Levator Ani Muscle Trauma Research Articles

47 - Levator ani muscle trauma after delivery: The role of perineal ultrasound in early detection of postpartum lesions

47 - Levator ani muscle trauma after delivery: The role of perineal ultrasound in early detection of postpartum lesions

A randomized control trial of platelet-rich plasma in supporting the recovery of postpartum levator ani muscle trauma

BACKGROUND Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is mostly caused by childbirth levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma. We hypothesized that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy could support the recovery of LAM in postpartum trauma.
 METHODS A prospective, single-blind, randomized control study was enrolled in primigravid women from November 2016 to July 2019 at 21 health facilities in Jakarta, Indonesia. Subjects were injected with autologous PRP or placebo at LAM during perineorrhaphy after childbirth. The primary outcome was regaining LAM strength and reducing levator hiatal area at 3 months postpartum. The LAM strength was examined by perineometer (cmH₂O), and levator hiatal area was examined by transperineal ultrasound (cm²) at antenatal and 3 months after delivery. Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for analysis. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03021954.
 RESULTS Among 240 women, 58 were eligible for analysis. There were no differences in LAM strength and levator ani hiatal area at 3 months postpartum between the two groups (p = 0.583 and p = 0.185, respectively).
 CONCLUSIONS PRP therapy did not show a difference in the muscle recovery healing process.

Associations of Maternal Complaints to Levator Ani Muscle Trauma within 9 Months after Vaginal Birth: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Introduction Pelvic floor trauma in the form of partial or complete avulsions of the levator ani muscle (LAM) affects 6-42% of women after vaginal birth and can cause tremendous long-term morbidity. Many studies assessed morphological pelvic floor trauma after childbirth but lacked to evaluate women's associated short-term complaints. A proper assessment of trauma and subjective complaints after birth could help to assess possible associations between them and their relevance to women's daily life. Therefore, we aimed to assess women's complaints within the first months after birth in association to their LAM trauma. Materials and Methods Between 3/2017 and 4/2019, we prospectively evaluated vaginal births of 212 primiparous women with singletons in vertex presentation ≥ 36 + 0 gestational weeks for levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma by translabial ultrasound, for pelvic organ prolapse by clinical examination, and for urogynecological complaints using questionnaires 1-4 days (P1), 6-10 weeks (P2), and 6-9 months (P3) after birth. The questionnaires were self-designed but oriented to and modified from validated questionnaires. Women's complaints were evaluated for P1-P3 according to their LAM trauma state. Results At P1, 67% of women showed an intact LAM, whereas 14.6% presented a hematoma, 6.6% a partial avulsion (PAV), and 11.8% a complete avulsion (CAV). At P2, 75.9% showed an intact LAM, 9.9% a PAV, and 14.2% a CAV. At P3, 72.9% of women with a LAM trauma in P1 and/or P2 were assessed with 21.6% being intact and 39.2% having a PAV and CAV, respectively. Obstetrical and baseline characteristics differed slightly between the groups. When comparing the time before and during pregnancy with the time after childbirth, birth itself affected women's complaints in all LAM state groups, but the presence of a LAM trauma, especially a CAV, had more negative effects. Conclusions Vaginal birth changes the anatomical structure of the maternal birth canal and genital tract, and it alters women's perceptions and body function. In our study, LAM trauma did not change these effects tremendously within the first months. Therefore, other maternal, fetal, and obstetrical factors need consideration for the explanation of maternal complaints, in addition to long-term effects of trauma and dysfunction of the LAM and other birth canal structures.

2D pelvic floor ultrasound imaging in identifying levator ani muscle trauma agrees highly with 4D ultrasound imaging.

The objective was to evaluate the agreement between 2D and 4D translabial ultrasound (TLUS) technique in showing levator ani muscle (LAM) states after vaginal birth. In a prospective observational cohort study between March 2017 and April 2019 we evaluated LAM states (intact, hematoma, partial, complete avulsion) of primiparous women having given birth vaginally with singletons in vertex presentation ≥ 36+0 gestational weeks by using 2D and 4D TLUS within 1-4 days postpartum (assessment A1) and again 6-10 weeks postpartum (assessment A2). Cohen's Kappa analysis was performed for each side separately to evaluate the test agreement between the two ultrasound techniques at every assessment period. A total of 224 women participated at A1 and 213 at A2. The agreement between the two ultrasound techniques was good to very good at A1 (Cohen`s kappa right-sided 0.78, left-sided 0.82) and very good at A2 (Cohen`s kappa both sides 0.88). The agreement was best when assessing an intact LAM or a complete avulsion (Cohen`s kappa between 0.78-0.92 for complete avulsions). The comparison between 2D and 4D TLUS showed a good to very good agreement in LAM trauma immediately after birth as well as 6-10 weeks postpartum. Therefore, 2D ultrasound could also be a valuable method for demonstrating a LAM abnormality and could be used in settings where 3D/4D ultrasound equipment is not available.

