Dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and cystocolpoproctography alter surgical management of pelvic floor disorders

PURPOSE: Pelvic organ prolapse results in a spectrum of progressively disabling disorders. Despite attempts to standardize the clinical examination, a variety of imaging techniques are used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic cystocolpoproctography in the surgical management of females with complex pelvic floor disorders. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were identified from The Johns Hopkins Pelvic Floor Disorders Center database who had symptoms of complex pelvic organ prolapse and underwent dynamic magnetic resonance, dynamic cystocolpoproctography, and subsequent multidisciplinary review and operative repair. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 58 ± 13 years, and all patients were Caucasian. Constipation (95.5 percent), urinary incontinence (77.3 percent), complaints of incomplete fecal evacuation (59.1 percent), and bulging vaginal tissues (54.4 percent) were the most common complaints on presentation. All patients had multiple complaints with a median number of 4 symptoms (range, 2–8). Physical examination, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, and dynamic cystocolpoproctography were concordant for rectocele, enterocele, cystocele, and perineal descent in only 41 percent of patients. Dynamic imaging lead to changes in the initial operative plan in 41 percent of patients. Dynamic magnetic resonance was the only modality that identified levator ani hernias. Dynamic cystocolpoproctography identified sigmoidoceles and internal rectal prolapse more often than physical examination or dynamic magnetic resonance. CONCLUSIONS: Levator ani hernias are often missed by physical examination and traditional fluoroscopic imaging. Dynamic magnetic resonance and cystocolpoproctography are complementary studies to the physical examination that may alter the surgical management of females with complex pelvic floor disorders.Presented at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Boston, Massachusetts, June 24 to 29, 2000.No reprints are available.     

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging used in evaluation of female pelvic prolapse: experience from nine cases

Prolapse of pelvic organs in a female can be simple or complex. To make a definite diagnosis of pelvic prolapse preoperatively, dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) is an alternative to conventional fluoroscopic or sonographic examination, with the advantage of providing greater details, and thus helping the surgeon to have a good preoperative plan. Nine women suffering from pelvic prolapse with or without urinary stress incontinence underwent dynamic MR imaging examination (1.0T Magnex100/HP, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) before surgery. All patients were examined in the supine position. A single-shot ultra-high speed scan (FE/8/3.02-20 degrees, 128, 100%-100% 1 NEX 1 slice 10 mm L1.0 second) was used to obtain midline sagittal images, with the patients at rest and during pelvic strain. MR images were then obtained every 4 seconds. Each examination was analyzed, based on specific measurements, to determine the presence and extent of prolapse of pelvic organs. The pubococcygeal, levator hiatus width and muscular pelvic floor relaxation lines, and the angle of the levator plate were identified. Based on these measurements, multicompartment involvement in the pelvic prolapse was confirmed in five patients (5/9). Four patients (4/9) had single compartment involvement. Seven patients underwent surgery. All patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms and signs after surgical intervention. Two patients had an almost complete recovery. MR demonstrated simple or complex organ descent in all pelvic compartments, and may become a standard preoperative examination for pelvic floor abnormalities. The MR images facilitated comprehensive planning by the surgeon; thus, they can increase the success rate and help to accurately predict the outcome of the surgical intervention. The surgeons also expressed high postsurgical satisfaction with the information provided by dynamic MR.     

Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is downward descent of female pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus or post-hysterectomy vaginal cuff, and the small or large bowel, resulting in protrusion of the vagina, uterus, or both. Prolapse development is multifactorial, with vaginal child birth, advancing age, and increasing body-mass index as the most consistent risk factors. Vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, chronic straining, normal ageing, and abnormalities of connective tissue or connective-tissue repair predispose some women to disruption, stretching, or dysfunction of the levator ani complex, connective-tissue attachments of the vagina, or both, resulting in prolapse. Patients generally present with several complaints, including bladder, bowel, and pelvic symptoms; however, with the exception of vaginal bulging, none is specific to prolapse. Women with symptoms suggestive of prolapse should undergo a pelvic examination and medical history check. Radiographic assessment is usually unnecessary. Many women with pelvic organ prolapse are asymptomatic and do not need treatment. When prolapse is symptomatic, options include observation, pessary use, and surgery. Surgical strategies for prolapse can be categorised broadly by reconstructive and obliterative techniques. Reconstructive procedures can be done by either an abdominal or vaginal approach. Although no effective prevention strategy for prolapse has been identified, considerations include weight loss, reduction of heavy lifting, treatment of constipation, modification or reduction of obstetric risk factors, and pelvic-floor physical therapy.     

