This review describes our experience with native tissue repair of the visceral pelvic fascia, the perineum, and anal sphincters in women. We propose that complex repair of the pelvic floor should consider vaginal support in all three anatomical Delancey's levels, together with more caudal structures-the external and internal anal sphincters. Original illustrations were created to facilitate the understanding of the complex anatomy of common multi-level defects. As the integrity of connective tissue adds to various aspects of the delicate function of the female pelvic floor, it is complete and as perfect as possible repair is a common goal of both gynecologists and colorectal specialists.
- MeSH
- Anal Canal * surgery MeSH
- Fascia MeSH
- Gynecologic Surgical Procedures * methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pelvic Floor Disorders * surgery MeSH
- Pelvic Floor * surgery MeSH
- Perineum surgery MeSH
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse * surgery MeSH
- Vagina surgery MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
A standardized methodology for the ultrasound evaluation of the pelvic sidewall has not been proposed to date. Herein, a collaborative group of gynecologists and gynecological oncologists with extensive ultrasound experience presents a systematic methodology for the ultrasonographic evaluation of structures within the pelvic sidewall. Five categories of anatomical structures are described (muscles, vessels, lymph nodes, nerves and ureters). A step-by-step transvaginal ultrasound (or, when this is not feasible, transrectal ultrasound) approach is outlined for the evaluation of each anatomical landmark within these categories. Accurate assessment of the pelvic sidewall using a standardized approach improves the detection and diagnosis of non-gynecological pathologies that may mimic gynecological tumors, reducing the risk of unnecessary and even harmful intervention. Furthermore, it plays an important role in completing the staging of malignant gynecological conditions. Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound therefore represents a viable alternative to magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative evaluation of lesions affecting the pelvic sidewall, if performed by an expert sonographer. A series of videoclips showing normal and abnormal findings within each respective category illustrates how establishing a universally applicable approach for evaluating this crucial region will be helpful for assessing both benign and malignant conditions affecting the pelvic sidewall. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- MeSH
- Consensus * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Lymph Nodes diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Pelvis * diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Ultrasonography * methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Femoropelvilumbální komplex má zásadní význam pro držení trupu a postavení dolních končetin. Orientace pánve v sagitální rovině určuje jak různé rentgenologické typy zakřivení páteře, tak i různé typy držení těla, které hodnotíme vizuálně a palpačně při fyzikálním vyšetření. Hodnocení držení těla v sagitální rovině by proto mělo začínat právě hodnocením orientace a postavení pánve. Typ orientace pánve také umožňuje srovnat a propojit výsledky těchto dvou různých způsobů vyšetření a hodnocení. Obecným výsledkem degenerace různých typů páteře je její kyfotizace. Různé typy držení těla mají typickou kombinaci zkrácení anebo oslabení různých svalových skupin.
The lumbar-pelvic-femoral complex is of fundamental importance for the posture of the trunk and the position of the lower limbs. The orientation of the pelvis in the sagittal plane determines both different X-ray types of spinal curvature, as well as different types of body posture, which we evaluate visually and by palpation during the physical examination. Evaluation of body posture in the sagittal plane should therefore begin with an assessment of the orientation and position of the pelvis. The type of pelvic orientation also makes it possible to compare and connect the results of these two different methods of examination and evaluation. The general result of degeneration of different types of spine is its kyphotization. Different types of posture have a typical combination of shortening or weakening of different muscle groups.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the ability, as well as factors affecting the ability, of ultrasound examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience to detect correctly infiltration of ovarian cancer in predefined anatomical locations, and to evaluate the inter-rater agreement regarding the presence or absence of cancer infiltration, using preacquired ultrasound videoclips obtained in a selected patient sample with a high prevalence of cancer spread. METHODS: This study forms part of the Imaging Study in Advanced ovArian Cancer multicenter observational study (NCT03808792). Ultrasound videoclips showing assessment of infiltration of ovarian cancer were obtained by the principal investigator (an ultrasound expert, who did not participate in rating) at 19 predefined anatomical sites in the abdomen and pelvis, including five sites that, if infiltrated, would indicate tumor non-resectability. For each site, there were 10 videoclips showing cancer infiltration and 10 showing no cancer infiltration. The reference standard was either findings at surgery with histological confirmation or response to chemotherapy. For statistical analysis, the 19 sites were grouped into four anatomical regions: pelvis, middle abdomen, upper abdomen and lymph nodes. The videoclips were assessed by raters comprising both senior gynecologists (mainly self-trained expert ultrasound examiners who perform preoperative ultrasound assessment of ovarian cancer spread almost daily) and gynecologists