Pelvic Floor Disorders After Obstetric Avulsion of the Levator Ani Muscle

The objective of this study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), comparing vaginally parous women with and without levator avulsion. Methods Parous women enrolled in a longitudinal study were assessed annually for PFDs with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Examination (for prolapse) and the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire (for stress incontinence, overactive bladder, and anal incontinence). Three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound was used to identify levator avulsion. Women with and without levator avulsion after vaginal delivery were compared for the cumulative incidence of PFDs. Further analysis also stratified by forceps delivery. Results At the time of assessment, 453 participants were 6 to 17 years from first delivery (median, 11 years). Levator avulsion was identified in 15% (66/453) and was more common among those who had undergone forceps-assisted delivery (P
Source: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery - Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research