Anatomy and nerve supply of the pelvic floor

In order to guarantee urinary and fecal continence as well as correct pelvic statics, the perfect neuroanatomical integrity of the pelvic floor muscles is mandatory. As Dickinson stated: "There is no considerable muscle in the body whose form and function are more difficult to understand than those of the levator ani, and about which such nebulous impressions prevail". Clinical implications of pelvic floor anatomy and nerve supply are evident: a denervation of this muscle group and the consequent muscle dysfunction could result in urinary and/or fecal incontinence, as well as pelvic organ prolapse.     

Pelvic Floor Images: Anatomy of the Levator Ani Muscle

Purpose The levator ani has been divided into many functional portions based on necropic observation. Our objective was to use a combination of CT and magnetic resonance images to show a complete levator ani. Methods Normal magnetic resonance images of the pelvis were obtained at rest in 22 volunteers while in the lying position (10 males, aged 21–23 yr). The pelvic floor images of ten cadavers (5 males) were obtained while in the supine position by CT. Source magnetic resonance images were used to measure the heights of the transverse portion of the levator ani and the area of the genital hiatus. Source magnetic resonance images and CT reconstructed images were used to study the anatomy of the levator ani. Results The levator ani had a transverse portion and a vertical portion. The anterior transverse portion was found to be basin-shaped, the middle transverse portion was funnel-shaped, and the posterior transverse portion was dome-shaped. The transverse portion sloped sharply downward to form the vertical portion at the puborectalis plane. The vertical portion was a muscular tube outside the intrahiatal structures. The puborectalis was a u-shaped muscle outside the vertical portion. One case of the deep transverse perineal muscle was found in 22 volunteers. The volume of the ischioanal fossa influenced the anatomic appearance of the pelvic floor in cadavers. Conclusions The transverse portion of the levator ani has five kinds of shapes in the different-coronal sections of the pelvis, which changes from basin to dome in a lying position. The puborectalis is outside the vertical portion and not part of the levator ani.     

Association of anterior ectopic anus and partial absence of levator musculature in a woman with impaired defecation

A 25-year-old nulliparous woman with adult onset constipation and slight anterior displacement of the anus underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and was diagnosed with congenital hemiabsence of the levator ani sling. Impaired defecation was confirmed by anorectal function studies and defecography demonstrated an anterior rectocele, perineal descent at the upper limit of normal, and partial obstruction of defecation, which appeared related to the levator sling abnormality. To our knowledge, this combination of findings has not been previously described as a cause of adult onset constipation.     

A comparison of dynamic transperineal ultrasound (DTP-US) with dynamic evacuation proctography (DEP) in the diagnosis of cul de sac hernia (enterocele) in patients with evacuatory dysfunction

