Injuries to the levator ani in unexplained, chronic pelvic pain.

Patterns of injury to the levator ani in parous women with laparoscopy-negative, chronic pelvic pain (CPP) are described. A consecutive series of 26 parous women with laparoscopy-negative CPP, had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in axial, coronal and sagittal planes. Similar imaging studies were performed in 32 parous women having MRI scans for other clinical indications and 20 asymptomatic, nulliparous women. Three patterns of injury/defect to the levator ani (LAd) were observed in 20/26 patients with unexplained pelvic pain: avulsion of the pubococcygeus from its origin at the pubis (LAd I, 3/20), avulsion of the pubococcygeus from its origin at the arcus tendineus levator ani (LAd II, 14/20), and, loss of shape and form of the pubococcygeus (LAd III, 6/20). Three patterns of injury to the levator ani have been described with MR imaging in parous women with unexplained CPP.     

Pilot study of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with spasm of the levator ani muscles

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injected into the levator ani muscles of women with objective pelvic floor muscle spasm decreases pain symptoms and improves quality of life. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic in a tertiary referral centre, Sydney, Australia. SAMPLE: Twelve women, aged 18-55 years, with objective pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity and a minimum 2-year history of chronic pelvic pain were recruited. METHODS: All women completed visual analog scale pain assessments; questionnaires relating to bladder and bowel symptoms and quality of life; and specific examinations. Forty units of BOTOX at three different dilutions were given bilaterally into the puborectalis and pubococcygeus muscles under conscious sedation. RESULTS: Median visual analog scale scores were significantly improved for dyspareunia (80 vs 28; P=0.01) and dysmenorrhea (67 vs 28; P=0.03), with non-significant reductions in non-menstrual pelvic pain (64 vs 37) and dyschesia (47 vs 29). Pelvic floor muscles manometry showed a 37% reduction in resting pressure at week 4 and a 25% reduction was maintained at week 12 (P <0.0001). Quality of life scores (EQ-5D and SF-12) were improved from baseline at week 12, but did not reach statistical significance. Sexual activity scores were markedly improved, with a significant reduction in discomfort (4.8 vs 2.2; P=0.02) and improvement in habit (0.2 vs 1.9; P=0.03). These results were not influenced by dilution. CONCLUSION: There is evidence from the present pilot study suggesting that women with pelvic floor muscles hypertonicity and pelvic pain may respond to BOTOX injections into the pelvic floor muscles. Further research into this novel treatment of chronic pelvic pain is strongly recommended.     

Electrical stimulation in the treatment of pelvic pain due to levator ani spasm

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate experience with intravaginal electrical stimulation for the relief of pain when used as adjunctive therapy in women with chronic pelvic pain and levator ani spasm. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort of consecutively treated patients from 1999 and 2000 was identified using billing records. Systematic chart review was completed using standardized data collection forms for all patients receiving electrical stimulation for pain from levator ani spasm. Data collected were objective for major variables and subjective for outcomes. Demographic data were reported as means and standard deviations. Stimulation characteristics were compared using ANOVA. Survival analysis was performed using life table methods. RESULTS: Medical records from 66 consecutive patients treated during an 18-month interval were reviewed. Demographic characteristics included mean age of 38.7 years, 13 years of education and parity of 2. Married women composed 75% of the study group, with 81% white, 10% Hispanic and 9% black. Of the 66 patients studied, 50 had follow-up documentation with an average duration of 14.5 weeks. Overall, 34 patients (52%) demonstrated improvement in pelvic pain following vaginal electrical stimulation. Using survival analysis, 51% of patients had persistent improvement 30 weeks after treatment. There were no differences in age, race, education or parity between patients reporting a sustained benefit of stimulation and those not reporting a benefit. CONCLUSION: Vaginal electrical stimulation may help a selected population of women with pelvic pain due to levator ani spasm.     

Bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy in the treatment of intractable pelvic pain associated with pelvic congestion.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether bilateral oophorectomy combined with hysterectomy is an effective treatment for chronic pelvic pain due to congestion. DESIGN--Prospective non-randomized single centre study. SETTING--Tertiary referral centre to a specialist pelvic pain clinic in a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS--36 women, 33 of whom had failed to obtain long term relief of pain on medical therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Relief of pain, coital frequency, and effect on daily life. Histology of uterus and ovaries. RESULTS--Median pain score on visual analogue scale fell from a pre-operative value of 10 to 0 at one year. Twelve of the 36 women had some residual pain at one year postoperatively, but in only one woman was the pain affecting her daily life. Thirty women were noted to have pelvic tenderness pre-operatively, at one year, 26 had no tenderness and four minimal tenderness on pelvic examination. The median frequency of sexual intercourse increased from once per month preoperatively to eight times per month one year postoperatively. The uterus was histologically normal in 25 women, adenomyosis was present in eight of whom two had ovarian endometriosis. Fibroids were present in three and endometriosis was found confined to the ovaries in one woman. Multiple peripheral cysts were present in the ovaries of 25 women. CONCLUSION--Bilateral oophorectomy combined with hysterectomy and hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for chronic pelvic pain due to venous congestion, which has failed to respond to medical treatment and leads to restoration of normal coital function and daily life.     

Pelvic Floor Tenderness in the Etiology of Superficial Dyspareunia

ObjectiveTo calculate the prevalence of pelvic floor tenderness in the population of women with pelvic pain and to determine its implications for symptoms of pelvic pain.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients with pelvic pain at a tertiary referral centre. Pelvic floor tenderness was defined as levator ani tenderness on at least one side during single digit pelvic examination. The prevalence of pelvic floor tenderness in this cohort of women with pelvic pain was compared with the prevalence in a cohort of women without pain attending a gynaecology clinic. In the women with pelvic pain, multiple regression was performed to determine which variables were independently associated with pelvic floor tenderness.ResultsThe prevalence of pelvic floor tenderness was 40% (75/189) in the cohort with pelvic pain, significantly greater than the prevalence of 13% (4/32) in the cohort without pain (OR 4.61; 95% CI 1.55 to 13.7, P = 0.005). On multiple logistic regression, superficial dyspareunia (OR 4.45; 95% CI 1.86 to 10.7, P = 0.001), abdominal wall pain (OR 4.04; 95% CI 1.44 to 11.3, P = 0.005), and bladder base tenderness (OR 4.65; 95% CI 1.87 to 11.6, P = 0.001) were independently associated with pelvic floor tenderness. Pelvic floor tenderness was similarly present in women with or without underlying endometriosis.ConclusionPelvic floor tenderness is common in women with pelvic pain, with or without endometriosis, and is a contributor to superficial dyspareunia. Pelvic floor tenderness was also associated with abdominal wall pain and bladder base tenderness, suggesting that nervous system sensitization is involved in the etiology of pelvic floor tenderness.     

Subjective and objective outcomes of botulinum toxin type A treatment in vestibulodynia: pilot data

OBJECTIVE: To collect pilot data on the efficacy of intramuscular botulinum toxin type A (BTX/A) injection into the levator ani muscles to relieve coital pain, reduce pelvic floor tension and instability, and reduce vestibular hyperalgesia in vestibulodynia. STUDY DESIGN: Two subjects meeting diagnostic criteria for vestibulodynia were treated with 20 units and 40 units of BTX/A at 12-week intervals. Outcomes included a visual analogue scale (VAS), weekly coital pain diaries, surface electromyography (sEMG) and a vulvar algesiometer. RESULTS: BTX/A modestly reduced coital pain in 1 patient and was ineffective in the other. Pelvic floor hypertonicity and variability were markedly reduced in both patients, but negligible changes occurred in vestibular hyperalgesia. The patient with greater pelvic floor tension had more of a reduction in diary-rated coital pain 2 weeks after the injection (29% vs. 9%) and on the VAS at 12 weeks (15% vs. 3%). CONCLUSION: BTX/A injections may be effective in reducing coital pain in vestibulodynia with levator ani tenderness but have little effect on vestibular allodynia. The relationship between pelvic floor hypertonicity and decreased coital pain suggests that vestibulodynia may be a variant of chronic regional pain syndrome. The dose and volume of BTX/A injected may be related to the degree of relief.     