who had undergone a minimum of 6 months' supervised training in the preoperative ultrasound assessment of ovarian cancer spread in a gynecological oncology center. The raters were classified as highly experienced or less experienced based on annual individual caseload and the number of years that they had been performing ultrasound evaluation of ovarian cancer spread. Raters were aware that for each site there would be 10 videoclips with and 10 without cancer infiltration. Each rater independently classified every videoclip as showing or not showing cancer infiltration and rated the image quality (on a scale from 0 to 10) and their diagnostic confidence (on a scale from 0 to 10). A generalized linear mixed model with random effects was used to estimate which factors (including level of experience, image quality, diagnostic confidence and anatomical region) affected the likelihood of a correct classification of cancer infiltration. We assessed the observed percentage of videoclips classified correctly, the expected percentage of videoclips classified correctly based on the generalized linear mixed model and inter-rater agreement (reliability) in classifying anatomical sites as being infiltrated by cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-five raters participated in the study, of whom 13 were highly experienced and 12 were less experienced. The observed percentage of correct classification of cancer infiltration ranged from 70% to 100% depending on rater and anatomical site, and the median percentage of correct classification for the 25 raters ranged from 90% to 100%. The probability of correct classification of all 380 videoclips ranged from 0.956 to 0.975 and was not affected by the rater's level of ultrasound experience. The likelihood of correct classification increased with increased image quality and diagnostic confidence and was affected by anatomical region. It was highest for sites in the pelvis, second highest for those in the middle abdomen, third highest for lymph nodes and lowest for sites in the upper abdomen. The inter-rater agreement of all 25 raters regarding the presence of cancer infiltration ranged from substantial (Fleiss kappa, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71)) to very good (Fleiss kappa, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00)) depending on the anatomical site. It was lowest for sites in the upper abdomen (Fleiss kappa, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71) to 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99)) and highest for sites in the pelvis (Fleiss kappa, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.97) to 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00)). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience can classify correctly predefined anatomical sites as being infiltrated or not infiltrated by ovarian cancer based on video recordings obtained by an experienced ultrasound examiner, and the inter-rater agreement is substantial. The likelihood of correct classification as well as the inter-rater agreement is highest for sites in the pelvis and lowest for sites in the upper abdomen. However, owing to the study design, our results regarding diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater agreement are likely to be overoptimistic. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- MeSH
- Video Recording MeSH
- Abdomen diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Neoplasm Invasiveness diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Clinical Competence * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Ovarian Neoplasms * diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Observer Variation MeSH
- Pelvis diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Ultrasonography methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Observational Study MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
OBJECTIVES: SENTIX was a prospective, single-arm, international multicenter study that evaluated sentinel lymph node biopsy without pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. We aimed to evaluate the concordance between preoperative imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound) and final pathology in the clinical staging of early-stage cervical cancer by post-hoc analysis of the SENTIX study data. METHODS: In total, 47 sites across 18 countries participated in the SENTIX study. Patients with Stage IA1/lymphovascular space invasion-positive to IB2 (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification (2018)) cervical cancer, with usual histological types and no suspicious lymph nodes on imaging, were prospectively enrolled between May 2016 and October 2020. Preoperative pelvic clinical staging on either pelvic MRI or ultrasound examination was mandatory. Tumor size discrepancy (< 10 mm vs ≥ 10 mm) between imaging and pathology, as well as the negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI and ultrasound for parametrial involvement and lymph node macrometastasis, were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 690 eligible prospectively enrolled patients, MRI and ultrasound were used as the staging imaging modality in 322 (46.7%) and 298 (43.2%) patients, respectively. A discrepancy of tumor size ≥ 10 mm was reported between ultrasound and final pathology in 39/298 (13.1%) patients and between MRI and pathology in 53/322 (16.5%), with no significant difference in the accuracy of tumor measurement between the two imaging modalities. The NPV of ultrasound in assessing parametrial infiltration and lymph node involvement was 97.0% (95% CI, 0.95-0.99%) and 94.0% (95% CI, 0.91-0.97%), respectively, and that of MRI was 95.3% (95% CI, 0.93-0.98%) and 94.1% (95% CI, 0.92-0.97%), respectively, with no significant differences between the parameters. Ultrasound and MRI were comparable regarding the tumor size measurement (P = 0.452), failure to detect parametrial involvement (P = 0.624) and failure to detect macrometastases in sentinel lymph node (P = 0.876). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic ultrasound examination and MRI had similar concordance with histology in the assessment of tumor size and of parametrial and lymph node invasion in early-stage cervical cancer. Ultrasound examination should be considered part of preoperative pelvic clinical staging in early-stage cervical cancer, especially in limited-resource regions where MRI is unavailable. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- MeSH