Background/Aims Cul-de-sac hernias (enterocele and peritoneocele) are difficult to diagnose in patients presenting with primary evacuatory difficulty. Failure to recognize their presence in patients undergoing surgery may lead to poor functional outcome. Accurate diagnosis requires specialized investigation including dynamic evacuation proctography (DEP) or dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Recently, dynamic transperineal ultrasonography (DTP-US) has been used for this purpose. This study compares DEP with DTP-US for the diagnosis of cul-de-sac hernias in those patients presenting with evacuatory dysfunction. Materials and methods Sixty-two female patients with chronically obstructed defecation underwent blinded clinical, DEP, and DTP-US assessment to define the accuracy of diagnosis of cul-de-sac hernias. Results Both the DEP and the DTP-US techniques show concordance for the diagnosis of cul-de-sac hernias in an unselected patient cohort. Patients in both groups have the same duration of constipation with a greater likelihood of prior hysterectomy in those with cul-de-sac hernias. The diagnosis was established separately by DEP in 88% and in 82% of the cases by DTP-US. Transperineal sonography is discordant with DEP in 45% of cases once the diagnosis of cul-de-sac hernia is made, over the contents of the hernia and over the degree of transvaginal enterocele descent, where DTP-US tends to upgrade enterocele severity. Both techniques confirm the high incidence of concomitant pelvic floor compartment pathology. Conclusions Both methods have accuracy for the diagnosis of cul-de-sac hernias in those patients presenting with evacuatory difficulty. Transperineal sonography tends to more readily diagnose peritoneocele and to upgrade enterocele extent. As an office procedure, it is a valuable adjunct to the clinical examination in the diagnosis of cul-de-sac hernia.     

Simultaneous dynamic proctography and peritoneography for pelvic floor disorders

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate a new diagnostic technique for the identification of rectal and pelvic floor pathology in patients with obstructed defecation, pelvic fullness/ prolapse, and/or chronic intermittent pelvic floor pain. METHODS: Thirteen symptomatic women with either a nondiagnostic physical examination or nondiagnostic dynamic proctography (DPG) were studied. After placement of intraperitoneal and intrarectal contrast material, resting and straining pelvic x-rays were obtained in all patients, and defecation was videotaped using fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Simultaneous DPG and peritoneography identified clinically suspected and unsuspected enteroceles in 10 of the 13 patients studied. An enterocele or other pelvic floor hernia was ruled out by the technique in three of the women studied. Rectoceles and rectal prolapse that were identified during physical examination were confirmed by DPG with peritoneography. Simultaneous DPG and peritoneography also gave a qualitative assessment of the severity and clinical significance of the identified pelvic floor disorders. Results of simultaneous DPG and peritoneography affected operative treatment planning in 85 percent of patients studied. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous DPG and peritoneography identifies both rectal and pelvic floor pathology and provides a qualitative assessment of pelvic floor pathology severity, which allows for better treatment planning in selected patients with obstructed defecation and pelvic prolapse.Video presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, May 2 to 7, 1993.     

Role of pelvicography and colpocystodefecography in diagnosis of outlet obstructive constipation

Aims The aim was to research the changes in pelvic floor morphology and corresponding visceras in patients with outlet obstructive constipation (OOC).Patients and methods Thirty-eight patients with OOC and 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. With simultaneous pelvicography and colpocystodefecography (PCCD), including pelvicography, vaginal opacification, voiding cystography and defecography, pelvic floor morphology was observed and the anorectal angle, the level of the perineum, peritoneum and bladder were measured.Results Thirty-seven cases of internal rectal prolapse (IRP), 5 cases of rectocele (RC) and 5 cases of spastic pelvic floor syndrome SPFS were diagnosed by PCCD. 12 IRP, 4 RC and 1 SPFS were detected by common physical examination. All of these were confirmed by PCCD. Moreover, PCCD found 9 pelvic floor hernia or peritoneoceles, 6 cystoceles, 3 descending perineum syndromes and 10 uterine prolapses. Compared with controls, OOC patients had a significantly large anorectal angle during defecation, abnormal descending of the perineum at rest and during defecation, and a deep pouch of Douglas during defecation. Some patients with urinary system symptoms may have had an abnormal descent of the bladder during rest and defecation.Conclusion Simultaneous PCCD has a higher positive ratio than the common physical examination in diagnosing IRP and RC, and provides information for the diagnosis of pelvic floor hernia or peritoneocele, cystocele or uterine prolapse. PCCD is helpful in the selection of a proper surgical procedure.     