Innervation of the levator ani muscles in the female squirrel monkey

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the innervation of the levator ani muscles in the female squirrel monkey and to investigate its usefulness as an animal model of pelvic organ prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven nulliparous female squirrel monkeys with no pelvic organ prolapse were used in this study. Detailed pelvic dissections were conducted (n = 3), and the Koelle stain for acetylcholinesterase was used to identify the motor endplate zone in the levator ani muscles (n = 2). Unilateral levator ani (n = 4) and pudendal (n = 2) neurectomies were performed; changes in levator ani muscle mass and myocyte diameter were examined 14 days after neurectomy. Nerve biopsy specimens from each animal were processed for microscopy. RESULTS: The levator ani nerve originated from the S2 spinal root and entered the pelvic cavity adjacent to the pelvic nerve between the flexor caudalis brevis and iliocaudalis muscles. The levator ani nerve then projected caudally and bifurcated to penetrate the iliocaudalis and pubocaudalis. A single motor endplate zone in each muscle correlated with the point of levator ani nerve penetration. The pudendal nerve originated from the S1-S2 spinal roots to innervate the urethral and anal sphincters, clitoris, and perineum, but not the iliocaudalis or pubocaudalis. Significant atrophy and myocyte shrinkage occurred in the iliocaudalis and pubocaudalis ipsilateral to the levator ani nerve transection (P <.05). Pudendal neurectomy produced no levator ani muscle changes. CONCLUSION: Intrapelvic skeletal muscles in the female squirrel monkey are similar to humans and have distinct innervation with no contribution from the pudendal nerve. The squirrel monkey is likely to be a useful model of pelvic organ prolapse and warrants further study.     

Botulinum toxin for the treatment of genital pain syndromes

Our purpose was to test the effect of botulinum toxin injections on hypertonic pelvic floor muscles of patients suffering from genital pain syndromes. We report two cases of women complaining of a genital pain syndrome resistant to pharmacological therapies and rehabilitation exercises associated with a documented involuntary tonic contraction of the levator ani muscle as a defense reaction triggered by vulvar pain. We performed botulinum toxin injections into the levator ani with the intent to relieve pelvic muscular spasms. Within a few days after the injections both the patients reported a complete resolution of the painful symptomatology, lasting for several months. Our experience suggests that botulinum injections are indicated in patients with genital pain syndrome with documented pelvic muscle hyperactivity, whose symptoms arise not only from genital inflammation and lesions, but also, and sometimes chiefly, from levator ani myalgia.     

超声评价肛提肌及其裂孔在女性盆腔器官脱垂中的进展

肛提肌及其裂孔是女性盆腔器官支持结构的重要部分，对女性盆腔器官起支撑作用。女性盆腔器官脱垂（pelvic organ prolapse，POP）是一种临床常见的盆底功能障碍性疾病，严重影响女性的心理和生理健康。POP病因复杂，与肛提肌损伤及肛提肌裂孔面积增大密切相关。因超声具有价廉、可重复性高、无辐射、患者易接受等优点，所以目前在女性盆腔器官检查中，经会阴超声技术得到越来越广泛的应用，应用经会阴超声技术评价肛提肌及其裂孔等盆腔结构的水平也逐渐提高。现主要从肛提肌及其裂孔的解剖结构、与POP的关系及经会阴超声技术在女性肛提肌及其裂孔检查中的应用进展进行综述。     

Vaginal support as determined by levator ani defect status 6 weeks after primary surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

Objective

To evaluate whether major levator ani muscle defects were associated with differences in postoperative vaginal support after primary surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

A retrospective chart review of a subgroup of patients in the Organ Prolapse and Levator (OPAL) study. Of the 247 women recruited into OPAL, 107 underwent surgery for prolapse and were the cohort for the present analysis. Major levator ani defects were diagnosed when more than 50% of the pubovisceral muscle was missing on MRI. Postoperative vaginal support was assessed via POP-quantification system. Postoperative anatomic outcome was analyzed according to levator ani defect status, as determined by MRI.

Results

Support of the anterior vaginal wall 2 cm above the hymen occurred among 62% of women with normal levator ani muscles/minor defects and 35% of those with major defects. Support of the anterior wall 1 cm above the hymen occurred among 32% women with normal muscles /minor defects and 59% of those with major defects. Levator ani defects were not associated with differences in postoperative apical/posterior vaginal support.

Conclusion

Six weeks after primary surgery for prolapse, women with normal levator ani muscles/minor defects had better anterior vaginal support than those with major levator defects.     

