Measurement of anal cushions in continent women.

Aim: Anal cushions are connective tissue complexes thought to be involved in anal continence. This study aimed to assess them in continent subjects.

Method: Continent women undergoing a transvaginal ultrasound scan for gynaecological reasons were included.

Measurement of anal cushions in idiopathic faecal incontinence.

Background: Faecal incontinence affects a heterogeneous population and aetiology can be multifactorial. In a subset of patients the aetiology remains idiopathic despite standard investigations. Anal cushions are important in normal continence, but have rarely been studied.

Measurement of the anal cushions by transvaginal ultrasonography.

Purpose: The anal cushions are believed to contribute to the anal continence mechanism. Transvaginal ultrasound previously has been used to visualize the anal sphincters. Using this method, visualization of the anal cushions has been described but no quantitation of the cushions has been undertaken.