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Predicting the success of vaginal delivery is an important issue in preventing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study sought to examine whether measurement of the angle of progression (AoP) can predict a successful vaginal delivery following induction of labour (IoL) among late term nulliparous women with a low (4>) Bishop score. This prospective study included consecutive nulliparous pregnant women whose gestational age was 41 weeks and 1–6 days (late-term). The AoP was measured at least three times and their means were calculated. During the study period, data of 150 women were included in the final analysis. Thirty-eight women underwent CS due to failure to progress (n=30) or NRGHR (n=8), while the remaining 112 women underwent NVD, with four women requiring vacuum extraction. The two groups were similar with respect to age, gestational age, BMI, estimated foetal weight, and birth weight. Women undergoing NVD differed significantly from those undergoing CS with respect to a greater ultrasonographic AoP (113.8±11.9° vs. 98.1±10.9°, p=0.0001), a shorter duration of dinoprostone use, shorter time to labour contraction, and a shorter duration of labour. In ROC analysis, the cut-off value for AoP was 100° for the prediction of successful IoL for NVD, with a sensitivity of 96 % and a specificity of 63 %. AoP may be a useful sonographic parameter for predicting successful vaginal delivery among nulliparous women at late term undergoing IoL; an AOP wider than 100° is associated with a high rate of vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: and hypothesis. We evaluated different bladder parameters using Transperineal Ultrasound (TPUS) in patients with apical pelvic organ prolapse undergoing lateral suspension or sacropexy. Methods: We included 73 cases with 37 cases in lateral suspension (LS) group and 36 cases in sacropexy group. We enrolled cases with apical prolapse stage 2 or higher according to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q). Evaluation done of all cases using TPUS preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 18 months follow-up visits. Results: In LS group we found significant differences postoperatively in bladder neck height (Dy distance) at Valsalva and rest (P value < 0.001 in both) and in β angle at Valsalva and rest (P value < 0.001 in both). There was significant improvement in PVR (P value < 0.001). In sacropexy group we found no significant differences postoperatively in bladder neck height at Valsalva (P value 0.07) or in β angle at Valsalva (P value 0.097). There was significant improvement in PVR (P value 0.006). In between the 2 groups, there was better improvement in LS group than sacropexy group in bladder neck height at rest (P value 0.001) and in β angle both at Valsalva and rest (P value < 0.001 & 0.002 respectively). There was no significant difference in PVR, bladder wall thickness or bladder neck funnelling. Conclusion: LS and sacropexy showed good postoperative improvement in some bladder parameters using TPUS with better improvement in bladder neck height in LS. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical trial ID: NCT03772691. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is evolving literature on the superiority of transperineal ultrasound (TPU) in predicting the mode of delivery either before induction or during the course of labour. An ultrasound score (USG score) similar to a Bishop score or an ultrasound scoring method based on independent predictors before the onset of labour at term gestation would serve as a baseline objective record over which further progress of labour could be evaluated. Objective: 1. To sonographically examine the clinical parameters evaluated during a digital examination. 2. To derive an USG score using TPU parameters, similar to a Bishop score, and determine its performance in predicting pregnancy outcomes. 3. To identify which are the independent predictors of caesarean section among all the studied ultrasound (USG) parameters. Materials and methods: In this prospective study, all the eligible women who came for routine antenatal care at term gestation and who were due for pelvic assessment were recruited. They underwent transabdominal ultrasound (TAS) for evaluating head position and head circumference, and TPU for evaluating head station with and without applying fundal pressure, various cervical parameters, sub pubic angle. Equivalent five USG parameters were scored along similar lines as the Bishop score. These women underwent vaginal examination for Bishop score and pelvic adequacy by an obstetrician who was blinded about USG parameters. While spontaneous onset of labour (SOL) was awaited in some of these women, some were induced as and when indicated. After delivery, the Bishop scores, pregnancy outcome in terms of SOL or induction of labour (IOL), mode of delivery and duration of labour were noted retrospectively from case records. Independent predictors of caesarean were obtained by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: All the parameters were assessed for predictive ability of caesarean section by univariate analysis. The cervical length, angle of progression (AOP) at rest, head perineal distance (HPD) at rest and with