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Schmidt P, Swenson CW, DeLancey JO, Chen L. Postpartum Changes in Levator Plate Shape and Genital Hiatus Size After Vaginal Delivery. Int Urogynecol J 2024:10.1007/s00192-024-05813-4. [PMID: 38811410 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05813-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Vaginal delivery is a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse. We sought to quantify changes in level III pelvic support measurements at 7 weeks and 8 months following vaginal delivery. METHODS This secondary analysis included primiparous women who underwent pelvic MRI and clinical examinations at 7 weeks and 8 months after vaginal delivery. Demographics and obstetrical data were abstracted. Mid-sagittal resting MRIs were used to perform level III measurements including urogenital hiatus (UGH), levator hiatus (LH), and mid-sagittal levator area (LA), and to trace the levator plate (LP). Using principal component analysis, 7-week and 8-month principal component scores (PC1s) and MRI measurements were compared using paired t test. If the PC1 score change from 7 weeks to 8 months was > 0, women were considered to have a more dorsally oriented LP shape. RESULTS Of 76 participants, POP-Q values did not significantly differ between 7 weeks and 8 months, but MRI measurements improved (UGH: 3.9 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.001; LH: 5.4 ± 0.8 vs 5.2 ± 0.8, p = 0.01; LA: 18.0 ± 6.0 vs 15.2 ± 6.5, p < 0.001). Approximately 30% (22 out of 76) had a more dorsally oriented LP shape and larger level III measurements at 8 months than women with a more ventrally oriented LP shape (LA: 86.4% vs 1.9%, p < 0.001; LH: 16% vs 12%, p < 0.001; UGH: 59.1% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS After vaginal delivery, most women had "recovery" of level III support-defined by smaller UGH, LH, and LA measurements-and a more ventrally oriented LP shape. However, nearly 30% had larger level III measurements and a more dorsally oriented LP shape, indicating "impaired recovery" of support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payton Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Carolyn W Swenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John O DeLancey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Luyun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Martínez Franco E, Molinet Coll C, Altimira Queral L, Balsells S, Carreras M, Parés D. Factors involved in changes in the levator ani during pregnancy. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:1933-1938. [PMID: 36805781 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05487-4] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Levator ani muscle (LAM) dimensions increase during pregnancy to allow the delivery of the fetus. The objective was to investigate which factors are involved in LAM modifications during pregnancy. METHODS A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted between July 2015 and March 2018. Ninety-nine nulliparous pregnant women were included. Data on the physical examination, 4D transperineal ultrasound and hormonal concentrations (progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin) were collected during the first and third trimesters. RESULTS We found higher hiatal dimensions at the beginning of pregnancy than in other studies with nonpregnant women. Increases in the levator ani hiatal (LH) dimensions were observed at contraction (1.01 ±1.96 cm2), rest (0.82 ± 2.51 cm2) and on Valsalva (2.36 ± 3.64 cm2) throughout pregnancy. The distensibility in the third trimester was higher than in the first trimester (5.79 vs 4.24 cm2; p=0); however, the contractility was lower (-3.32 vs -3.5 cm2; p=0.04). Women with lower scores on the Modified Oxford Grading Scale in the third trimester presented with lower contractility in the LAM. A larger LH at the end of pregnancy was associated with age and body mass index. Eleven women developed ballooning during pregnancy; in these women, relaxin was higher in both trimesters than in women without ballooning, but these results were not statistically significant. The linear models to predict third-trimester Valsalva LH, distensibility and contractility were not conclusive and did not show any factors to predict LAM modifications during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Hormones could play a role in modifying the muscle properties of LAM from the beginning of pregnancy, but we did not find an association between LAM measurements and hormone concentration in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Martínez Franco
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C/Antoni Pujadas num 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Molinet Coll
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C/Antoni Pujadas num 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Altimira Queral
- Chemistry Laboratory, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sol Balsells