The impact of levator ani muscle trauma and contraction on recurrence after prolapse surgery

Introduction and hypothesisThe objective was to explore the impact of levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma and pelvic floor contraction on symptoms and anatomy after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.MethodsProspective study including 200 women with symptomatic POP ≥ grade 2 examined 3 months prior to and 6 months after surgery. Prolapse in each compartment was graded using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, and women answered yes/no to a question about bulge sensation. Pelvic floor muscle contraction was assessed with transperineal ultrasound measuring proportional change in levator hiatal anteroposterior diameter from rest to contraction. LAM trauma was diagnosed using tomographic ultrasound imaging. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 183 women (92%) completed the study. Anatomical recurrence (POP ≥ grade 2) was found in 76 women (42%), and a bulge sensation was reported by 35 (19%). Ninety-two women (50%) had LAM trauma, and this was associated with increased risk of anatomical recurrence (OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.1–4.1), p = 0.022), but not bulge sensation (OR 1.1 (95% CI 0.5–2.4), p = 0.809). We found a reduced risk of bulge sensation for women with absent to weak contraction compared with normal to strong contraction (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.1–0.9), p = 0.031), but no difference in risk for POP ≥ 2 after surgery (OR 1.5 (95% CI 0.8–2.9), p = 0.223).ConclusionsLevator ani muscle trauma was associated with increased risk of anatomical failure 6 months after POP surgery. Absent to weak pelvic floor muscle contraction was associated with reduced risk of bulge sensation after surgery.

The evolution of levator ani muscle trauma over the first 9months after vaginal birth.

The objective was to investigate the evolution of levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma over the first 9months after birth and to evaluate their agreement between different assessment periods. From March 2017 to April 2019 we prospectively evaluated LAM states (intact, hematoma, partial or complete avulsion) of primiparous women after vaginal birth by using 4D translabial ultrasound (TLUS) at three different assessment periods. All women were examined 1-4days (A1) and 6-10weeks (A2) postpartum, and women with a trauma additionally 6-9months postpartum (A3). Cohen's Kappa analysis was performed to evaluate the test agreement between the assessment periods. Thirty-two percent of the women at A1 had a LAM trauma and 24% at A2. The higher number of LAM injuries at A1 can be explained by hematomas (14%), of which 51% spontaneously resolved at A2, 35% revealed themselves as partial, and 12% as complete avulsions. At A3, we observed anatomical improvement from complete to partial avulsions (23%) and few partial avulsions changed into an intact LAM (3%); none of the complete avulsions changed into an intact LAM. The agreement of 4D TLUS between A1 and A2 was moderate to good (0.64 for the right-sided LAM/0.60 for the left-sided LAM) and between A2 and A3 good to very good (0.76 right-sided/0.84 left-sided). Levator ani muscle trauma can reliably be diagnosed during all assessment periods. However, the agreement between A1 and A2 was only moderate to good. This can be explained by hematomas inside the LAM that were only observed early postpartum. We observed some anatomical improvement at A3, but no complete avulsion improved to an intact LAM.

Vaginal birth after Cesarean section and levator ani avulsion: a case-control study.

