Abstract
Objective:
Abstract: Objectives: Assess the accuracy of freehand 3D Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) compared to 3D endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) for obtaining pelvic floor measurements.
Methods:
We compared 30 freehand 3D transperineal ultrasounds and 360 degrees endovaginal ultrasounds of patients referred to our clinic with different urogynecologic symptoms during January-June 2011. The minimal levator hiatus (MLH) height (AP), width (RL), and area were obtained by 3D transperineal and endovaginal ultrasound.
Results:
A total of 60 3D volumes (30 for each modality) were reviewed . The mean age of women in our study group was 52.36 years (SD ± 15.86), median parity 2 (range 0-5). The median stage of prolapse was 1 (range 0-3). The mean weight was 166.16 pounds (SD ± 59.07). The mean MLH height, width and area in TPUS measurements were 60.72 mm (SD ±9.30), 54.17 mm (SD ±11.10), and 26.16 cm2 (SD ±7.72) respectively. The mean MLH height, width and area in EVUS measurements were 51.54 mm (SD ±6.36), 37.41 mm (SD ±5.86), and 15.08 cm2 (SD ±3.67) respectively. Bland Altman analyses of each measurement demonstrated that the two modalities do not consistently provide similar measurements.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated that freehand acquisition of 3D transperineal volumes does not provide accurate measurements when compared to 3D endovaginal ultrasonography.
Keywords: Transperineal Ultrasound; Endovaginal Ultrasound; Minimal Levator Hiatus; Pelvic Floor; Levator Ani Muscle.
