Pelvic Floor Imaging

Different aspects of imaging of the pelvic floor and pelvic floor ultrasound are studied. Translabial 3D ultrasonography and MR Imaging of the pelvic floor are new methods, which can be used to judge the integrity of the levator ani muscle. Levator defects can occur during childbirth and are associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and possibly with recurrence after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. If the diagnostic test characteristics of pelvic floor ultrasound are satisfactory for diagnosing levator defects and the relation with recurrence is confirmed, it will be possible to identify a subgroup of patients at risk for recurrence after conventional POP surgery.

This study, sponsored by ZonMW, is a collaborative initiative within the Dutch Urogynaecological Research Consortium, which involves the following centers: Atrium Medisch Centrum Parkstad, Orbis Medisch Centrum Sittard, Laurentius ziekenhuis Roermond, Viecuri Medisch Centrum Venlo, Academisch Medisch Centrum Amsterdam, Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht.

Recommended literature

M. Weemhoff, M.M.L.H. Wassen, L. Korsten, J.Serroyen, P.H.N.M.Kampschoer, F.J.M.E. Roumen. Postoperative catheterization after anterior colporrhaphy: 2 versus 5 days. A multicentre randomized controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J 2011; 22: 477-483.

M. Weemhoff, T.F. Vergeldt, K. Notten, J. Serroyen, P.H.N.M. Kampschoer, F.J.M.E. Roumen. Avulsion of puborectalis muscle and other risk factors for cystocele recurrence: a 2-year follow-up study. Int Urogynecol J. 2012 Jan; 23(1):65-71.

K.J.B. Notten, M. Weemhoff, K.B. Kluivers, K.J. Schweitzer, F. Mulder, G Link et al. Protocol for Translabial 3D-ultrasonography for diagnosing levatordefects (TRUDIL): a multicentre cohort study for estimating diagnostic accuracy of translabial 3D ultrasonography of the pelvic floor as compared to MR imaging. BMC Women’s health 2011;3:11:23.

M. Weemhoff, K.B. Kluivers, B. Govaert, J.L.H. Evers, A.G.H. Kessels, C.G. Baeten. Transperineal ultrasound compared to evacuation proctography for diagnosing enteroceles and intussusceptions. Int J Colorectal Dis (2013) 28:359–363.