- Statistical Advising Service, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Carreras
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C/Antoni Pujadas num 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Parés
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Cheng W, English E, Horner W, Swenson CW, Chen L, Pipitone F, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JOL. Hiatal failure: effects of pregnancy, delivery, and pelvic floor disorders on level III factors. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:327-343. [PMID: 36129480 PMCID: PMC10171831 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The failure of the levator hiatus (LH) and urogenital hiatus (UGH) to remain closed is not only associated with pelvic floor disorders, but also contributes to recurrence after surgical repair. Pregnancy and vaginal birth are key events affecting this closure. An understanding of normal and failed hiatal closure is necessary to understand, manage, and prevent pelvic floor disorders. METHODS This narrative review was conducted by applying the keywords "levator hiatus" OR "genital hiatus" OR "urogenital hiatus" in PubMed. Articles that reported hiatal size related to pelvic floor disorders and pregnancy were chosen. Weighted averages for hiatal size were calculated for each clinical situation. RESULTS Women with prolapse have a 22% and 30% larger LH area measured by ultrasound at rest and during Valsalva than parous women with normal support. Women with persistently enlarged UGH have 2-3 times higher postoperative failure rates after surgery for prolapse. During pregnancy, the LH area at Valsalva increases by 29% from the first to the third trimester in preparation for childbirth. The enlarged postpartum hiatus recovers over time, but does not return to nulliparous size after vaginal birth. Levator muscle injury during vaginal birth, especially forceps-assisted, is associated with increases in hiatal size; however, it only explains a portion of hiatus variation-the rest can be explained by pelvic muscle function and possibly injury to other level III structures. CONCLUSIONS Failed hiatal closure is strongly related to pelvic floor disorders. Vaginal birth and levator injury are primary factors affecting this important mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Beaumont Hospital Dearborn, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18101 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, 48124, USA.
| | - Emily English
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan Health-West, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Whitney Horner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carolyn W Swenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Luyun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fernanda Pipitone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James A Ashton-Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John O L DeLancey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Are levator hiatal dimensions in mid-pregnancy associated with mode of delivery? Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:3529-3534. [PMID: 35230480 PMCID: PMC9666291 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Slow progress of labour is a risk for operative delivery. Smaller levator hiatal dimensions are possible risk factors for slow progress and operative delivery. Our aim was to explore associations between hiatal dimensions antenatally, duration of second stage of labour and mode of delivery. METHODS Prospective cohort study of 65 nullipara examined at 20 weeks gestation and 6 months postpartum. Levator hiatal anteroposterior diameter and area were measured using 2D/3D transperineal ultrasound and compared between women with normal vaginal delivery and operative delivery (vacuum or caesarean) using t-test and with Spearman's rank to explore correlations with duration of second stage. ROC analysis established a cut-off for high risk of operative delivery. RESULTS Two-dimensional anteroposterior diameter and 3D hiatal area at rest were smaller in women with operative delivery than with normal delivery, 5.0 cm vs. 5.7 cm, p = 0.007 and 18.5 cm2 vs. 14.9 cm2, p < 0.001. From the ROC curve for 2D anteroposterior diameter, a cut-off of 5.6 cm, (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.63) and for 3D hiatal area a cut-off of 17.6 cm2 (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.65) predicted operative delivery. We found inverse correlations between second stage of labour and anteroposterior diameter at rest, r = -0.330, contraction, r = -0.365, area at rest, r = -0.324, and contraction, r = -0.521, all p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Smaller hiatal dimensions at 20 weeks gestation were associated with longer second stage of labour and increased risk of operative delivery in nullipara. A 2D anteroposterior hiatal diameter < 5.6 cm and 3D hiatal area < 17.6 cm2 at rest imply increased risk of operative delivery.