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Lymphatic Metastasis diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Lymph Nodes pathology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging * methods MeSH
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms * pathology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Pelvis diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Predictive Value of Tests MeSH
- Preoperative Care methods MeSH
- Prospective Studies MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Neoplasm Staging methods MeSH
- Ultrasonography methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Defekty pánevního dna u žen jsou velmi rozšířeným problémem. Odhaduje se, že až 11 % žen potřebuje řešit nějakou formu prolapsu pánevních orgánů (POP, Pelvic Organ Prolapse). Jen stěží lze předpokládat, že se bude tento statistický údaj výrazněji měnit. Operační postupy stále procházejí zákonitým vývojem. V minulosti prováděné samostatné kolporafie v dnešní době již nejsou aktuální a kolpokleiza je indikována výjimečně. Významný počet neuspokojivých výsledků po klasických operacích byl příčinou hledání nových chirurgických technologií v této oblasti. Prevalence reoperací v zemích, kde probíhají relevantní klinické studie, je vysoká. Olsen a kol. ve své studii uvádí 29,2% výskyt recidiv, Whiteside v prospektivní studii prezentuje dokonce 58 % recidiv po vaginálních operacích pro POP (1, 2). Zavedení síťkových implantátů do operativy pánevních prolapsů znamenalo zásadní zvrat v této problematice. Síťkové implantáty začaly být užívány při operacích pánevních prolapsů po dobrých zkušenostech se síťkami při řešení břišních kýl a také po přelomových zkušenostech při řešení stresové inkontinence (SI) implantacemi tahuprostých suburetrálních pásek. Přinesly do operativy POP jeden zásadní prvek - schopnost přemostit i velké plošné defekty pojivové tkáně vzniklé porodním traumatem nebo pánevní operací. Jejich použití při operaci POP je však daleko náročnější než při operacích břišních kýl, protože POP je specifickou kýlou v dynamicky náročném prostoru. Při těchto operacích zasahujeme do velmi citlivých funkcí, jakými jsou močení, defekace a sexuální funkce. Jejich zavedení do chirurgické praxe lze jednoznačně považovat za pokrok, přesto že klinické výsledky při jejich používání byly někdy rozpačité. Především se objevily zcela nové typy komplikací, s jejichž řešením nebyly žádné zkušenosti. Přes řadu komplikací při zavádění pánevních implantátů vývoj dosáhl takové úrovně, kdy lze dosahovat prakticky anatomických rekonstrukcí pánevního dna s vynikajícími funkčními výsledky. Pánevní implantáty lze zavádět transvaginálně nebo transabdominálně. U transabdominálního přístupu je aktuální miniinvazivní laparoskopická nebo roboticky asistovaná technologie implantace. Kvalitní rekonstrukci pánevního dna bez použití síťkových implantátů v současné době není možné provést.
Pelvic floor disorders in women are a very common issue. It is estimated that up to 11% of women are experiencing some form of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It can hardly be assumed that this statistic will change significantly. Operating technologies are still evolving. Separate colporrhaphys performed in the past are no longer relevant and colpocleisis are indicated rarely. A high rate of unsatisfactory outcomes following conventional surgeries has driven the search for new surgical technologies in this area. Reoperation rates are notably high in countries where relevant clinical trials are ongoing. Olsen et al. report a 29.2% incidence of recurrences, while Whiteside et al. present even 58% of recurrences after vaginal surgery for POP in a prospective study (1, 2). The introduction of mesh implants into pelvic prolapse surgery meant a significant turning point in the treatment of this condition. Mesh implants began to be used in pelvic prolapse surgeries following successful experience with meshes in the treatment of abdominal hernias and also after groundbreaking experience in dealing with stress incontinence (SI) through tension-free suburethral tape implantation. They brought one essential element to POP operations - the ability to bridge even large surface defects of connective tissue caused by childbirth trauma or previous pelvic surgeries. However, their use in POP surgery is far more demanding than in abdominal hernia surgery, because POP is a specific type of hernia in a dynamically demanding space. These operations interfere with very sensitive functions such as urination, defecation and sexual function. While their introduction into surgical practice can clearly be considered a progress, the clinical results of their use have sometimes been less satisfactory. New types of complications emerged, and there was initially no experience in managing them. Despite these challenges, the development of pelvic implant technology has progressed to the point where it is possible to achieve practically anatomical reconstructions of the pelvic floor with excellent functional results. Pelvic implants can be inserted transvaginally or transabdominally. In the transabdominal approach, minimally invasive laparoscopic or robot-assisted implantation technology is currently available. A high-quality pelvic floor reconstruction is not possible without the use of mesh implants.