The aim of this study was to explore the risk of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion and enlargement of the levator hiatus following vaginal birth after Cesarean section (VBAC) in comparison with vaginal delivery in primiparous women. In this two-center observational case-control study, we identified all women who had a term VBAC for their second delivery at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen and the 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University, Czech Republic, between 2012 and 2016. Women with a repeat VBAC, preterm birth or stillbirth were excluded from the study. As a control group, we enrolled a cohort of primiparous women who delivered vaginally during the study period. To increase our control sample, we also invited all primiparous women who delivered vaginally in both participating units between May and June 2019 to participate. All participants were invited for a four-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound scan to assess LAM trauma. LAM avulsion and the area of the levator hiatus were assessed offline from the stored pelvic floor volumes obtained at rest, during maximum contraction and during Valsalva maneuver. The laterality of the avulsion was also noted. The cohorts were then compared using the χ2 test and Wilcoxon's two-sample test according to the normality of the distribution. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Multivariate regression analysis, controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), was also performed. A total of 356 women had a VBAC for their second delivery during the study period. Of these, 152 (42.7%) attended the ultrasound examination and full data were available for statistical analysis for 141 women. The control group comprised 113 primiparous women. A significant difference was observed between the VBAC group and the control group in age (32.7 vs 30.1 years; P < 0.05), BMI (28.4 vs 27.4 kg/m2 ; P < 0.05) and duration of the first and second stages of labor (293.1 vs 345.9 min; P < 0.05 and 27.6 vs 35.3 min; P < 0.05, respectively) at the time of the index birth. The LAM avulsion rate was significantly higher in the VBAC compared with the control group (32.6% vs 18.6%; P = 0.01). The difference between the groups was observed predominantly in the rate of unilateral avulsion and remained significant after controlling for age and BMI (adjusted odds ratio 2.061 (95% CI, 1.103-3.852)). There was no statistically significant difference in the area of the levator hiatus at rest (12.0 vs 12.6 cm2 ; P = 0.28) or on maximum Valsalva maneuver (18.6 vs 18.7 cm2 ; P = 0.55) between the VBAC and control groups. The incidence of levator hiatal ballooning was comparable between the groups (17.7% and 18.6%; P = 0.86). VBAC is associated with a significantly higher rate of LAM avulsion than is vaginal birth in nulliparous women. The difference was significant even after controlling for age and BMI. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Is pelvic floor muscle contractility an important factor in anal incontinence?

Pelvic floor muscle contractility (PFMC) may contribute to anal continence. The aim of this study was to assess the association between clinical and sonographic measures of PFMC and anal incontinence (AI) symptoms, after controlling for anal sphincter and levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma. This was a retrospective study of 1383 women assessed at a tertiary center between 2013 and 2016. All patients underwent an interview, including the StMark's incontinence score (SMIS) in those who reported AI symptoms, a clinical examination, including assessment of PFMC using the modified Oxford scale (MOS), and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS). Sonographic measures of PFMC, i.e. cranioventral shift of the bladder neck (BN) and reduction of anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the levator hiatus, were measured offline using ultrasound volumes obtained at rest and on maximum pelvic floor contraction. The reviewer was blinded to all clinical data. Of the 1383 patients assessed during the study period, seven were excluded due to missing imaging data, leaving 1376 for analysis. Mean age of the participating women was 55 years and mean body mass index was 29 kg/m2 . AI was reported by 221 (16.1%) women, with a mean SMIS of 11.8. Mean MOS grade was 2.3. On TLUS, mean BN cranioventral shift was 5.9 mm and mean AP diameter reduction was 8.1 mm. LAM avulsion and significant external anal sphincter (EAS) defect were diagnosed in 24.8% and 8.7% patients, respectively. On univariate analysis, sonographic measures of PFMC were not associated with AI. Lower MOS grade was associated with symptoms of AI; however, statistical significance was lost on multivariate analysis. Clinical and sonographic measures of PFMC were not significantly associated with AI symptoms after controlling for EAS and LAM trauma. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Association between levator ani muscle avulsions and technique of vacuum extraction - a prospective exploratory study.

