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Dietz HP, Shek KL. What modality is optimal for pelvic floor imaging? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:e148-e149. [PMID: 38763344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ka Lai Shek
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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Ragusa A, Ficarola F, Svelato A, De Luca C, D'Avino S, Carabaneanu A, Ferrari A, Cundari GB, Angioli R, Manella P. Is an episiotomy always necessary during an operative vaginal delivery with vacuum? A longitudinal study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2244627. [PMID: 37553125 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2244627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The use of episiotomy during operative vaginal birth (OVB) is rather debated among operators and in literature. It is also important to evaluate the indications for which episiotomy is performed. In fact, the consequences of an episiotomy can be invalidating for patients with long-lasting results. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the role of episiotomy during OVB with the vacuum extractor and its correlation with Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIs).Methods: On of 9165 vaginal births, a total of 498 OVB (5.4%) were enrolled in a longitudinal prospective observational study. The incidence of OASIs was evaluated in our population after OVB performed with the vacuum extractor, during which the execution of episiotomy was performed indicated by clinician in charge.Results: OASIs occurred in 4% of the patients (n = 20). Episiotomy was performed in 39% of them (n = 181). OASIs incidence was 6% (n = 17) in the No Episiotomy and 1.8% (n = 3) in Episiotomy group (p<.001). Performance of episiotomy during OVB determined a protective effect against OASIs (p = 0.025 in full cohort and p = 0.013 in the primiparous group). An expulsive phase under one hour was an almost significant protective factor (p = 0.052).Conclusions: The use of episiotomy during OVB was associated with much lower OASIs rates in nulliparous women with a vacuum extraction; OR 0.23 (CI 95% 0.07-0.81) p = 0.037 in nulliparous women and the number necessary to treat was 18 among nulliparous women to prevent 1 OASIs. A further risk factor that emerged from the analysis is a prolonged expulsive period, whereas fundal pressure does not seem to have a statistically significant influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ragusa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fernando Ficarola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Svelato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital Isola Tiberina, Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital Isola Tiberina, Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara D'Avino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital Isola Tiberina, Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Alis Carabaneanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prato General Hospital, Prato, Italy
| | - Amerigo Ferrari
- Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Institute of Management, MeS (Management and Health) Laboratory, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianna Barbara Cundari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Angioli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Manella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Dietz HP. Diagnosis of maternal birth trauma by pelvic floor ultrasound. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 285:86-96. [PMID: 37087835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BRIEF SUMMARY Maternal somatic birth trauma due to vaginal delivery is more common than generally assumed and an important cause of future morbidity. Maternal birth trauma may involve both psychological and somatic morbidity, some of it long-term and permanent. Somatic birth trauma is now understood to encompass not just episiotomy, perineal tears and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), but also trauma to the levator ani muscle, termed 'avulsion'. This review will focus on recent developments in the imaging diagnosis of maternal birth trauma, discuss the most important risk factors and strategies for primary and secondary prevention. Translabial and exo-anal ultrasound allow the assessment of maternal birth trauma in routine clinical practice and enable the use of levator avulsion and anal sphincter trauma as key performance indicators of maternity services. This is likely to lead to a greater awareness of maternal birth trauma amongst maternity caregivers and improved outcomes for patients, not the least due to an increasing emphasis on patient autonomy and informed consent in antenatal and intrapartum care.