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pregnancy and delivery are commonly associated with ano-rectal dysfunction. In addition, vaginal delivery may impact both the structure and functionality of the pelvic floor. Herein, we systematically reviewed the literature for the potential association between levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion and ano-rectal function after childbirth. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL (Cochrane), Clinicaltrials.gov, and ICTRP databases from inception. We selected studies reporting on the anatomy of the LAM and ano-rectal function within 24 months after childbirth, the former determined by imaging and the latter measured through validated questionnaires or ano-rectal manometry. Meta-analyses were used to pool data from studies reporting on the association between LAM avulsion and ano-rectal function, with subgroup analysis according to the presence or absence of anal sphincter trauma. Summary odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) are reported with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: From the 7,621 studies identified, 11 were included, reporting on 2,146 women. Ten studies used transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) and one study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for LAM assessment. Ano-rectal function was assessed through validated questionnaires in all but one study, in which ano-rectal manometry was used. There was no evidence for an association between LAM avulsion and symptoms of incontinence (OR 1.75 [0.74, 4.12]; MD 0.13 [-0.58, 0.85]), including in the subgroup of patients with concomitant anal sphincter injury (OR 1.83 [0.71, 4.71]). CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify an association between LAM avulsion and ano-rectal dysfunction following vaginal childbirth.
- MeSH
- Anal Canal * physiopathology injuries diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Fecal Incontinence etiology physiopathology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
- Manometry MeSH
- Rectal Diseases * etiology physiopathology MeSH
- Pelvic Floor * physiopathology diagnostic imaging injuries MeSH
- Postpartum Period MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Delivery, Obstetric * adverse effects MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Systematic Review MeSH
INTRODUCTION: In the UK, the Royal College of Midwives and the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy advocate that women undertake early and effective pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) during the childbirth period to reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence (UI). OBJECTIVES: This project sought to assess and improve midwives' compliance with best practice recommendations for PFMT in a UK NHS maternity service, with the goal of improving PFMT for women. METHODS: This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework and JBI's best practice recommendations for PFMT. Following a baseline audit of midwives' practice, the results were considered. The JBI Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) approach was used to identify barriers and facilitators to improve compliance with recommendations. A follow-up audit was undertaken after the development of a revised continuing professional development (CPD) program for midwives on PFMT. RESULTS: The results showed improved compliance with all four audit criteria. Criterion 1 (midwives' engagement with PFMT) increased from 76% to 92%; Criterion 2 (PFMT during the antenatal period) rose from 50% to 92%; Criterion 3 (postnatal risk assessment for UI) rose from 45% to 67%; and Criterion 4 (PFMT for high-risk women during the postnatal period) increased from 49% to 92%. CONCLUSION: Whilst this study presented some challenges in implementing evidence-based initiatives in a UK NHS maternity service, it also demonstrated that an audit approach can overcome these, thereby improving compliance with best practices. In this case, changes to a CPD PFMT program increased midwives' compliance with evidence-based practice criteria. In the future, when implementing change in the NHS system, consideration should be given to organizational and leadership factors. Further audits will need to be carried out to monitor practice and effect change. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A322.
- MeSH
- Midwifery * standards MeSH
- Guideline Adherence * MeSH
- Urinary Incontinence * prevention & control MeSH
- Evidence-Based Practice MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pelvic Floor * physiology MeSH
- Parturition * MeSH
- Practice Guidelines as Topic MeSH
- State Medicine MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Exercise Therapy * methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- United Kingdom MeSH
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of pelvic floor and anal sphincter trauma in women after assisted vaginal delivery. METHODS: Retrospective study on 201 primiparous women after assisted vaginal delivery, control group 43 women after normal vaginal delivery. 4D translabial ultrasound examination of the levator ani and the anal sphincter was performed according to standard methodology at least 3 months postpartum. Ultrasound classification of trauma was performed by two independent evaluators blinded to clinical data. A third evaluator was asked to confirm findings in case of discrepancy. RESULTS: The LAM avulsion rate for normal delivery was 20.9%, for forceps 60%, for vacuum extraction 21.7% Odds ratio for forceps vs. NVD was 4.32 (1.69, 11.01), for vacuum vs. NVD 0.98 (0.409, 2.327). Ultrasound OASI rate was 33.3% for Forceps and 30.50% for Vacuum. This equated to an OR of 1.78 (0.85 - 3.10) for Forceps and 1.62 (0.85-3.10) for Vacuum relative to NVD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm forceps as the major risk factor for levator avulsion. Forceps also implies a non-significantly higher risk of OASI compared to NVD.
- MeSH
- Anal Canal * injuries diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Extraction, Obstetrical adverse effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Pelvic Floor * diagnostic imaging injuries MeSH
- Obstetrical Forceps adverse effects MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Ultrasonography * methods MeSH
- Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical * adverse effects MeSH
- Delivery, Obstetric adverse effects methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pelvic Floor * MeSH
- Self Care MeSH
- Women's Health MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Popular Work MeSH