Trauma of the levator ani muscle in the form of partial or complete avulsions is common after vaginal births, especially after vaginal-operative births. As there is little information available regarding associations between the technique of vaginal-operative births and levator ani muscle trauma, we aimed to evaluate the association between the process of vacuum extraction and the occurrence of levator ani muscle trauma. As part of a prospective cohort study at the University Hospital of Zurich between March 2017 and April 2019, we sub-analysed vacuum extractions in nulliparous women with singletons in vertex presentation &ge;36+0 gestational weeks. We evaluated their pelvic floor for partial and complete levator ani muscle avulsions using translabial ultrasound 6&ndash;10 weeks postpartum and calculated the association of the vacuum procedure itself, along with other fetal, maternal and obstetrical characteristics, with levator ani muscle trauma. Levator ani muscle trauma was present in 17 (34.7%) out of 49 women. There were no associations between the different factors evaluated and levator ani muscle trauma in vacuum-assisted births, except that the levator ani muscle group had insufficient uterine contractions. We found no fetal, maternal or obstetrical characteristics or parameters of vacuum technique that were associated with the occurrence of levator ani muscle trauma after vacuum extraction, except for insufficient uterine contractions. Nevertheless, there might be influencing factors that have not yet been evaluated, or are not easily accessible for evaluation, like the adaptations of the fetus inside the birth canal and within the hiatus of the levator ani muscle, and the adaptations of the birth canal to the fetus passing through. This should be the subject of further research with a sample size adequately powered to answer this question properly. (Trial registration number: BASEC-Nr.2016-00908.) &nbsp.

Correction: Association between the side of levator Ani muscle trauma and fetal position at birth - a prospective observational study.

Correction: Association between the side of levator Ani muscle trauma and fetal position at birth - a prospective observational study.

Association between the side of levator Ani muscle trauma and fetal position at birth - a prospective observational study.

Trauma of the levator ani muscle (LAM) is common after vaginal birth and can most reliably be diagnosed by 3-dimensional (3D) translabial ultrasound (TLUS). Multiple risk factors are known in general, but not in association to a specific side of the body. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate different impact factors which cause LAM trauma on either side of the body or bilateral by focusing on the fetal position at birth. As part of a prospective cohort study between 3/2017 and 4/2019, we analyzed vaginal births of nulliparous women with singletons in vertex presentation≥36+0 gestational weeks. We evaluated their pelvic floor for hematomas, partial and complete LAM avulsions by 3D TLUS 2-4 days postpartum and searched for an association between the affected body side and different fetal, maternal and obstetrical factors. 71 out of 213 women (33.3%) suffered from LAM trauma - 17 (23.9%) on the right side, 20 (28.2%) on the left side and 34 (47.9%) bilateral. No association between the different evaluated factors and the affected body side could be identified, except for the quality of fetal heart rate tracing. No significant impact factors of LAM trauma could be associated with a specific side of the body. Other possible mechanisms need investigation in the future, such as the time of the birth canal and the fetus to adapt to each other, including adequate time for the tissue to stretch and the fetus to rotate into the ideal position within the LAM hiatus. Levatormuskelverletzungen sind häufig nach Vaginalgeburten und können zuverlässig mittels translabialem 3D-Ultraschall diagnostiziert werden. Diverse Risikofaktoren sind hierfür bekannt, allerdings keine hinsichtlich der Assoziation zu einer der beiden Körperseiten. Daher war das Ziel dieser Arbeit, verschiedene Einflussfaktoren im Rahmen vaginaler Geburten zu evaluieren, welche eine Levatorverletzung auf einer der beiden Körperseiten bzw. beidseitig begünstigen, v. a. hinsichtlich der Kindsposition im Geburtskanal. In einer prospektiven Kohortenstudie analysierten wir von 3/2017-4/2019 Erstgebärende mit vaginalen Einlingsgeburten aus Schädellage≥36+0 SSW. Wir evaluierten 2-4 Tage postpartal ihren Beckenboden mittels 3D-Ultraschall hinsichtlich Hämatomen sowie partiellen und kompletten Levatoravulsionen und suchten nach Assoziationen zwischen der betroffenen Körperseite und fetalen, maternalen und geburtshilflichen Einflussfaktoren. Von 213 Frauen erlitten 71 (33.3%) eine Levatorverletzung - 17 (23.9%) rechtsseitig, 20 (28.2%) linksseitig und 34 (47.9%) beidseitig. Es wurden keine Assoziationen zwischen den untersuchten Einflussfaktoren und der betroffenen Körperseite gefunden, bis auf die Qualität der fetalen Herzfrequenz. Es konnten keine signifikanten Einflussfaktoren für das Auftreten einer Levatorverletzung einer spezifischen Körperseite eruiert werden. Daher bedarf es in Zukunft der Untersuchung weiterer Mechanismen, wie der Adaptationsvorgänge von Geburtskanal und Fet und der adäquaten Zeit für das Gewebe zur notwendigen Dehnung, v. a. im Bereich der Levatoröffnung.

Prediction of levator ani muscle avulsion by genital tears after vaginal birth-a prospective observational cohort study.