Evaluation of acupuncture treatments of postpartum female pelvic floor dysfunction by four-dimensional transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound

Introduction:In the present investigation, a systematic evaluation of the clinical treatment performance of diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction is explored. By comparing the 4Dtransperineal pelvic floor ultrasound images with the acupuncture treatment performance of the patients, an evaluation system with various parameters is established to provide critical information to guide the clinical treatment fpostpartum female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD).Methods:Eighty patients diagnosed with FPFD are divided into 2 groups. After the designated treatment to the patients, they are carefully examined using transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound. The shape and activity of bladder neck, cervix and rectum anal canal under resting, anal sphincter and Valsalva movements are observed and recorded. The morphology and continuous shape of levator ani muscle in different states after 4D image reconstruction are obtained.Results:After the acupuncture treatment, the bladder neck descent is decreased by 3.8 cm and the anal levator muscle area is decreased by 3.4 cm² comparing with the control group. The anal levator muscle hole diameter is decreased by 0.3 cm, while the anterior and posterior diameter is reduced by 0.5 cm. Reduced possibility of cystocele and uterine prolapse is demonstrated by X² test. These changes upon acupuncture therapy are in line with the improved conditions of the patients, indicating these parameters can help evaluate the therapy performance.Conclusion:4D pelvic floor ultrasound imaging provides objective and quantified information for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of FPFD and the assessment of therapy efficacy, making it a promising novel method in practical applications.     

Phenotypic variation in functional disorders of defecation

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although obstructed defecation is generally attributed to pelvic floor dyssynergia, clinical observations suggest a wider spectrum of anorectal disturbances. Our aim was to characterize phenotypic variability in constipated patients by anorectal assessments. METHODS: Anal pressures, rectal balloon expulsion, rectal sensation, and pelvic floor structure (by endoanal magnetic resonance imaging) and motion (by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging) were assessed in 52 constipated women and 41 age-matched asymptomatic women. Phenotypes were characterized in patients by principal components analysis of these measurements. RESULTS: Among patients, 16 had a hypertensive anal sphincter, 41 had an abnormal rectal balloon expulsion test, and 20 had abnormal rectal sensation. Forty-nine patients (94%) had abnormal pelvic floor motion during evacuation and/or squeeze. After correcting for age and body mass index, 3 principal components explained 71% of variance between patients. These factors were weighted most strongly by perineal descent during evacuation (factor 1), anorectal location at rest (factor 2), and anal resting pressure (factor 3). Factors 1 and 3 discriminated between controls and patients. Compared with patients with normal (n = 23) or reduced (n = 18) perineal descent, patients with increased (n = 11) descent were more likely (P < or = .01) to be obese, have an anal resting pressure >90 mm Hg, and have a normal rectal balloon expulsion test result. CONCLUSIONS: These observations demonstrate that functional defecation disorders comprise a heterogeneous entity that can be subcharacterized by perineal descent during defecation, perineal location at rest, and anal resting pressure. Further studies are needed to ascertain if the phenotypes reflect differences in the natural history of these disorders.     

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the structural and functional results of postanal repair for neuropathic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor can discriminate between patients who improve after postanal repair for neurogenic fecal incontinence and those who remain symptomatic. METHODS: Pelvic floor measurements obtained during dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in eight females whose anal incontinence had improved after postanal repair were compared with those from nine females who remained symptomatic. All subjects also underwent standard anorectal physiology testing. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups with respect to any measurement of anterior or middle pelvic floor compartments. Additionally, there was no difference in posterior pelvic floor configuration when symptomatic patients were compared with those who had improved. However, dynamic magnetic resonance measurements revealed patients who remained symptomatic had significantly greater posterior pelvic floor weakness. Anorectal physiology was unable to differentiate between groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in static pelvic floor measurements when subjects remaining symptomatic after postanal repair are compared with those who have improved. In contrast, dynamic measurements may be able to predict failure in those who demonstrate excessive posterior pelvic floor mobility.     

MR-defecography in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS): technique, diagnostic criteria and grading

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a magnetic resonance (MR)-based classification system of obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) to guide physicians in patient management.