pressure, Bishop score and USG score were found significant. On multivariate analysis, cervix length and USG score were found to be statistically significant. At a USG score of ≤ 5, the sensitivity and specificity to predict caesarean section were 84% and 68%, respectively. The relative risk (RR) was 4.9 (95% CI 2.3–12). The USG score could predict SOL. The p value was 0.001. The area under the curve (AUC) for the ultrasound score was 0.74. Conclusions: USG examination by USG score at term gestation before the onset of labour can predict mode of delivery by caesarean section. It can predict spontaneous onset of labour. However, among all the individual parameters, cervix length has best predictive ability for caesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Transabdominal ultrasonography [TAUS] appears comparable to colonoscopy for evaluating ulcerative colitis [UC] activity, but it has low accuracy in rectal evaluation. In this study, the accuracy of transperineal ultrasonography [TPUS] for evaluating rectal activity was compared to that of colonoscopy in paediatric UC cases. Methods Faecal calprotectin [FCP] values and TPUS and colonoscopic findings were compared prospectively in paediatric UC cases. Rectal wall thickening [RWT] and rectal wall flow [RWF] on power Doppler evaluated by TPUS were compared with the colonoscopy findings and were also measured on TAUS and assessed for the concordance rate of each finding. Results Thirty Mayo endoscopic sub-score [MES] 0–1 UC cases and 57 MES 2–3 UC cases were enrolled. FCP, RWT and RWF showed significant differences between the two groups [ p  < 0.05]. RWT and RWF were independent predictors of UC endoscopic activity, showing sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 100% with RWT ≥ 4.5 mm and positive RWF. The concordance rates between TPUS and TAUS findings in MES 2–3 were moderate to fair, whereas those in MES 0–1 were fair to poor. The concordance rates between ultrasonic examiners were good for both TAUS and TPUS. Conclusions TPUS may evaluate rectal activity of UC with accuracy comparable to endoscopy. If accurate ultrasonic screening for the total colon can be performed by TPUS and TAUS, repeated evaluation of short-term treatment response may be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anatomical changes in the pelvic floor of women with breast cancer using tamoxifen by transperineal 3D ultrasonography and their effect on the urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Methods: Ninety-four patients with breast cancer using TAM in the study group and ninety-five healthy women of the same age in the control group were included in this prospective cohort study. Female Sexual Function Index and Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scales were applied to both groups. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed at resting and Valsalva Maneuver with a convex (3–8 MHz) probe transperineally and the levator urethra gap and levator hiatus diameter were measured after 3-dimensional imaging. Independent t-tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age and body mass index of the experimental group versus control groups were 46.3 ± 6.12 years versus 46.4 ± 5.23 years and 27.6 ± 4.34 kg/m2 versus 29.2 ± 6.45 kg/m2, respectively. LUG and LH values were found significantly higher for the experimental groups compared to control groups at 17.23 ± 2.53 mm versus 14.1 ± 2.23 mm and 21 ± 2.45 cm2 versus 18 ± 4.56 cm2, respectively. (p < 0.05). The FSFI score significantly decreased (12.49 ± 3.58 versus 20.89 ± 3.69) and the ICIQ-SF score increased (4.02 ± 0.34 versus 2.34 ± 0.45) in the experimental group in comparison to control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the effects of TAM usage on pelvic floor can be detected by measuring the changes in the levator ani muscle using the transperineal 3D USG. With transperineal USG screening, pelvic floor changes can be early diagnosed and clinical measures can be taken before they become symptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The clitoris has a critical pivotal role in female orgasm and arousal. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate topographic measurements of the clitoris, as well as to explore potential relationships between the clitoral complex and the orgasm domain of female sexual function, combining transperineal ultrasound with morphometric measurements. Methods: In sexually active, heterosexual, premenopausal women, three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound imaging was used to measure the subpubic angle, the anterior triangle area (ATA) of the genital hiatus, the levator urethra gap, and the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the genital hiatus. Mons pubis thickness, clitoris–urethra distance (CUD), clitoris–fourchette distance, and fourchette–perineal body distance were measured using a caliper. Comparison of measurements and correlation with orgasm score were performed. Results: Among the 108 sexually active women, 30 (27.7 %) reported a low orgasm domain score. There were statistically significant differences between the low orgasm group and the control group in the ATA (4.05 vs 3.64 cm2 respectively; p = 0.03), CUD (21 mm; p = 0.04 vs 16.1 mm; p = 0.04), and volume of the glans clitoris (947.7 