Visible birth tears and levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma are common after birth. For the diagnosis of LAM trauma ultrasound evaluation is advisable. As ultrasound equipment and trained personnel are not available everywhere at all times, we aimed to evaluate whether specific overt birth tears are an indicator for LAM trauma. In a prospective cohort study at our center from March 2017-April 2019, we evaluated vaginal births of nulliparous women with singletons in vertex presentation ≥ 36 + 0 gestational weeks for LAM trauma by translabial ultrasound and for overt birth tears by inspection. We then calculated the association of overt birth tears with complete LAM avulsion. Of 213 women, 23.9% had any kind of LAM trauma, with 14.1% being complete avulsions. In univariate analysis, solely high-grade perineal tears (OASIS) were significantly associated with complete LAM avulsions. Fourteen percent of women suffered a complete LAM avulsion after vaginal birth, with OASIS being the only associated parameter of significance. The occurrence of such trauma might be an indicator for a mismatch between the size of the fetus and the structures of the birth canal, leading to birth trauma. Assessing for LAM trauma by translabial ultrasound in women with OASIS might be worthwhile.

The effect of the first vaginal birth on pelvic floor anatomy and dysfunction

Introduction and hypothesisFirst vaginal delivery severely interferes with pelvic floor anatomy and function. This study determines maternal and pregnancy-related risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), including urinary incontinence (UI), urgency, anal incontinence (AI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion.MethodsThis is a single-centre prospective observational cohort study on healthy women in their first singleton pregnancy. All underwent clinical and 3D transperineal ultrasound examination at 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum. Objective outcomes were POP-Q and presence or absence of LAM trauma. Functional outcomes were measured by the ICIQ-SF and PISQ 12. Multivariate regression was performed to determine birth and maternal habitus-related risk factors for UI, urgency, AI, dyspareunia, LAM avulsion and ballooning.ResultsNine hundred eighty-seven women were included. Risk factors for UI were maternal age per year of age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04–1.13; p = 0.0001) and BMI before pregnancy (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.13; p = 0.001); for POP stage II+ maternal age (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.08–1.14; p = 0.005). Avulsion was more likely after forceps (OR: 3.22; 95% CI:1.54–8.22; p = 0.015) but less likely after epidural analgesia (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.37–0.90; p = 0.015) and grade I perineal rupture (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29–0.85; p = 0.012). Ballooning was more likely at increased maternal age (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02–1.13; p = 0.005), epidural (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06–2.55; p = 0.027) and grade I perineal rupture (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.10–2.90; p = 0.018).ConclusionThough maternal characteristics at birth such as age or BMI increase the risk of PFD, labour and birth factors play a similarly important role. The most critical risk factor for MLA avulsion was forceps delivery, while an epidural had a protective effect.

Association between pelvic floor muscle trauma and contraction in parous women from a general population.

To study possible associations between pelvic floor muscle contraction, levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥ Stage 2 in parous women recruited from a general population. This was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 608 parous women from a general population examined using the POP quantification system (POP-Q) and three-dimensional/four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound for identification of LAM macrotrauma (avulsion) and microtrauma (distension of levator hiatal area > 75th percentile on Valsalva maneuver). Muscle contraction was assessed using the modified Oxford scale (MOS), perineometry and ultrasound measurement of proportional change of anteroposterior hiatal diameter and levator hiatal area at rest and on pelvic floor muscle contraction. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to study associations between pelvic floor muscle contraction, LAM trauma and POP. Women with macrotrauma (n = 113) had significantly weaker median pelvic floor muscle contraction, as measured using MOS and perineometry, than did women with an intact LAM (n = 493) (contraction strength was 1.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) vs 3.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) on MOS, and vaginal squeeze pressure was 15.0 (range, 0.0-78.0) cmH2 O vs 28.0 (range, 0.0-129.0) cmH2 O on perineometry; P < 0.001). This was also demonstrated by ultrasound measurement, with a proportional change in hiatal area of 19.9% (range, 4.1-48.0%) vs 34.0% (range, 0.0-64.0%) (P < 0.001) and proportional change in anteroposterior diameter of 16.2% (range, -5.7 to 42.6%) vs 26.0% (range, -3.4 to 49.4%) (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference between women with (n = 65), and those without (n = 378), microtrauma was found after excluding women with macrotrauma. Women with POP had weaker muscle contraction than those without; in those with POP-Q ≥ 2 (n = 275) compared with those with POP-Q < 2 (n = 333), muscle contraction strength was 3.0 (range, 0.0-5.0) vs 3.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) on MOS, vaginal squeeze pressure was 21.0 (range, 0.0-98.0) cmH2 O vs 28.0 (range, 3.0-129.0) cmH2 O on perineometry, proportional change in hiatal area was 29.6% (range, 0.0-60.9%) vs 33.8% (range, 0.0-64.4%) and proportional change in anteroposterior diameter was 22.8% (range, -5.7 to 49.4%) vs 25.7% (range, -3.4 to 49.4%) (P < 0.001 for all). LAM macrotrauma was associated with weaker pelvic floor muscle contraction measured using palpation, perineometry and ultrasound. Women with POP had weaker contraction than did women without POP. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