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Wang Y, Wang H. Transvaginal Two-Dimensional Ultrasound Evaluation as a Screening Tool for Levator ani Muscle Avulsion in Postpartum Women. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:161-169. [PMID: 35670590 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the agreement between two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (2D-TVUS) and transperineal tomographic ultrasound imaging on three-dimensional (3D) volume in diagnosing levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion of postpartum women. Furthermore, we tested the repeatability of the 2D-TVUS in measuring the LAM thickness. METHODS A retrospective study was performed using the data sets from postpartum women. One doctor measured the thickness of the LAM on the images at the attachment to the arcus tendinous levator ani and the middle part using the 2D-TVUS ultrasound data sets of postpartum women. These women were examined twice, at 42-56 days and 3-6 months postpartum. Intra-observer repeatability was expressed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The other doctor judged whether there was avulsion in the LAM on the 2D-TVUS and transperineal tomography imaging on the 3D volume. The inter-method agreement was determined using Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). RESULTS Thickness measurements of the middle part and attachment of the LAM by 2D-TVUS showed excellent and good intra-observer repeatability (ICC 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76-0.88, and ICC 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67-0.84, respectively). The overall agreement was 92% (Cohen's kappa was 0.79) between 2D-TVUS and transperineal tomographic imaging. Compared to transperineal tomographic imaging in the diagnosis of LAM avulsion, the diagnostic sensitivity of 2D-TVUS was 91.7%, the specificity was 92.1%. CONCLUSIONS The 2D-TVUS technique, a simple and reproducible method for assessing LAM avulsion, may be helpful as a screening tool for LAM avulsion of postpartum women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - HuiFang Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Rotstein E, von Rosen P, Karlström S, Knutsson JE, Rose N, Forslin E, Palmgren PJ, Tegerstedt G, Engberg H. Development and initial validation of a Swedish inventory to screen for symptoms of deficient perineum in women after vaginal childbirth: 'Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory'. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:638. [PMID: 35964017 PMCID: PMC9375344 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04964-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perineal tears are common after vaginal birth and may result in pelvic floor symptoms. However, there is no validated questionnaire that addresses long-term symptoms in women with a deficient perineum after vaginal birth. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a clinical screening inventory that estimates subjective symptoms in women with a deficient perineum more than one year after vaginal delivery. Material and methods The development and psychometric evaluation employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative strategies involved content validity and Think Aloud protocol for generation of items. The psychometric evaluation employed principal component analysis to reduce the number of items. The inventory was completed by women with persistent symptoms after perineal tears (N = 170). Results were compared to those of primiparous women giving birth by caesarean section (N = 54) and nulliparous women (N = 338). Results A preliminary 41-item inventory was developed, and the psychometric evaluation resulted in a final 11-item inventory. Women with confirmed deficient perineum after perineal trauma scored significantly higher on the symptoms inventory than women in control groups. A cut-off value of ≥ 8 could distinguish patients from controls with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (87–91%). Conclusions The Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory, is a psychometrically valid 11-item patient-reported outcome measure for symptoms of deficient perineum more than one year after vaginal birth. More research is needed to validate the inventory in various patient populations as well as its use in pelvic floor interventions. The inventory has the potential to improve patient counseling and care in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04964-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Rotstein
- Department of Clinical Science Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Philip von Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofie Karlström
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jona Elings Knutsson
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina Rose
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ellinore Forslin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Västmanland Västerås, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Per J Palmgren
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Tegerstedt
- Department of Clinical Science Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hedvig Engberg
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Dietz HP. Ultrasound imaging of maternal birth trauma. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 32:1953-1962. [PMID: 33595672 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The term 'maternal birth trauma' has undergone substantial changes in meaning over the last 2 decades. Leaving aside psychological morbidity, somatic trauma is now understood to encompass not just episiotomy, perineal tears and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), but also trauma to the levator ani muscle. This review covers diagnosis of maternal birth trauma by translabial ultrasound imaging. METHODS Narrative review. RESULTS Tomographic imaging of pelvic structures with the help of 4D ultrasound, used since 2007, has allowed international standardization and seems to be highly reproducible and valid for the diagnosis of OASI and levator avulsion. CONCLUSIONS Translabial and exo-anal ultrasound allows the assessment of maternal birth trauma in routine clinical practice and the utilization of avulsion and sphincter trauma as key performance indicators of maternity services. It is hoped that this will lead to a greater awareness of maternal birth trauma among maternity caregivers and improved outcomes for patients, both in the short term and in the decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Peter Dietz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, 62 Derby Street, Kingswood, NSW, 2747, Australia.