mm3 vs 1081 mm3; p = 0.02). There was a moderate and inverse correlation between clitoris–urethra distance and orgasm (r = −0.53, p < 0.001), and arousal (r = −0.42 p < 0.001). Broader ATA (OR = 0.47; 95 % CI = 0.23–0.99; p = 0.04) and longer CUD (OR = 0.57; 95 % CI = 0.44–0.73; p < 0.001) were identified as the only independent predictors of orgasm problems. Conclusions: Longer glans clitoris–urethra distance and broad space for the deep structures of the clitoris is related to difficulty in reaching orgasm and arousal problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Accurate delineation of anatomy in children with ambiguous genitalia early in life is important. This commonly involves conventional fluoroscopic genitogram (traumatic to the child) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination (involves sedation). In this study, our objectives were twofold: (1) to describe the findings on transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in normal children and (2) to describe the findings on TPUS in children with ambiguous genitalia and correlate them with conventional genitogram. Materials and Methods TPUS was prospectively performed in 10 children without genital ambiguity (5 girls and 5 boys). Subsequently, 15 consecutive children having disorders of sex differentiation (DSDs) with genital ambiguity underwent TPUS. The presence or absence of müllerian structures was documented. Of these patients, 14 also underwent conventional genitogram as a part of routine evaluation. The gold standard was established either by comparison with surgical findings (in patients who underwent surgery) or by comparison with a combination of findings on genitogram and transabdominal ultrasound in patients who did not undergo surgery. Results In all normal children, lower urogenital tracts could be clearly delineated on TPUS. Out of the 15 children with ambiguous genitalia, TPUS could establish the presence/absence of müllerian structures in 14. This was concordant with findings on conventional genitogram/surgery. In one patient, müllerian structure was missed on TPUS but demonstrated on genitogram. In two children, TPUS showed the müllerian structure, which was not seen on genitogram. When both the controls and the cases were combined, TPUS had an accuracy of 95% and specificity of 100% in the detection of müllerian structures. Conclusion TPUS is feasible and accurate in demonstration of lower urogenital tract anatomy in children with DSDs having ambiguous genitalia. It can be performed without sedation, and is suitable for use as a screening modality in children with ambiguous genitalia.

Background Transperineal ultrasonography has been used as a diagnostic imaging modality for rectocele for many years. However, the consistency of ultrasonography and defecography in evaluating the severity of rectocele was not satisfactory. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement in the measurement of rectocele parameters between the two methods in different positions and provide clinical implications for the diagnosis of rectocele. Methods In this pilot study, participants were recruited in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between December 2017 and December 2019. All participants separately underwent defecation proctography at sitting and squatting positions, and undertook transperineal ultrasonography at left lateral, sitting, and squatting positions. The consistency of ultrasonography and defecography was evaluated. Results Thirty female volunteers with rectocele were included in this study. The degree of anorectal angle was significantly larger at rest and during contraction, maximal Valsalva, and evacuation; the depth of the rectocele was significantly deeper during maximal Valsalva and evacuation; and the length of the perineum descending was significantly longer during contraction and maximal Valsalva in using squatting position compared to the sitting position when performing the defecation proctography. The degree of anorectal angle, the depth of rectocele, the area of levator hiatus, and the volume of the rectocele were significantly different in using squatting, sitting, and left lateral positions when performing the transperineal ultrasonography. Bland-Altman semi-quantitative plots showed good consistency in the measurement of the anorectal angle and the depth of the rectocele between proctography and ultrasonography in both sitting and squatting positions. Conclusions The findings of our study may be considered as the preliminary evidence to support the use of transperineal ultrasonography with sitting and squatting positions as the imaging test of choice for evaluating patients with rectocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) are commonly encountered in pregnancy, which may include urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse. Identifying these problems and their risk factors in pregnancy is crucial for prevention and management. The primary outcome of this study is to investigate the relationship between the PFD symptoms in pregnant women and perineal ultrasonography measurements. Secondary outcomes are to figure out the risk factors for PFDs in pregnancy and also to identify the relationship between these risk factors with transperineal ultrasonography measurements