Pelvic floor dysfunction: Role of imaging in diagnosis and management

Abstract

Translabial or transperineal ultrasound is in the process of becoming the standard imaging method for the assessment of women with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Three-/four-dimensional (3D/4D) imaging has greatly enhanced its utility, and the necessary equipment is now widely available. This chapter describes technical requirements as well as both basic and advanced methodology. There are areas where this method is clearly superior to other imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and other forms of ultrasound. The symptoms that may trigger the need for an assessment by pelvic floor ultrasound include urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and obstructed defecation. Indications also include such diverse clinical problems as maternal birth trauma, recurrent urinary tract infections, and the evaluation of synthetic implants. It is likely that many years will pass before the full potential of this method is realized.