Methods

The medical records and imaging series of 105 consecutive patients (90 female, 15 male, aged 21–78 years, mean age 46.1 ± 5.1 years) referred to our center between April 2011 and January 2012 for symptoms of ODS were retrospectively examined. After history taking and a complete clinical examination, patients underwent MR imaging according to a standard protocol using a 0.35 T permanent field, horizontally oriented open-configuration magnet. Static and dynamic MR-defecography was performed using recognized parameters and well-established diagnostic criteria.

Results

Sixty-seven out of 105 (64 %) patients found the prone position more comfortable for the evacuation of rectal contrast while 10/105 (9.5 %) were unable to empty their rectum despite repeated attempts. Increased hiatus size, anterior rectocele and focal or extensive defects of the levator ani muscle were the most frequent abnormalities (67.6, 60.0 and 51.4 %, respectively). An MR-based classification was developed based on the combinations of abnormalities found: Grade 1 = functional abnormality, including paradoxical contraction of the puborectalis muscle, without anatomical defect affecting the musculo-fascial structures; Grade 2 = functional defect associated with a minor anatomical defect such as rectocele ≤2 cm in size and/or first-degree intussusception; Grade 3 = severe defects confined to the posterior anatomical compartment, including >2 cm rectocele, second- or higher-degree intussusception, full-thickness external rectal prolapse, poor mesorectal posterior fixation, rectal descent >5 cm, levator ani muscle rupture, ballooning of the levator hiatus and focal detachment of the endopelvic fascia; Grade 4 = combined defects of two or three pelvic floor compartments, including cystocele, hysterocele, enlarged urogenital hiatus, fascial tears enterocele or peritoneocele; Grade 5 = changes after failed surgical repair abscess/sinus tracts, rectal pockets, anastomotic strictures, small uncompliant rectum, kinking and/or lateral shift of supra-anastomotic portion and pudendal nerve entrapment.

Conclusions

According to our classification, Grades 1 and 2 may be amenable to conservative therapy; Grade 3 may require surgical intervention by a coloproctologist; Grade 4 would need a combined urogynecological and coloproctological approach; and Grade 5 may require an even more complex multidisciplinary approach. Validation studies are needed to assess whether this MR-based classification system leads to a better management of patients with ODS.     

Diagnosing enteroceles using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE: Enteroceles are in part difficult to detect but a frequent finding in pelvic floor disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance colpocystorectography in the diagnosis of enteroceles. METHODS: In this prospective study 11 volunteers and 55 patients with pelvic floor descent were examined. In addition to magnetic resonance colpocystorectography, a dynamic cystoproctography was performed on 34 patients. Opacification of organs was used. An enterocele was assessed in relationship to the pubococcygeal reference line (magnetic resonance colpocystorectography) or the width of the rectovaginal space (dynamic cystoproctography). A clinical gynecologic examination served as reference. RESULTS: The clinical examination diagnosed an enterocele in 43, magnetic resonance colpocystorectography in 49, and dynamic cystoproctography in 14 cases. Magnetic resonance colpocystorectography further subdivided the enteroceles according to their contents (mesenteric fat or fluid, 12; small bowel, 32, large bowel, 3; and rectosigmoidocele, 2). Magnetic resonance colpocystorectography proved statistically significantly superior to dynamic cystoproctography (15 cases) and the reference. Sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance colpocystorectography were 100 percent each. It was able to reveal clinically missed enteroceles as being peritoneoceles associated with a rectocele or a uterovaginal prolapse (10 cases). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance colpocystorectography is a promising method for diagnosis of enteroceles, because hernial canal, sac, and contents are reliably identified.Presented at Radiology 1998, Birmingham, United Kingdom, June 1 to 3, 1998.     

Pelvic Floor Imaging

The purpose of this paper is to describe the current modalities of pelvic floor imaging: pelvic floor and endoanal ultrasonography, cystourethrography, evacuation proctography, dynamic colpocystoproctography, magnetic resonance imaging and endoanal magnetic resonance imaging.As there are no set standards for prescribing imaging tests in pelvic floor disorders, we drew up a table of tests to be performed according to the anatomical abnormality observed on physical examination or functional sign reported by the patient.     