and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS). Methods: 49 pregnant women recruited in the study, were asked to fill questionnaires, underwent transperineal ultrasonography and pelvic floor muscle strength examination. Results: The hiatal area at rest, pelvic contraction and Valsalva are positively correlated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (p = 0.018, p = 0.003 and p = 0.006 respectively), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (p = 0.015, p = 0.022 and p = 0.011 respectively) and sexual dysfunction (SD) (p = 0.033, p = 0.041 and p = 0.023 respectively). Hiatal area at Valsalva and detrusor muscle thickness are positively correlated with urge urinary incontinence (UUI) (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012). The hiatal area value at pelvic contraction and Valsalva are positively correlated with feacal/flatal incontinence (FFI) (p = 0.024 and p = 0.037). Hiatal areas at rest, pelvic contraction, Valsalva and detrussor muscle thickness are correleated with age (r = 0.287, r = 0.335, r = 0.315 and r = 0.421 respectively), body mass index (r = 0.380, r = 0.420, r = 0.415 and r = 0.447 respectively) and pelvic floor muscle strength (r = –0.539, r = –0.583, r = –0.550 and r = –0.545 respectively). Bladder neck descent is correlated with body mass index (r = 0.284). Conclusions: Transperineal ultrasound measurements of Detrusor muscle thickness, hiatal area (HA) at rest, pelvic contraction and Valsalva Manoeuvre are found to be associated with PFDs in pregnant women. Risk factors for PFDs in pregnancy are body mass index, age, gestational week, parity, birth weight and delivery method.

Background: Transabdominal ultrasonography and transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) appear correspond to colonoscopy (CS) for evaluating ulcerative colitis (UC) activity, but their utility in UC diagnosis remains unclear. This research compared the accuracy of TPUS and CS for assessing rectal activity and differentiating noninflammatory bowel disease proctitis from UC in pediatric cases., Methods: The study is a blinded, prospective, and controlled trial. Prospectively, values of fecal calprotectin (FCP) and findings of the TPUS and CS were compared between child cases of UC and non-IBD proctitis. Findings of rectal wall thickening (RWT), rectal wall flow (RWF) on power Doppler, and microvascular signal at wall circumference (MSWC) on monochrome superb microvascular imaging assessed using TPUS were compared with the CS., Results: Thirty patients with Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) 0 to 1 UC, 57 with MES 2 to 3 UC, and 44 with proctitis were registered. Fecal calprotectin, RWF, and MSWC indicated significant differences among the groups (P < .05). Rectal wall thickening showed no significant difference between MES 0-1 and proctitis (P = .76). Rectal wall thickening and MSWC were independent predictors of endoscopic activity of UC, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for RWT ≥4.5 mm and positive MSWC. Fecal calprotectin and RWF were independent predictors for differentiating MES 0 to 1 and proctitis, and FCP and RWT were independent predictors for differentiating MES 2 to 3 and proctitis. Sensitivity and specificity were 77.2% and 80.9%, respectively, for FCP >242.5 μg/g and RWF negative; and they were both 100% for RWT >4.1 mm and MSWC positive., Conclusions: Transperineal ultrasonography with mSMI may enable the evaluation of rectal activity and differentiation of UC from non-IBD proctitis with accuracy comparable to endoscopy., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objectives Accurate delineation of anatomy in children with ambiguous genitalia early in life is important. This commonly involves conventional fluoroscopic genitogram (traumatic to the child) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination (involves sedation). In this study, our objectives were twofold: (1) to describe the findings on transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in normal children and (2) to describe the findings on TPUS in children with ambiguous genitalia and correlate them with conventional genitogram. Materials and Methods TPUS was prospectively performed in 10 children without genital ambiguity (5 girls and 5 boys). Subsequently, 15 consecutive children having disorders of sex differentiation (DSDs) with genital ambiguity underwent TPUS. The presence or absence of müllerian structures was documented. Of these patients, 14 also underwent conventional genitogram as a part of routine evaluation. The gold standard was established either by comparison with surgical findings (in patients who underwent surgery) or by comparison with a combination of findings on genitogram and transabdominal ultrasound in patients who did not undergo surgery. Results In all normal children, lower urogenital tracts could be clearly delineated on TPUS. Out of the 15 children with ambiguous genitalia, TPUS could establish the presence/absence of müllerian structures in 14. This was concordant with findings on conventional genitogram/surgery. In one patient, müllerian structure was missed on TPUS but demonstrated on genitogram. In two children, TPUS showed the müllerian structure, which was not seen on genitogram. When both the controls and the