前及术后3~6个月静息期、缩肛期及张力期盆膈裂孔大小、形态结构。结果 PFD组术前的盆膈裂孔面积较对照组增大,其结构松散,形态呈圆形,PFD组术后3~6个月后盆膈裂孔面积较术前减小,结构较前完整,其内可显示强回声植入性材料。PFD组术前在静息期、缩肛期及张力期盆膈裂孔面积、前后径、左右径、耻骨直肠肌厚度均大于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.01);PFD组术后在静息期、缩肛期及张力期盆膈裂孔面积、前后径、左右径均较术前减少,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05),但耻骨直肠肌厚度均无统计学意义。结论经会阴三维超声对盆膈裂孔的大小和肛提肌厚度能进行简便、准确地测量,对PFD患者的临床诊断、手术前后功能评估及术后植入性材料形态观察具有重要的应用价值。     

Biometry of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women.

OBJECTIVES: To identify using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound the morphological features and normal biometry of the levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women and to explore ethnic differences between these measurements and those in nulliparous Caucasian women. METHODS: 3D sonographic data from 59 nulliparous Chinese women (aged 19-38 years) who had no pelvic organ prolapse and no symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction were retrieved from an image dataset and analyzed by offline post-processing. The pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus were measured in the planes of maximal pubovisceral muscle thickness and minimum hiatal dimension, respectively. In addition, the genitohiatal and levator ani angles were measured. These values were compared with those in a published study of Caucasian women. RESULTS: In Chinese women there was no relationship between minimum anteroposterior (AP) hiatal diameter and minimum lateral hiatal diameter. Body weight was correlated with hiatal area and minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.391, P = 0.003 and r = 0.378, P = 0.004, respectively), whereas body mass index was correlated only with minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.349, P = 0.008). There was a significant difference in average pubovisceral muscle thickness (P = 0.001) between nulliparous Chinese and Caucasian women. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight, body mass index, and ethnicity are factors affecting the biometry of the levator hiatus in Chinese nulliparous women.     

A Comparison of Vaginal Pressures and Abdominal Muscle Thickness According to Childbirth Delivery Method during the Valsalva Maneuver

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of childbirth delivery method on vaginal pressure and abdominal thickness during the Valsalva maneuver (VAL). [Subjects] Thirty healthy female volunteers (26–39 years of age) were selected for this research. Their delivery histories were: nulliparous 10, vaginal delivery 10, and Cesarean delivery 10. None of the participants had a history of incontinence. [Methods] In the crook-lying position, a perineometer probe was inserted into the vagina and the transducer was placed transversely on the right side of the body during the Valsalva maneuver. [Results] There were significant differences in the thickness of the transverses abdominis (TrA) between in all the groups rest and the Valsalva maneuver, and there were significant differences in the internus oblique (IO) in the nulliparous group. During the Valsalva maneuver, there were significant differences in the TrA between the nulliparous group and the vaginal delivery group, and there were significant differences in the IO between the nulliparous delivery group and the vaginal delivery group, and between the nulliparous group and the Cesarean section group. Delivery history changed vaginal pressure, and there were significant differences between the nulliparous group and the vaginal delivery group, and between the nulliparous group and the Cesarean delivery group. [Conclusion] Pregnancy and delivery method may affect pelvic floor and abdominal muscles during the Valsalva maneuver.Key words: Ultrasound image, Valsalva maneuver, Vaginal pressure     

经会阴超声评价盆腔器官脱垂患者肛提肌收缩功能

目的 利用经会阴三维断层超声成像技术评价肛提肌的收缩功能及经会阴二维超声平面观察在三种不同状态下（在静息、肛提肌最大收缩及Valsalva动作）的盆腔脏器运动变化。方法 选择盆腔器官脱（POP）垂患者64例作为POP组及30例妇科良性疾病患者作为对照组,对所有患者在三种状态（静息、肛提肌最大收缩及Valsalva动作）下进行数据采集,并进行统计学分析。结果 静息状态下两组盆膈裂孔面积差异无统计学差异（P>0.05）,Valsalva动作下两组盆膈裂孔面积差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。POP组患者肛提肌收缩前后的厚度差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,对照组肛提肌收缩厚度差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 应用经会阴三维断层超声技术可用于评价肛提肌收缩功能;经会阴二维超声技术可指导患者进行盆底康复。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the perineum and pelvic floor

The aim of this article is to review the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of pelvic floor descent and pelvic organ prolapse in women. In addition, a detailed grading system of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor relaxation based on dynamic MR imaging is presented. The technique described here uses very fast MR sequences, is reproducible and easily learned by radiologists and technologists, is well accepted by patients, and provides as much information as traditional projectional X-ray imaging. Reference points are the pubococcygeal line and puborectalis muscle sling. The grading system is based on degree of organ prolapse through the hiatus and the degree of puborectalis descent and hiatal enlargement.     