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Gillor M, Shek KL, Dietz HP. How comparable is clinical grading of obstetric anal sphincter injury with that determined by four-dimensional translabial ultrasound? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 56:618-623. [PMID: 32149422 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the agreement between grading of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) on translabial ultrasound (TLUS), using a newly developed algorithm, and grading on postpartum examination. A secondary aim was to assess the correlation between tear severity, as defined on ultrasound, and symptoms of anal incontinence and/or fecal urgency. METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients seen at a perineal clinic between 2012 and 2018, after recent primary repair of OASI. All patients underwent a standardized interview including the St Mark's anal incontinence test and four-dimensional TLUS. Post-processing of ultrasound volume data was performed blinded to all other data. Using tomographic ultrasound imaging, a set of eight slices was obtained, and the central six slices were evaluated for sphincter abnormalities. Slices with distortion, thinning or defects were rated as abnormal. The following algorithm was used to grade OASI: a Grade-3a tear was diagnosed if the external anal sphincter (EAS) was abnormal in < 4/6 slices; a Grade-3b tear was diagnosed if the EAS was abnormal in ≥ 4/6 slices; and a Grade-3c/4 tear was diagnosed if both the EAS and internal anal sphincter were abnormal in ≥ 4/6 slices. Clinical grading of OASI was determined according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines. Agreement between clinical and TLUS diagnosis of OASI was evaluated using weighted κ. RESULTS Of the 260 women seen during the study period, 45 (17%) were excluded owing to missing data or a repeat OASI, leaving 215 complete datasets for analysis. The average follow-up interval was 2.4 months (range, 1-11 months) after OASI and the mean age of the women was 29 years (range, 17-42 years). One hundred and seventy-five (81%) women were vaginally primiparous. OASI was graded clinically as Grade 3a in 87 women, Grade 3b in 80, Grade 3c in 29 and Grade 4 in 19. On imaging, full agreement between clinical and TLUS grading was noted in 107 (50%) women, with a weighted κ of 0.398. In 96 (45%) women, there was disagreement by one category, with a weighted κ of 0.74 and in 12 (6%) there was disagreement by two categories. Twenty-four (11%) women were found to have a normal anal sphincter on imaging. Overall, potential clinical over-diagnosis was noted in 72 (33%) women and potential under-diagnosis in 36 (17%). The seniority of the diagnosing obstetrician did not significantly alter agreement between clinical and sonographic OASI grading (κ 0.44, 0.43, and 0.34, for specialists and senior and junior residents, respectively). The association between symptoms of anal incontinence and/or fecal urgency and TLUS grading did not reach significance (P = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS Clinical and TLUS-based grading of OASI showed fair agreement. Clinical over-diagnosis may be increasingly common in our population, although under-diagnosis may still occur in a significant minority. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gillor
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Kaplan Medical Centre, Rehovot, Affiliated to the Hebrew University and Hadassah School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - K L Shek
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Liverpool Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - H P Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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9
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Pereira GMV, Hosoume RS, de Castro Monteiro MV, Juliato CRT, Brito LGO. Selective episiotomy versus no episiotomy for severe perineal trauma: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 31:2291-2299. [PMID: 32333062 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized whether a non-episiotomy protocol or administration of selective episiotomy as an intrapartum intervention would modify the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). METHODS We registered this systematic review with the PROSPERO database (CRD42018111018). Prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included from databases until February 2019. The primary outcome was OASIS, and the secondary outcomes were any perineal trauma, duration of the second stage of labor, instrumental delivery, and post-partum hemorrhage. The risk of bias (Cochrane Handbook) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to assess the RCTs. RESULTS A total of 1,833 results (PubMed 650, SCOPUS 1,144, Cochrane Library 33, LILACS 6) were obtained. However, only 2 studies fulfilled the criteria for quantitative analysis and meta-analysis (n = 574). The non-episiotomy arm included two episiotomies (1.7% of deliveries), whereas the selective episiotomy included 33 episiotomies (21.4%). Performance of selective episiotomy demonstrated no difference compared with that of the non-episiotomy group with regard to OASIS (OR = 0.46 [0.15-1.39]; n = 543; I2 = 0%,p = 0.17), any perineal trauma (OR = 0.90 [0.61-1.33]; I2 = 0%, n = 546, p = 0.59), instrumental delivery (OR = 1.40 [0.80-2.45]; I2 = 0%, n = 545, p = 0.24), duration of the second stage of labor (MD = -3.71 [-21.56, 14.14]; I2 = 72%,n = 546, p = 0.68), perineal pain (MD = 0.59 [0.01-1.17]; I2 = 0%,p = 0.05), and post-partum hemorrhage (OR = 1.75 [0.87-3.54]; I2 = 0%,n = 546,p = 0.12). The evaluated studies displayed a low risk of bias in at least four of the seven categories analyzed. GRADE demonstrated a low certainty for severe perineal tears, postpartum hemorrhage, duration of the second stage of labor, and a moderate certainty for any perineal tear. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference between non-episiotomy and selective episiotomy regarding OASIS. No RCT was able to confirm a benefit of the non-performance of episiotomies in the non-episiotomy arm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gláucia Miranda Varella Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, 13148-254, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cassia Raquel Teatin Juliato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, 13148-254, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, 13148-254, Brazil.
