Transperineal anal sphincter complex evaluation after obstetric anal sphincter injuries: With or without tomographic ultrasound imaging technique?

Objectives: "Significant" obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) have been defined as visible defects of at least 30° in at least 4/6 slices using tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) with transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). The objective of this study was to assess if TUI is mandatory for the evaluation of OASIS.

Methods: Patients with a history of OASIS were evaluated by performing 3D-endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) and 3D-TPUS with and without TUI.

Impact of episiotomy on the urogenital hiatus using transperineal ultrasound.

Aims: To analyze whether episiotomy affects the urogenital hiatal area and the difference in the hiatus at rest and during contraction, as an indirect measurement of the contractile capacity of the levator ani muscle.

Methods: We performed an observational, comparative, retrospective study of primiparous women who had normal vaginal deliveries. The urogenital hiatal area was compared in women with and without episiotomy.

Three-dimensional translabial ultrasound assessment of urethral supports and the urethral sphincter complex in stress urinary incontinence.

Aims: The pathophysiological mechanism of incontinence is multifactorial. We evaluated the role of 3D-4D ultrasound in the assessment of the fascial supports of the urethra and the urethral sphincter complex (USC) for diagnosing stress urinary incontinence.

Methods: Observational case-control study in women with and without stress urinary incontinence attending a urogynecology service and a general gynecology service.

Can we identify changes in fascial paravaginal supports after childbirth?

Background: Defects of anterior vaginal wall fascia are generally assumed to be factors in the aetiology of cystocele. However, to date, there is very little information on diagnosis by imaging.

Aim: To document the appearance of vaginal fornices before and after childbirth using 4D ultrasound volume data sets as an aid in diagnosing paravaginal defects of the anterior vaginal wall.

Tridimensional sonographic anatomical changes on pelvic floor muscle according to the type of delivery.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of avulsion and postnatal hiatal dimensions with delivery mode. These anatomical changes on pelvic floor muscle may be assessed by 3-4D ultrasonography.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study that included 164 women: 20 nulliparous, 20 primigravid, and 124 postpartum women (62 at 1 month, 62 at 9 months postpartum).