A comparison between dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and videoproctography in patients with constipation

PURPOSE: This study attempts to compare the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging with that of videoproctography for the presence of rectocele, sigmoidocele, and intussusception as well as the measurement of anorectal angle and perineal descent in constipated patients. METHODS: Patients volunteering for the study and fulfilling the criteria for videoproctography to evaluate constipation were also scheduled for dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Patients undergoing videoproctography were placed in the left lateral decubitus position, after which 50 ml of liquid barium paste was introduced into the rectum. After this, approximately 100 ml of thick barium paste similar to stool in consistency was injected into the rectum, and the patient was instructed to defecate while video images were taken. For dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, air, to be used as contrast, was allowed to accumulate in the rectumvia examination with the patient in the prone position. A capsule was taped to the perineal skin immediately posterior to the anal orifice for marking. Sagittal and axial T1 images were obtained through the pelvis at 8-mm intervals with dynamic breathhold sagittal images of the anorectal region obtained at rest and during strain and squeeze maneuvers. Total acquisition time per maneuver was approximately 19 seconds. The tests were performed by different examiners blinded to the result of the other evaluation. The investigations were independently interpreted, findings compared, and patients questioned regarding their impression of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and videoproctography. RESULTS: From June 1996 to April 1997, 22 patients (15 females) with a mean age of 68 (range, 21–85) years underwent both videoproctography and dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was only able to detect 1 of 12 (8.3 percent) anterior rectoceles and one of two (50 percent) posterior rectoceles identified by videoproctography. It failed to recognize any of the rectoanal intussusception (zero of four) but did show 9 of 12 (75 percent) sigmoidoceles. Significant discrepancy of measurement of the anorectal angle and perineal descent exists between the two studies, and dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was not able to detect any (0 of 11) of the patients with increased fixed perineal descent and only half (one of two) of the patients with increased dynamic perineal descent noted on videoproctography. All 22 patients preferred dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging over videoproctography because of greater comfort. CONCLUSION: Occasionally, the increased cost of new technology can be justified by the enhanced diagnostic yield. The ability to avoid unnecessary surgery or, conversely, to continue to search for otherwise occult pathology that can be surgically corrected justifies routine application of these new tools. However, this study has shown that, despite a cost of approximately ten times more for dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging than for videoproctography, no clinical changes were made. Thus, on the basis of this study, we cannot endorse the routine application of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of constipated patients. In certain selected individuals, it may play a role, but further study is necessary to clarify its exact role.Supported in part by a generous educational grant from the Caporella family.     

Pelvic organ prolapse: a review

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common medical problem in parous women. This condition usually refers to a combination of deficiencies of the pelvic organs as they relate to support mechanisms of the vaginal wall. Symptoms vary--an accurate diagnosis requires a careful and complete physical examination with attention directed toward the pelvis and perineum. Although many patients will not require surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, a comprehensive approach to repair in which all of the anatomic defects affecting support are addressed is necessary for successful treatment. Patients presenting with pelvic organ prolapse often provide some of the most complex, challenging, and rewarding cases in reconstructive pelvic surgery. This article addresses the definitions and classifications, prevalence and risk factors, and anatomy and pathophysiology relevant to pelvic organ prolapse. Discussion also includes diagnosis and approaches to management (surgical and nonsurgical) of anterior vaginal wall prolapse, cystourethrocele, apical vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse and enterocele, posterior vaginal wall prolapse, rectocele, and pelvic floor relaxation and perineal laxity, with indications for and approaches to surgery, along with possible complications.     

盆腔器官脱垂的动态MRI研究进展

盆腔器官脱垂(pelvic organ prolapse,POP)是指由于盆底支持结构薄弱导致的盆腔器官疝出.动态MRI为无放射性、无创、快捷、全面、高分辨率的检查方法,其软组织对比性强,可清晰显示静息位及动态位时盆底肌肉和筋膜组织结构及功能上的变化,了解盆腔多组织器官的状况,为临床提供客观影像学数据.动态MRI常用于...     