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The impact of variations in obstetric practice on maternal birth trauma. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 30:917-923. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-03887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Caudwell-Hall J, Kamisan Atan I, Brown C, Guzman Rojas R, Langer S, Shek KL, Dietz HP. Can pelvic floor trauma be predicted antenatally? Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2018; 97:751-757. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Caudwell-Hall
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
| | - Ixora Kamisan Atan
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Chris Brown
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Center; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Rodrigo Guzman Rojas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Clínica Alemana de Santiago-Universidad del Desarrollo; Santiago Chile
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - Susanne Langer
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
| | - Ka L. Shek
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
- Liverpool Clinical School; Western Sydney University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Hans P. Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Nepean Hospital; Penrith NSW Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is increasing awareness of the importance of intrapartum events for future pelvic floor morbidity in women. In this review, we summarize recent evidence and potential consequences for clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS Both epidemiological evidence and data from perinatal imaging studies have greatly improved our understanding of the link between childbirth and later morbidity. The main consequences of traumatic childbirth are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and anal incontinence. In both instances the primary etiological pathways have been identified: levator trauma in the case of POP and anal sphincter tears in the case of anal incontinence. As most such trauma is occult, imaging is required for diagnosis. SUMMARY Childbirth-related major maternal trauma is much more common than generally assumed, and it is the primary etiological factor in POP and anal incontinence. Both sphincter and levator trauma can now be identified on imaging. This is crucial not only for clinical care and audit, but also for research. Postnatally diagnosed trauma can serve as intermediate outcome measure in intervention trials, opening up multiple opportunities for clinical research aimed at primary and secondary prevention.
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Dietz HP. Exoanal Imaging of the Anal Sphincters. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2018; 37:263-280. [PMID: 28543281 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since its introduction in the early 1990s, endoanal sonography has become the mainstay of morphologic assessment of the anal canal and sphincter, especially for obstetric anal sphincter trauma. Lack of availability of suitable systems and the invasive nature of the method have limited uptake and clinical utility. More recently, exoanal or transperineal/translabial tomographic imaging has been developed as a noninvasive alternative. This pictorial overview aims to introduce the reader to this new diagnostic modality and to demonstrate common findings in asymptomatic and symptomatic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Peter Dietz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Sioutis D, Thakar R, Sultan AH. Overdiagnosis and rising rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS): time for reappraisal. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 50:642-647. [PMID: 27643513 DOI: 10.1002/uog.17306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) using three-dimensional (3D) endoanal ultrasound (EA-US) and to compare symptoms and anal manometry measurements between women with anal sphincters adequately repaired and those with persistent anal sphincter defects. METHODS The EA-US images of women with clinically diagnosed and repaired OASIS, defined as third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, who attended the perineal clinic at Croydon University Hospital over a 10-year period (2003-2013) were reanalyzed by a single expert blind to symptoms and the results of clinical examination. St Mark's Incontinence Scores (SMIS) and anal manometry measurements were obtained and compared between women with an intact anal sphincter and those with an anal sphincter scar and between those with an intact anal sphincter and those with a defect. Anal manometry measurements were compared between women with an external anal sphincter (EAS) defect and those with an internal anal sphincter (IAS) defect. RESULTS The images of 908 women were reanalyzed. No evidence of OASIS was found in 64 (7.0%) women, an EAS scar alone was detected in 520 (57.3%) and an anal sphincter defect in 324 (35.7%). Of the 324 women with a defect, 112 had an EAS defect, 90 had an IAS defect and 122 had a combined IAS and EAS defect. SMIS results were significantly higher in women with an anal sphincter defect compared with those with no evidence of OASIS (P = 0.018), but there was no significant difference in scores between women with an intact sphincter and those with an EAS scar only. Women with a defect had a significantly lower maximum resting pressure (median (range), 44 (8-106) vs 55 (29-86) mmHg; P < 