cases were combined, TPUS had an accuracy of 95% and specificity of 100% in the detection of müllerian structures. Conclusion TPUS is feasible and accurate in demonstration of lower urogenital tract anatomy in children with DSDs having ambiguous genitalia. It can be performed without sedation, and is suitable for use as a screening modality in children with ambiguous genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the imaging features of urethral and peri-urethral masses on transvaginal or transperineal ultrasound (US) in a cohort of 95 women. In this retrospective study, medical records of 95 female patients with 98 asymptomatic or symptomatic urethral and peri-urethral masses were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding patient demographic characteristics, symptoms, signs, imaging features on 2-D and 3-D transvaginal or transperineal US, diagnostic tests and physical and intra-operative findings were extracted. The US imaging features and clinicopathologic characteristics of each urethral or peri-urethral mass were compared. On ultrasound, 39 masses (in 39 patients) were diagnosed as urethral diverticula, which manifested mostly as complex cystic masses (24/39, 61.5%); 35 masses (in 33 patients) were diagnosed as para-urethral cysts, which manifested mostly as simple cystic masses (19/35, 54.3%); 13 hypo-echoic solid masses (in 12 patients) exhibiting blood flow signals on color Doppler imaging were diagnosed as urethral leiomyomas; hypo-echoic or heterogeneous solid masses (in 8 patients) exhibiting blood flow signals on color Doppler imaging were diagnosed as urethral caruncles, including one complicated by malignant transformation; solid masses with mixed echogenicity (in 2 patients) exhibiting blood flow signals on color Doppler imaging were diagnosed as urethral squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, and a hypoechoic solid mass (in one patient) with blood-flow signals on color Doppler imaging was diagnosed as urethral condyloma associated with human papillomavirus infection. This study confirmed transvaginal or transperineal 2-D and 3-D ultrasonography to be a valid, non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic modality for the differential diagnosis of urethral and periurethral masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal vaginal atresia is one of the rare Mullerian anomalies and may often be misdiagnosed as an imperforate hymen. This paper reports pre-operative and intra-operative use of ultrasonography in three patients with distal vaginal atresia. Two patients underwent pull-through surgery and in the other patient, a neovagina was formed using skin graft as the proximal vagina was found to be insufficient for a pull-through vaginoplasty. Pre-operative transperineal ultrasonography and intra-operative transabdominal ultrasonography may prove to be useful in surgical planning and choosing the proper surgical procedure. It also helps prevent damage to adjacent tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the angle of progression (AoP) measured by transperineal ultrasonography before indicating an instrumental delivery or cesarean delivery.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among women with singleton term pregnancies with prolonged second stage of labor at Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China, between May 16, 2011, and May 25, 2016. Transabdominal and transperineal ultrasonography were performed to determine fetal head position and AoP, respectively, both at rest and during uterine contraction with pushing. Mode of delivery was decided after vaginal examination without relying on ultrasonography.Results: Of 143 women, 116 underwent successful instrumental delivery and 27 underwent cesarean delivery. Median AoP was 153.0° in the instrumental group versus 139.0° in the cesarean group at rest (P<0.001), and 182.5° in the instrumental group versus 156.5° in the cesarean group during contraction (P<0.001). The best predictive cutoff AoP for successful instrumental delivery was 138.7° at rest (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 51.9%) and 160.9° during contraction (sensitivity 87.1%, specificity 74.1%). No between-group differences in AoP were found for ease of vacuum extraction at rest (P=0.457) or during contraction with pushing (P=0.095).Conclusion: The AoP predicted approximately 80% of successful instrumental deliveries performed for prolonged second stage of labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Study Objective In this study we investigated the sonographic features of vaginal foreign bodies in girls and the diagnostic role of combined transperineal and transabdominal ultrasonography in the detection of vaginal foreign bodies in this population. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures A retrospective review of the records of 249 girls seen in the outpatient pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic of our hospital and referred to our department for sonographic evaluation of suspected vaginal foreign bodies between 2013 and 2016 was performed. All patients were transperineally and transabdominally scanned using an ultrasound machine with 3-MHz and 7.5-MHz transducers. The sonographic features of the detected foreign bodies were recorded and reported. All patients also underwent pelvic radiography. The presence of foreign bodies was confirmed using vaginoscopy. Results Two hundred forty-nine patients were included in this study, and vaginal foreign bodies were detected in 181 patients. Vaginal foreign bodies often present in girls aged from 2 to 12 years old. The most common vaginal foreign bodies were toilet paper, beads, small parts of toys, cap of water color brush, and crayons. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of transperineal/transabdominal sonography in the diagnosis of vaginal foreign bodies were 81%, 53%, 82%, and 51%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of transabdominal sonography were 33%, 49%, 63%, and 21%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of transperineal sonography were 64%, 49%, 77%, and 33%, respectively. Abnormal findings were detected using x-ray in only 43 of the 181 cases (23.7%). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of x-ray were 24%, 91%, 88%, and 31%, respectively. The size of the foreign bodies ranged from 2 mm to 35 mm. For foreign bodies larger than 5 mm, the rate of sonographic accuracy reached 100%. For foreign bodies smaller than 5 mm, 32 false positive results, and 34 false negative results were identified. One hundred thirty-nine of 181 foreign bodies were less than 2 cm from the vaginal orifice (77%). All foreign bodies were hyperechoic compared with adjacent tissues. Some vaginal foreign bodies had characteristic echo patterns. With the exception of 1 patient with a detained AAA battery that caused vaginal ulceration, the other patients had a full recovery. Conclusion Vaginal foreign bodies were hyperechoic compared with adjacent tissues and often had characteristic echo patterns. The use of combined transperineal and transabdominal ultrasonography might be helpful in diagnosing foreign bodies, especially when the size of the foreign body is larger than 5 mm. Therefore, ultrasonography might be preferred for the initial evaluation of suspected vaginal foreign bodies, because it is a noninvasive, radiation-free, and inexpensive technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: perianal disease, most commonly manifest as fistula or abscess formation, affects up to 40% of patients with crohn’s disease. perianal crohn’s disease is disabling, associated with poor outcomes, and represents a therapeutic challenge for physicians. correct diagnosis and classification of perianal disease is the first crucial step for appropriate multidisciplinary management. Areas covered: A literature search was performed of the PubMed database using the terms ‘transperineal ultrasonography’, ‘transperineal ultrasound’, ‘perianal disease’, ‘perianal fistula’, ‘perianal abscess’, ‘magnetic resonance’, ‘endoanal ultrasonography’, ‘endoscopic ultrasound’ in combination with ‘Crohn’s disease’. A comprehensive review of the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various methods of evaluation of perianal Crohn’s disease is provided. A particular focus is placed on transperineal ultrasonography, including historical and technical factors, advantages and limitations, and its current role in practice. An algorithm for integration of transperineal ultrasound into the management of perianal Crohn’s disease into clinical practice is proposed, along with future areas research. Expert commentary: Transperineal ultrasound is a simple, safe, cheap and reliable imaging technique for evaluation of perianal Crohn’s disease, which should be used more frequently in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective To assess, using transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS), the numerical value of the rotation of the bladder neck [represented by the difference in the anterior (α angle) and posterior urethral angles (β angle)] at rest and straining, in continent women and women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), to ascertain if there are significant differences in the angles of rotation (Rα and Rβ) between the groups. Patients, subjects and methods In all, 30 women with SUI (SUI group) and 30 continent women (control group) were included. TPUS was performed at rest and straining (Valsalva manoeuver), and the threshold value for the urethral angles (α and β angles) for each group were estimated. The degree of rotation for each angle was calculated and was considered as the angle of rotation. Results Both the α and β angles were significantly different between the groups at rest and straining, and there was a significant difference in the mean increment in the value of each angle. Higher values of increment (higher rotation angles) were reported in the SUI group for both the α and β angles compared with those of the control group [mean (SD) Rα SUI group 19.43 (12.76) vs controls 10.53 (2.98) °; Rβ SUI group 28.30 (12.96) vs controls 16.33 (10.8) °; P < 0.001]. Conclusion Urethral rotation angles may assist in the assessment and diagnosis of patients with SUI, which may in turn reduce the need for more sophisticated urodynamic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare ultrasound measurements and clinical assessments of cervical dilatation, fetal head station and fetal head position. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Tertiary care center (Ankara University Hospital), labor ward. Population Forty-three women in labor. Methods Women were prospectively evaluated through simultaneous examinations (79 in total). Dilatation, head station, and position were recorded via digital examination whenever possible and were compared with ultrasonographic measurements of dilatation, angle of progression, head-perineum distance, and head position by two independent operators. Operators were blinded to each other's findings. Main outcome measures Agreement between sonographic measurements and digital examinations. Results Ultrasonographic assessment of dilatation correlated significantly with digital examination. The interclass correlation coefficient of the two methods was 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.88). Ultrasonography showed a mean lower cervical dilatation of 10 mm (95% limits of agreement: −36 to 16 mm) compared with digital examination. The angle of progression and head-perineum distances correlated moderately with the palpated head station (Pearson's correlation coefficients: 0.55 and −0.42, respectively; p < 0.001). Position could only be assessed in 40 of 79 examinations by digital examinations and the results showed low agreement with ultrasound findings. Conclusion We observed good agreement between clinical and ultrasound assessment of dilatation, moderate agreement in assessing fetal station and low agreement assessing head position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Rectoceles are common among parous women and they are believed to be due to disruption or distension of the rectovaginal septum as a result of childbirth. However, the etiology of rectocele is likely to be more complex since posterior compartment prolapse does occur in nulliparous women. This study was designed to determine the role of childbearing as an etiological factor in true radiological rectocele. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the data from 657 primiparous women recruited as part of a previously reported study and another ongoing prospective study. Women were invited for antenatal and postnatal appointments comprising an interview, clinical examination and translabial ultrasonography. The presence and depth of any rectocele were determined on maximum Valsalva maneuver, as was descent of the rectal ampulla. Potential demographic and obstetric factors as predictors of rectocele development were evaluated using either multiple regression or logistic regression analysis as appropriate. Results: A true rectocele was identified in 4 % of women antenatally and in 16 % after childbirth ( P < 0.001). Mean rectocele depth was 13.5 mm (10 - 23.2 mm). The mean antepartum position of the rectal ampulla on Valsalva maneuver was 4.39 mm above and it was 1.64 mm below the symphysis pubis postpartum ( P < 0.0001). De novo appearance of true rectocele was significantly associated with a history of previous <20 weeks pregnancy and fetal birth weight. Body mass index and length of the second stage were associated with rectocele depth increase. Conclusions: Childbirth seems to play a distinct role in the pathogenesis of rectocele. Both maternal and fetal factors seem to contribute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of endometriosis in the anal canal and perianal tissues is rare and difficult to suspect at clinical examination. We report our experience with preoperative ultrasound evaluation of four cases of anal endometriosis. Methods: Four patients were evaluated by transperineal and high-resolution three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography. Results: In 3 of 4 women, the lesions involved old episiotomy scars. Anal endometriosis appeared as hypoechoic cystic lesions with areas of microcalcification, not well delimited and highly vascularized. The lesions either involved the anal sphincter ( n = 2, one within the rectovaginal septum) or were localized superficially in the ischiorectal space ( n = 2). Surgery and pathologic exam confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. Conclusions: Ultrasonographic findings of anal endometriosis are characteristics and may allow accurate preoperative staging of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim In many pelvic floor disorders, the perineal body is damaged or destroyed. There is still a considerable variation in anatomical descriptions of the perineal body and even more debate with regard to its attachments and relationships. Cadaveric dissections do not always reflect the functional behaviour of structures in the pelvis and description of live anatomy on imaging studies is not always reliable. This study aimed to define the anatomy of the perineal body in patients with rectocele during the live dissection required for minimally invasive surgical repair. Method From January 2007 to December 2009 consecutive patients requiring surgery for third-degree rectocele and symptoms of obstructed defaecation were recruited. Participants underwent dissection of the perineal body, rectum and vagina preliminary to a tissue fixation system, an operation which inserts a tensioned tape to repair the perineal body. Results Thirty Caucasian female patients, mean age 61 (range 47-87) years, mean parity 2.6 (range 1-5), were included. Live dissection demonstrated that the perineal