Management of pelvic organ prolapse

Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse can afflict up to 10% of women. Urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction or difficulty possibly related to bladder outlet obstruction are common symptoms. Infrequently hydronephrosis or defecatory dysfunction can be seen. The management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) should start with adequate assessment of all pelvic floor complaints. If a patient is not symptomatic, surgical intervention is usually not indicated. While the use of a variety of graft materials are available today including porcine, dermal and synthetic grafts, that are used in some surgical approaches to pelvic organ prolapse, other more conservative approaches may prove beneficial to many patients. This article describes our approach to the patient with pelvic organ prolapse.     

The clinical value of magnetic resonance defecography in males with obstructed defecation syndrome

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between symptoms of obstructed defecation and findings on magnetic resonance (MR) defecography in males with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).

Methods

Thirty-six males with ODS who underwent MR defecography at our institution between March 2013 and February 2016 were asked in a telephone interview about their symptoms and subsequent treatment, either medical or surgical. Patients were divided into 2 groups, one with anismus (Group 1) and one with prolapse without anismus (Group 2). The interaction between ODS type and symptoms with MR findings was assessed by multivariate analysis for categorical data using a hierarchical log-linear model. MR imaging findings included lateral and/or posterior rectocele, rectal prolapse, intussusception, ballooning of levator hiatus with impingement of pelvic organs and dyskinetic puborectalis muscle.

Results

There were 21 males with ODS due to anismus (Group 1) and 15 with ODS due to rectal prolapse/intussusception (Group 2). Mean age of the entire group was 53.6 ± 4.1 years (range 18–77 years). Patients in Group 1 were slightly older than those in Group 2 (age peak, sixth decade in 47.6 vs 20.0%, p < 0.05). Symptoms most frequently associated with Group 1 patients included small volume and hard feces (85.0%, p < 0.01), excessive strain at stool (81.0%, p < 0.05), tenesmus and fecaloma formation (57.1 and 42.9%, p < 0.05); symptoms most frequently associated with Group 2 patients included mucous discharge, rectal bleeding and pain (86.7%, p < 0.05), prolonged toilet time (73.3%, p < 0.05), fragmented evacuation with or without digitation (66.7%, p < 0.005). Voiding outflow obstruction was more frequent in Group 1 (19.0 vs 13.3%; p < 0.05), while non-bacterial prostatitis and sexual dysfunction prevailed in Group 2 (26.7 and 46.7%, p < 0.05). At MR defecography, two major categories of findings were detected: a dyskinetic pattern (Type 1), seen in all Group 1 patients, which was characterized by non-relaxing puborectalis muscle, sand-glass configuration of the anorectum, poor emptying rate, limited pelvic floor descent and final residue ≥ 2/3; and a prolapsing pattern (Type 2), seen in all Group 2 patients, which was characterized by rectal prolapse/intussusception, ballooning of the levator hiatus with impingement of the rectal floor and prostatic base, excessive pelvic floor descent and residue ≤ 1/2. Posterolateral outpouching defined as perineal hernia was present in 28.6% of patients in Group 1 and were absent in Group 2. The average levator plate angle on straining differed significantly in the two patterns (21.3° ± 4.1 in Group 1 vs 65.6° ± 8.1 in Group 2; p < 0.05). Responses to the phone interview were obtained from 31 patients (18 of Group 1 and 13 of Group 2, response rate, 86.1%). Patients of Group 1 were always treated without surgery (i.e., biofeedback, dietary regimen, laxatives and/or enemas) which resulted in symptomatic improvement in 12/18 cases (66.6%). Of the patients in Group 2, 2/13 (15.3) underwent surgical repair, consisting of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) which resulted in symptom recurrence after 6 months and laparoscopic ventral rectopexy which resulted in symptom improvement. The other 11 patients of Group 2 were treated without surgery with symptoms improvement in 3 (27.3%).

Conclusions

The appearance of various abnormalities at MR defecography in men with ODS shows 2 distinct patterns which may have potential relevance for treatment planning, whether conservative or surgical.