0.001) and maximum squeeze pressure (median (range), 74 (23-180) vs 103 (44-185) mmHg; P < 0.001) compared with those in the intact group. Similar, but less marked, differences were observed in women with an EAS scar compared with those who had an intact anal sphincter. The anal length was significantly shorter in women with a defect compared with those in the intact group (median (range), 20 (10-40) vs 25 (10-40) mm; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Seven percent of women with a clinical diagnosis of OASIS were wrongly diagnosed. We believe that this rate may differ from that of other units but training methods and competency assessment tools for the diagnosis and repair of OASIS need urgent reappraisal. The role of EA-US in the immediate postpartum period needs further evaluation as the accurate interpretation of the images is dependent on the expertise of the staff involved. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sioutis
- Department of Obstetrics and Urogynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - R Thakar
- Department of Obstetrics and Urogynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - A H Sultan
- Department of Obstetrics and Urogynaecology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
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Caudwell-Hall J, Kamisan Atan I, Martin A, Guzman Rojas R, Langer S, Shek K, Dietz HP. Intrapartum predictors of maternal levator ani injury. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017; 96:426-431. [PMID: 28117880 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Damage to the pelvic floor during vaginal childbirth is common, and may take the form of levator avulsion or irreversible overdistension of the levator hiatus (microtrauma). Such trauma is a major risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse later in life. In this study we aimed to identify intrapartum risk factors for levator trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of data obtained in two perinatal studies on primiparous women. Between 2005 and 2014, 1148 women carrying an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy in the late third trimester were seen for 4D pelvic floor ultrasound and an interview. They were invited for a repeat assessment at three months postpartum. RESULTS Of 1148 women, 871 (76%) returned for assessment at a mean of five months postpartum. The datasets of 844 women were analyzed due to missing data or concurrent pregnancy in 27. In all, 452 (54%) had a normal vaginal delivery, 102 (12%) a vacuum, 55 (6%) a forceps, and 235 (28%) a cesarean section. On multivariate analysis forceps, length of second stage and obstetric anal sphincter tears were significantly associated with levator avulsion. There were no significant predictors identified for irreversible overdistension. CONCLUSIONS The use of forceps, a prolonged second stage, and obstetric anal sphincter tears were associated with levator avulsion. There were no associated intrapartum predictors for hiatal overdistension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Caudwell-Hall
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ixora Kamisan Atan
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Martin
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Guzman Rojas
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susanne Langer
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kalai Shek
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,Liverpool Clinical School, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hans P Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Dietz HP, Campbell S. Toward normal birth-but at what cost? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:439-44. [PMID: 27131590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The rate of cesarean delivery has become an important health care issue, and has attracted the attention of governments, professional organizations, health care administrators, clinicians, and patients. This has resulted in the generation of guidelines, clinical recommendations, and other documents aimed at increasing the likelihood of vaginal delivery. Sometimes, these recommendations are formulated with limited input from clinicians. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, external pressure exerted on clinicians to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery has been the subject of public debate, and has led to unintended consequences, including an increase in medicolegal tensions. In the United States and Australia, recent recommendations generated by professional bodies have advocated that clinicians should change practice to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery. We do not summarize the risks and benefits of cesarean birth in different clinical situations, which have been the subject of numerous reviews. Rather, we try to examine the potential implications of such policies in light of recent observations made in maternity units, judicial decisions, and clinical research. The emphasis is on maternal morbidity and patient autonomy. This may include the negative consequences of increasingly risky attempts at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery such as uterine rupture, higher rates of pelvic floor and anal sphincter trauma due to rising forceps rates, and a bias against elective cesarean delivery on maternal request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Peter Dietz
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, Penrith, Australia.