body was divided into two parts, joined by a stretched central part, anchored laterally by the deep transverse perineii muscle to the descending ramus of the pubic bone. The mean longitudinal length of the perineal body was 4.5 (3.5-5.5) cm, accounting for 50% of the posterior vaginal support. Conclusion In women with low rectocele, the perineal body appears to be divided into two parts, severely displaced behind the ischial tuberosities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Hydrocolonic ultrasound (HUS) is a low-cost imaging modality as compared with standard colonoscopy. However, HUS is not popular in the clinical setting due to its somewhat complicated technique of examination and inability to visualize the rectum. We developed a technique to overcome these limitations. Methods Ten patients with cancer-suggestive symptoms and 70 asymptomatic patients were included in this study. All patients underwent HUS, with the technique described herein, before colonoscopy on the same day. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated. Results There were 30 men and 50 women with a mean age of 60.9 ± 7.3 (SD) years. Thirteen polyps with a size ≥0.6 cm (four lesions size 0.6 to 0.9 cm and nine lesions size ≥1 cm) were detected by colonoscopy. The detection rate of lesions by HUS was 25% for polyps size 0.6-0.9 cm and 89% for lesions size ≥1 cm in size. Three lesions were missed in the sigmoid colon, one in the transverse colon, and one in the rectum. Conclusions HUS is a low-cost and noninvasive procedure for colorectal study. This technique has the potential to be used for the detection of colorectal cancer and polyps. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:402-407, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical management of pelvic floor disorders depends on a comprehensive understanding of the structural integrity and function of the pelvic floor. For visualizing this region, ultrasonography has emerged as a procedure that is relatively easy to perform, cost-effective and widely available. In this review, pelvic floor ultrasonography, including two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) and 4D imaging as well as transvaginal, endoanal and transperineal techniques, is discussed from a global and multicompartmental perspective, rather than using a compartmentalized approach. The role of the different sonographic modalities in the major disorders of the pelvic floor-urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and obstructed defecation syndrome-is evaluated critically. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVES To assess the prostate cancer detection rate and predictive factors for prostate cancer after transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided transperineal saturation re-biopsies of the prostate, using a 24-core scheme. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated 143 consecutive patients undergoing TRUS-guided transperineal saturation re-biopsy of the prostate using a 24-core scheme. The inclusion criteria were a previous negative biopsy and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of ≥10.0 ng/mL, or of 4.0–10.0 ng/mL with a free/total ratio of <20% or an abnormal digital rectal examination or previous high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). RESULTS The mean (sd) age of the patients was 66.5 (6.1) years and the median (interquartile range) PSA level was 9.0 (6.1–12.8) ng/mL. The number of previous biopsies was one in 59% of patients, two in 26% and three or more in 15%. We detected prostate cancer in 26%, ASAP in 5.6% and HGPIN in 2.1%. The cancer detection rate was 47%, 25.5% and 14% for prostate volumes of <40, 40–60 and ≥60 mL, respectively ( P = 0.002). On a multivariate analysis the total prostate volume (40–60 vs <40 mL, hazard ratio 5.683; >60 vs <40 mL, hazard ratio 6.965; P = 0.01) was the only significant predictor of prostate cancer at saturation biopsy. CONCLUSIONS TRUS-guided transperineal saturation re-biopsy of the prostate using a 24-core scheme resulted in a high cancer detection rate also in patients who had had two or more previous biopsies. The total prostate volume was the only predictor of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) in the pre-operative identification of the internal opening of anal fistulas compared to conventional proctological examination and operative findings. Forty-three patients with anal fistula were assessed by TPUS with and without the use of hydrogen-peroxide injection (E-TPUS) in an attempt to identify the internal opening. Results were compared to preoperative conventional examination and operative findings. Operative assessment showed an anterior internal opening in 29 patients (67.4%) and a posterior opening in 14 (32.6%). Compared to the operative findings, the agreement rate for the identification of the internal opening was 74.4% for physical examination alone, 93.0% for TPUS and 90.7% for E-TPUS. Physical examination was less accurate in detecting the internal opening than both TPUS ( p=0.014) and E-TPUS ( p=0.026). TPUS and E-TPUS are superior to physical examination in the identification of internal openings in anal fistulas. Hydrogen peroxide injection does not provide additional advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]