Medical and surgical management of chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is common and is estimated to affect over one million women in the UK. It may be a symptom of a number of different conditions and is often multifactorial in nature, caused by a combination of physical, psychological and social factors. For many women, a primary cause cannot be identified. This can make both diagnosis and management difficult. Gynaecological causes of chronic pelvic pain include endometriosis, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and adhesions. The gynaecologist must also consider non-gynaecological causes of pain related to the gastrointestinal, urinary, neurological, musculoskeletal and psychological systems if satisfactory management of the woman's pain is to be achieved.This review addresses the approach to diagnosis and management of women presenting with chronic pelvic pain. It details specific disease management but also seeks to encourage a holistic approach to all women with chronic pelvic pain, whether or not a primary diagnosis is established.     

Medical and surgical management of chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is common and is estimated to affect over one million women in the UK. It may be a symptom of a number of different conditions and is often multifactorial in nature, caused by a combination of physical, psychological and social factors. For many women, a primary cause cannot be identified. This can make both diagnosis and management difficult. Gynaecological causes of chronic pelvic pain include endometriosis, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and adhesions. The gynaecologist must also consider non-gynaecological causes of pain related to the gastrointestinal, urinary, neurological, musculoskeletal and psychological systems if satisfactory management of the woman's pain is to be achieved.This review addresses the approach to diagnosis and management of women presenting with chronic pelvic pain. It details specific disease management but also seeks to encourage a holistic approach to all women with chronic pelvic pain, whether or not a primary diagnosis is established.     

Visibility of pelvic organ support system structures in magnetic resonance images without an endovaginal coil

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine which elements of the pelvic organ support system are visible on magnetic resonance imaging performed without an endovaginal coil. STUDY DESIGN: Proton density-weighted pelvic magnetic resonance images were obtained for 20 healthy continent nulliparous women with a mean (+/-SD) age of 30.1 +/- 5.1 years (range, 22-42 years). Standardized analyses of transverse, coronal, and sagittal key images were carried out to describe pelvic organ support system anatomy. RESULTS: Details of both the muscular and fascial supports were clearly seen. The endopelvic fascia was visible on transverse images and could be seen to laterally attach the proximal vagina to the pelvic wall. Its appearance was consistent with its composition of a network of connective tissue, vessels, and nerves. The upward, lateral, and dorsal direction of its most cephalic suspending fibers was visible on both transverse and coronal images. The different nature of the uterosacral ligament relative to the cardinal ligaments was also demonstrated in transverse images. The endopelvic fascia's attachment to the pelvic walls was visible in the midvagina. The 3 parts of the levator ani muscle were likewise visible-the pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus. Fusion of the levator ani muscle and the vagina at the level of the middle urethra could be recognized on transverse and coronal images. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging depicted structures of the pelvic organ supports, including the endopelvic fascia and pelvic floor muscles, without the need for an endovaginal coil.     

Musculoskeletal causes of chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review of diagnosis: part I

Chronic pelvic pain in women has multifactorial etiology, but pelvic musculoskeletal dysfunction is not routinely evaluated as a cause by gynecologists. Whether diagnostic tests can reliably identify women with such conditions is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the level of support in the literature for diagnostic tests of pelvic musculoskeletal problems. We used a set of key words pertaining to pain and the pelvic musculoskeletal structures to initially review the PUBMED database. Study inclusion was restricted to English-language publications that reported a patient-related chronic pelvic pain diagnostic test. Relevant bibliographies were also searched, and outside consultation with a pain researcher was sought to identify additional needed studies. For each selected article, 2 investigators separately summarized relevant data on study characteristics, patient profiles, and test efficacy. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Six diagnostic studies were identified that met entry criteria. No gold standard diagnostic tests exist for pelvic musculoskeletal problems, and the methodologic quality of available studies is low. Studies defining such clinically useful tests are needed to further refine a rational approach to chronic pelvic pain management. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the paucity of evidence-based literature and valid consensus of diagnostic criteria and modalities in defining the musculoskeletal causes of chronic pelvic pain in women, to recall that there is no gold standard diagnostic test for pelvic musculoskeletal problems, and to recall that the statistical evaluation of the methods described were wanting.     