| | - Stuart Campbell
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, St George's Hospital, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Dietz HP, Exton L. Natural childbirth ideology is endangering women and babies. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2016; 56:447-449. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Peter Dietz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Sydney Medical School Nepean; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Kamisan Atan I, Shek KL, Langer S, Guzman Rojas R, Caudwell-Hall J, Daly JO, Dietz HP. Does the Epi-No®birth trainer prevent vaginal birth-related pelvic floor trauma? A multicentre prospective randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2016; 123:995-1003. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Kamisan Atan
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC); Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - KL Shek
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Liverpool Clinical School; Liverpool Hospital; University of Western Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - S Langer
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - R Guzman Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina; Clínica Alemana - Universidad del Desarrollo; Santiago Chile
- Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - J Caudwell-Hall
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - JO Daly
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - HP Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
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Epi-No should be tested in different obstetric settings until an evidence-based clinical decision can be made. Int Urogynecol J 2015; 26:1883. [PMID: 26449214 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-015-2857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Guzmán Rojas RA, Kamisan Atan I, Shek KL, Dietz HP. Anal sphincter trauma and anal incontinence in urogynecological patients. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2015; 46:363-366. [PMID: 25766889 DOI: 10.1002/uog.14845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of evidence of residual obstetric anal sphincter injury, to evaluate its association with anal incontinence (AI) and to establish minimal diagnostic criteria for significant (residual) external anal sphincter (EAS) trauma. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of ultrasound volume datasets of 501 patients attending a tertiary urogynecological unit. All patients underwent a standardized interview including determination of St Mark's score for those presenting with AI. Tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) was used to evaluate the EAS and the internal anal sphincter (IAS). RESULTS Among a total of 501 women, significant EAS and IAS defects were found in 88 and 59, respectively, and AI was reported by 69 (14%). Optimal prediction of AI was achieved using a model that included four abnormal slices of the EAS on TUI. IAS defects were found to be less likely to be associated with AI. In a multivariable model controlling for age and IAS trauma, the presence of at least four abnormal slices gave an 18-fold (95% CI, 9-36; P < 0.0001) increase in the likelihood of AI, compared with those with fewer than four abnormal slices. Using receiver-operating characteristics curve statistics, this model yielded an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80-0.92). CONCLUSIONS Both AI and significant EAS trauma are common in patients attending urogynecological units, and are strongly associated with each other. Abnormalities of the IAS seem to be less important in predicting AI. Our data support the practice of using, as a minimal criterion, defects present in four of the six slices on TUI for the diagnosis of significant EAS trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Guzmán Rojas
- Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana - Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - I Kamisan Atan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K L Shek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liverpool Hospital, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - H P Dietz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, Australia
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Dietz HP. Forceps: towards obsolescence or revival? Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2015; 94:347-51. [PMID: 25625336 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cesarean section rates have become a political issue, attracting the attention of governments, health bureaucrats and professional organizations. In some instances this has led to a renewed interest in forceps delivery, even Kielland's rotational forceps. It is suggested that calls for a greater use of forceps, especially rotational forceps, are ill-advised and commonly based on ignorance of recent urogynecological and imaging literature. Forceps use is associated with a much higher likelihood of major maternal trauma, especially to the anal sphincter and levator ani muscles, which may result in substantial future morbidity. Hence, its use should be avoided whenever possible. This is particularly obvious for rotational forceps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Peter Dietz
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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