Transanal ultrasonography for diagnosis of obstetric anal sphincter trauma
Sudoł-Szopińska, I.; Jakubowski, W.; Cendrowski, K.; Sarti, D.; Nita, Z.J.; Welz, B.
Ginekologia Polska 72(7): 574-582
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-0011 PMID: 11599241 Document Number: 529846
Fecal incontinence affects up to 2% of the general population. The major cause of it is related to the birth trauma of the anal sphincters. In this paper the possibilities of transanal endosonography in the assessment of the anal canal muscles defects after deliveries were presented. Anal canal sonographic anatomy together with the technique of the examination with the use of rotating endoprobe were presented. Transanal rotating endoprobe was compared with exoanal probes for visualization of the anal canal. Ultrasonic images of internal and external anal sphincters defects were shown with specific patterns of defects allowing differentiation between morphological and neurological damages of the sphincters. Anal endosonography was compared with clinical examination, electromyography and manometry in the assessment of the integrity of the anal sphincters.