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Lakovschek I, Trutnovsky G, Obermayer‐Pietsch B, Gold D. Longitudinal Study of Pelvic Floor Characteristics Before, During, and After Pregnancy in Nulliparous Women. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:147-155. [PMID: 33682186 PMCID: PMC9291937 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the changes in the pelvic floor before, during, and after pregnancy in the same collective of nulliparous women. METHODS In a prospective observational pilot study between April 2015 and June 2019 in nulliparous women with planned pregnancy, we used the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system; a 2-dimensional (2D) sonography to investigate the bladder neck, cervix, and anorectal junction positions; and a 3D/4D sonography to measure the hiatus of the levator ani muscle (LH area) during Valsalva maneuver. Five visits were planned: 1 before, 3 during, and 1 visit after pregnancy. RESULTS Twenty-four women participated in the study. We achieved a minimum of 2 visit measurements from 10 women who became pregnant. The LH area decreased during the first trimester and then increased until the third trimester. Postpartum, the LH area reached the prepregnancy state. We observed changes in the bladder neck mobility, bladder neck position, cervix, and anorectal junction from the first trimester. Postpartum, the bladder neck mobility was higher, and the position of the bladder neck and anorectal junction was lower than before pregnancy. We observed no remarkable changes in the POP-Q state during pregnancy. CONCLUSION This was the first study to investigate pelvic floor characteristics in the same collective before, during, and after pregnancy. We observed pelvic floor changes from the prepregnancy state to the first trimester to postpartum. The study results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerda Trutnovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Barbara Obermayer‐Pietsch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and DiabetologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Daniela Gold
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
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Pipitone F, Swenson CW, DeLancey JOL, Chen L. Novel 3D MRI technique to measure perineal membrane structural changes with pregnancy and childbirth: Technique development and measurement feasibility. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 32:2413-2420. [PMID: 33893825 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS We aimed to develop and validate a new MRI-based perineal membrane reconstruction and morphological measurement technique, and test its feasibility on nulliparous and parous women to determine the effects of pregnancy and childbirth on the perineal membrane. METHODS The perineal membrane was traced on high-resolution MRI using 3D Slicer® and analyses performed using Rhinoceros 6.0 SR23®. Validation was done by comparing MRI-based perineal membrane reconstruction to dissection measurements in a cadaver. Feasibility of reconstruction was assessed in the following three groups: nulliparous (NP), primiparous women who underwent cesarean delivery (CD), and primiparous women with vaginal delivery (VD). The following parameters were measured: (1) swinging door angle, (2) bony and (3) soft tissue attachment lengths, (4) separation at perineal body level, (5) surface area, and (6) hiatal area. ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons were performed, and the effect sizes (d) were reported. RESULTS Model reconstruction was similar to cadaver dissection findings. Morphological measurements were feasible in all women (NP, n = 10; CS, n = 6; VD, n = 19). Swinging door angle was 13o greater in CD (p = 0.03; d = 1.15) and 16o greater in VD (p < 0.001; d = 1.41) compared to NP. VD showed 13% larger separation at the perineal body than NP (p = 0.097, d = 0.84) and 23% larger hiatal area than CD (p = 0.14, d = 0.94). CONCLUSION This novel and anatomically validated MRI-based perineal membrane reconstruction technique is feasible. Preliminary findings show that pregnancy and childbirth both influence perineal membrane morphology with VD being associated with the largest swinging door angle and perineal body separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pipitone
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Carolyn W Swenson
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John O L DeLancey
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luyun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Krause HG, Wong V, Ng S, Tan GI, Goh JT. Pelvic floor ultrasound findings in Ugandan women with obstetric fistula, unrepaired fourth degree obstetric tear, and pelvic organ prolapse. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 59:585-589. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G. Krause
- Griffith University Nathan and Gold Coast Queensland Australia
- Greenslopes Private Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Vivien Wong
- Pindara Private Hospital Gold Coast Queensland Australia
- Gold Coast University Hospital Robina Gold Coast Queensland Australia
| | - Shu‐Kay Ng
- Griffith University Nathan and Gold Coast Queensland Australia
| | | | - Judith T.W. Goh
- Griffith University Nathan and Gold Coast Queensland Australia
- Greenslopes Private Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
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