压力性尿失禁及盆底组织膨出患者肛提肌形态学的观察

目的 探讨肛提肌组织形态学的变化及其与压力性尿失禁(stress urinary incontinence,SUI)和盆底组织膨出(pelvic organ prolapse,POP)发病的关系。方法 选择15例SUI患者(SUI组)、19例POP患者(POP组)及3例无SUI和POP的直肠癌患者(对照组),术中行肛提肌活检,冰冻切片常规行HE染色、改良Gomori染色及非特异性酯酶(non—specific esterase,NSE)、酸性磷酸酶(acidphosphrase,ACP)、三磷酸腺苷酶(ATPase)染色,镜下观察肛提肌形态学变化。结果 成功获取肛提肌肌肉组织与未取得肛提肌肌肉组织的SUI患者的年龄、产次、绝经时间、疾病严重程度、漏尿点压力等比较,差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。SUI组和POP组患者肛提肌组织形态学表现为肌纤维密度降低,排列紊乱,被大量的结缔组织填充、取代,肌纤维周围炎性细胞浸润;单个肌纤维细胞既有核中心移位、纤维劈裂、外周吞噬及空泡变性等肌源性改变,也有肌纤维萎缩、角形变、同型纤维聚集等神经源性改变。结论 SUI和POP患者的肛提肌同时存在神经源性和肌源性改变,提示持续的盆底肌去神经支配和继发的肌源性改变,可能是SUR及POP的发病原因之一。     

Musculoskeletal causes of chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review of existing therapies: part II

Chronic pelvic pain is a common clinical problem with many causes. In addition to gynecologic causes, it is important to evaluate other potential etiologies, including the pelvic musculoskeletal system. There have been few published studies on musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain and its treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment of pelvic musculoskeletal pain among women with chronic pelvic pain. We used a set of key words pertaining to pain and the pelvic musculoskeletal structures to initially review the PUBMED database. Additional articles were sought by discussion with a clinician specializing in this field and review of relevant textbook bibliographies. Study inclusion was restricted to English-language publications that reported a patient-related chronic pelvic pain outcome measure. Each report must have described at least four patients. For each selected article, two investigators separately summarized pertinent data on study characteristics, patient profiles, intervention characteristics, and treatment outcomes. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Twenty-nine treatment studies met entry criteria. The existing literature largely consists of retrospective, uncontrolled observational studies. The two studies that feature control groups lack sufficient size and scope to allow generalizability. Properly designed and executed randomized, controlled trials are urgently needed to determine the true effectiveness of treatments for pelvic musculoskeletal pain. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to summarize the current data on musculoskeletal causes of chronic pelvic pain, to outline the various techniques used to treat musculoskeletal causes of chronic pelvic pain, and to recall the lack of evidence based data on the subject and need for randomized controlled trials.     

Quantification of levator ani cross-sectional area differences between women with and those without prolapse

OBJECTIVE: Compare levator ani cross-sectional area as a function of prolapse and muscle defect status. METHODS: Thirty women with prolapse and 30 women with normal pelvic support were selected from an ongoing case-control study of prolapse. For each of the two groups, 10 women were selected from three categories of levator defect severity: none, minor, and major identified on supine magnetic resonance scans. Using those scans, three-dimensional (3D) models of the levator ani muscles were made using a modeling program (3D Slicer), and cross-sections of the pubic portion were calculated perpendicular to the muscle fiber direction using another program, I-DEAS. An analysis of variance was performed. RESULTS: The ventral component of the levator muscle of women with major defects had a 36% smaller cross-sectional area, and women with minor defects had a 29% smaller cross-sectional area compared with the women with no defects (P < .001). In the dorsal component, there were significant differences in cross-sectional area according to defect status (P = .03); women with major levator defects had the largest cross-sectional area compared with the other defect groups. For each defect severity category (none, minor, major), there were no significant differences in cross-sectional area between women with and those without prolapse. CONCLUSION: Women with visible levator ani defects on magnetic resonance imaging had significantly smaller cross-sectional areas in the ventral component of the pubic portion of the muscle compared with women with intact muscles. Women with major levator ani defects had larger cross-sectional areas in the dorsal component than women with minor or no defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.     

