Echographic diagnosis of childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries

Abstract

During childbirth, pelvic organs and pelvic floor muscles, fascia, and ligaments may be damaged to some extent. Pelvic floor injuries can be identified immediately after childbirth or, more often, they may cause symptoms (urinary and fecal incontinence, voiding dysfunction, obstructed defecation, and pelvic organs prolapse) many years later. Ultrasonography has emerged as a procedure that is relatively easy to perform, cost-effective, and widely available for imaging of pelvic floor disorders. In this chapter, the role of the different sonographic modalities, including 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging and endovaginal, endoanal, and transperineal techniques, in the assessment of childbirth-related pelvic floor damages is critically evaluated.