TRANSLABIAL 3D ULTRASOUND OF THE PELVIC FLOOR: THE EFFECT OF PARTURITION ON PARAVAGINAL FASCIA

Hans Peter Dietz, Royal Hospital for Women and the King George V Hospital, Sydney
Robert Hastings, Toshiba Australia Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia

Abstract
It is thought that the support of the urethra and bladder in the female is largely due to the integrity of paraurethral and paravaginal musculofascial structures (variously termed pubourethral ligament, pubovesical muscle, paravaginal and/ or endopelvic fascia1). These structures suspend the urethra, bladder neck, trigone and posterior bladder wall to the symphysis and pelvic sidewall, thereby guaranteeing the intrapelvic position of these organs, and continence of urine.
Hypermobility or prolapse of the urethra and bladder have long been assumed to be due to traumatic damage, most likely sustained in childbirth2,3.
This study was designed to test the usefulness of 3D translabial ultrasound in assessing these structures and documenting peripartal changes.

Citation
Dietz H, Hastings R. Translabial 3D Ultrasound of the Pelvic Floor: The Effect of Parturition on Paravaginal Fascia. ASUM Bulletin 2003.1:16-17.