Volume sonography of the pelvic floor in nulliparous women and after elective cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sonographic appearance of the pelvic floor which has not been stressed by forces of labor or vaginal delivery in pregnant women and after childbirth. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective observational study 14 nulliparous women during first trimester pregnancy and 26 primiparous women after elective cesarean were examined within the first week postpartum. The integrity of the internal anal sphincter expressed as the ratio between the anterior and the posterior internal anal sphincter muscle thickness (a/p-ratio), asymmetry of the levator ani muscle and the paraurethral fixation of the lateral vaginal edges at the arcus tendineus were assessed using volume sonography. RESULTS: The a/p-ratio in nulliparous women was significantly higher (p<0.01) than after elective cesarean section. Asymmetry of the levator ani muscle did not differ between both groups but was more frequently in the nulliparous patients with an odds-ratio of 1.16 (CI 0.74-1.82). In both groups of women the paraurethral fixation of the lateral vaginal edges were above the suburethral level of the vagina. CONCLUSIONS: This study gives sonographic features of the pelvic floor in nulliparous women and in primigravidae after elective cesarean section. Data from the post-cesarean group can serve as reference values for further studies evaluating pelvic floor damage after various modi of vaginal delivery.     

Levator trauma is associated with pelvic organ prolapse

Objective  To estimate the risk of prolapse associated with levator avulsion injury among a urogynaecological clinic population.
Design  Retrospective observational study.
Setting  Tertiary urogynaecological unit.
Sample  A total of 934 women seen for interview, examination using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) staging system and imaging of the levator ani muscle by four-dimensional translabial ultrasound.
Methods  Retrospective review of charts and stored imaging data.
Main outcome measures  Pelvic organ prolapse stage II and higher and presence of defects of the levator ani muscle.
Results  After exclusion of 137 women with a history of anti-incontinence or prolapse surgery, and a further exclusion of 16 women in whom either examination or imaging was impossible, we compared prolapse and imaging data in 781 women. Mean age was 53 years (range 15–89 years), and median parity was 2 (range 0–12). Women reported stress incontinence (76%), urge incontinence (69%), frequency (47%), nocturia (49%) and symptoms of prolapse (38%). Significant prolapse (stage II or higher) was diagnosed in 415 (53%) women, and 181 (23%) women were found to have levator avulsion defects. Prolapse was seen in 150/181 (83%) women with avulsion and in 265/600 (44%) women without avulsion, giving a relative risk (RR) of 1.9 (95% CI 1.7–2.1). The association was strongest for cystocele (RR 2.3, 95% CI 2.0–2.7) and uterine prolapse (RR 4.0, 95% CI 2.5–6.5).
Conclusions  Women with levator avulsion defects were about twice as likely to show pelvic organ prolapse of stage II or higher than those without. This effect is mainly due to an increased risk of cystocele and uterine prolapse.     

盆腔器官脱垂患者盆底支持组织超微结构特征的研究

目的了解盆腔器官脱垂(pelvicorganprolapse,POP)患者盆底支持组织的超微结构特征。方法选择2004年7月至2004年8月于我院手术治疗的POP患者5例,同期因卵巢单纯囊肿行全子宫切除术的绝经后患者2例作为老年对照,宫颈癌手术治疗2例作为年轻对照。在光镜及透射电镜下观察子宫主韧带、阴道壁、肛提肌组织的超微结构特征。结果光镜下POP组标本中平滑肌弥漫性萎缩、变性、纤维化。阴道粘膜固有层广泛小血管周围炎,血管内皮肿胀。电镜下POP组平滑肌细胞共同超微结构特征为细胞膜结构不完整;胞核异染色质增多;线粒体呈基质型肿胀甚至消失。阴道粘膜固有层终末小动脉内皮肿胀,中膜平滑肌萎缩断裂,甚至消失。老年非脱垂组可见平滑肌萎缩,灶状纤维化,但平滑肌变性、血管病变不明显。年轻非脱垂组未见平滑肌萎缩变性及血管病变。同时发现POP组肛提肌中骨骼肌成分损伤不明显,而平滑肌成分出现损伤性改变。结论POP患者主要盆底支持组织如主韧带、阴道壁、肛提肌普遍存在平滑肌细胞不可逆损伤性超微结构改变,可造成盆底组织松弛、支持能力减弱,导致POP的发生。肛提肌中平滑肌成分与POP发生密切相关。