36 - Pelvic floor disease

Abstract

Disorders of the pelvic floor, which consists of the levator ani, pelvic sphincters, and fascia that support the rectum, bladder, urethra, and genital organs, are estimated to affect up to 46% of females in reproductive age and a comparatively smaller proportion of males. This group of disorders include those relating to dysfunction of the urinary, genital, and rectal organ systems, such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, for which approximately 10% of women undergo surgical procedures. Imaging techniques, including fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance defecography, involving real-time relaxation of the levator ani and evacuation, contribute added value to routine clinical examination of the pelvic floor. This chapter reviews the techniques for imaging pelvic floor dysfunction and covers the key imaging features of each type of pathology.