Quantification of major morphological abnormalities of the levator ani.

OBJECTIVES: Morphological abnormalities of the levator ani are found in a significant minority of women presenting with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. In this study quantification of such injuries using tomographic three-dimensional (3D) pelvic floor ultrasound was attempted. METHODS: In a prospective observational study undertaken at two tertiary urogynecological clinics, 262 consecutive women referred for complaints of lower urinary tract dysfunction and prolapse underwent an interview, clinical assessment and 3D translabial ultrasound imaging. Blinded offline analysis of volume datasets was performed at a later date using 4D View software. Main outcome measures were craniocaudal and ventrodorsal extent of defects of the pubovisceral muscle. RESULTS: Avulsion injuries were diagnosed in 50 women (19%; 21.3% of the vaginally parous). Defects were found unilaterally (right, n = 17; left, n = 12) and bilaterally (n = 21). In some women they affected the entire volume; in others defects were visible in only two of 16 slices. Hiatal area on Valsalva was correlated weakly with defect score (r = 0.28, P = 0.05) and total defect width (r = 0.4, P = 0.005). Defect score (P = 0.001) and maximum width (P = 0.002) were significantly higher in women who presented with symptoms of prolapse. Defect score was associated with cystocele as assessed clinically (P = 0.021) and on ultrasound (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Depth and width of levator ani defects can be quantified by tomographic pelvic floor ultrasound. These parameters are associated with the likelihood of symptoms of prolapse and cystocele descent, but not with incontinence.     

Bilateral avulsion of the puborectal muscle: magnetic resonance imaging-based three-dimensional reconstruction and comparison with a model of a healthy nulliparous woman.

OBJECTIVES: Obstetric trauma to the puborectal muscle seems to be an important cause of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. Due to the complicated three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of the pelvic structures, two-dimensional images are not sufficient to demonstrate its relationships in a complex fashion. Thus, we aimed to create a 3D computer model to visualize the normal female pelvic floor anatomy and to compare this with the anatomy after bilateral avulsion of the puborectal muscle following delivery. METHODS: We created two 3D computer models of the female pelvic floor, one of a healthy nulliparous woman and the other of a woman with bilateral puborectal muscle avulsion after vaginal delivery. The data for the models were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging examinations and the following structures were depicted: pelvic bones, puborectal muscle, internal obturator muscle, urethra, urinary bladder, vagina and rectum. The models were compared. RESULTS: The models allowed us to demonstrate in three dimensions changes in the puborectal muscle after avulsion. Its relations to the bone, internal obturator muscle, perineal membrane and the deep part of the external anal sphincter were modeled and differences from the normal non-injured anatomy were demonstrated. Avulsion altered the support to the whole endopelvic fascia and destabilized both the anterior and the posterior vaginal walls. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 3D technology including modeling allows for the acquisition of new knowledge and aids in the understanding of both normal and pathological pelvic anatomy.     

经会阴超声观察不同分娩方式对盆底结构的影响

目的经会阴超声观察不同分娩方式女性产后盆底结构,为研究盆底功能障碍性疾病提供影像学依据。方法初产妇69例,分为经阴道分娩组39例和剖宫产组30例,产后6~8周,经会阴超声分别在静息状态、瓦氏动作时测量盆膈裂孔面积、周长、前后径、左右径及膀胱颈移动度(BND)。结果经阴道分娩组静息状态下,盆膈裂孔面积、周长、前后径及左右径均大于剖宫产组(均P0.05);经阴道分娩组BND大于剖宫产组(P0.05);同组瓦氏动作时各参数大于静息状态(P0.01);两组瓦氏动作时各参数差异无统计学意义。结论经会阴超声观察产后盆底结构,为女性盆底功能障碍性疾病的早期防治提供辅助诊断依据。