It is the first birth that does the damage: a cross-sectional study 20years after delivery.

Levator ani muscle (LAM) and anal sphincter tears are common after vaginal birth and are associated with female pelvic organ prolapse and anal incontinence. The impact of subsequent births on LAM and external anal sphincter (EAS) integrity is less well defined. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of LAM and EAS trauma in primiparous (VP1) and multiparous (VP2+) women who had delivered vaginally to assess if there were differences between the two groups. The null hypothesis was: there is no significant difference in the prevalence of LAM and EAS trauma between the two groups. This was a cross-sectional study involving 195 women, participants of the Dunedin arm of the ProLong study (PROlapse and incontinence LONG-term research study) seen 20years after their index birth. Assessment included a standardized questionnaire, ICS POP-Q and 4D translabial ultrasound. Post-imaging analysis of LAM and EAS integrity was undertaken blinded against other data. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and results were expressed as odds ratios (OR). LAM avulsion and EAS defects were diagnosed in 31 (16%) and 24 (12.4%) women respectively. No significant difference in the prevalence of levator avulsion and EAS defects between primiparous (VP1) and multiparous (VP2+) women who had delivered vaginally (OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.72-5.01, p = 0.26) and (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.4-3.8, p = 0.76) respectively. Most LAM avulsions and EAS defects seem to be caused by the first vaginal birth. Subsequent vaginal deliveries after the first were unlikely to cause further LAM trauma.

Psychological consequences of pelvic floor trauma following vaginal birth: a qualitative study from two Australian tertiary maternity units

Vaginal birth may result in damage to the levator ani muscle (LAM) with subsequent pelvic floor dysfunction and there may be accompanying psychological problems. This study examines associations between these somatic injuries and psychological symptoms. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to examine the experiences of primiparous women (n = 40) with known LAM trauma was undertaken. Participants were identified from a population of 504 women retrospectively assessed by a perinatal imaging study at two obstetric units in Sydney, Australia. LAM avulsion was diagnosed by 3D/4D translabial ultrasound 3-6months postpartum. The template consisted of open-ended questions. Main outcome measures were quality of information provided antenatally; intrapartum events; postpartum symptoms; and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis of maternal experiences was employed to evaluate prevalence of themes. Ten statement categories were identified: (1) limited antenatal education (29/40); (2) no information provided on potential morbidities (36/40); (3) conflicting advice (35/40); (4) traumatized partners (21/40); (5) long-term sexual dysfunction/relationship issues (27/40); (6) no postnatal assessment of injuries (36/40); (7) multiple symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (35/40); (8) "putting up" with injuries (36/40); (9) symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (27/40); (10) dismissive staff responses (26/40). Women who sustain LAM damage after vaginal birth have reduced quality of life due to psychological and somatic morbidities. PTSD symptoms are common. Clinicians may be unaware of the severity of this damage. Women report they feel traumatized and abandoned because such morbidities were not discussed prior to birth or postpartum.

OP28.02: Levator ani muscle avulsion and risk of recurrence after facial surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: preliminary results

To evaluate the relationship between the levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion and long-term risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence after pelvic floor fascial surgery. Consecutive patients who underwent pelvic floor fascial surgery for POP (uterine prolapse and/or cystocele) during January 2011 and December 2015 were prospectively recruited during follow-up period in this ongoing study. Patient's assessment included a standardised interview, clinical examination and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound. All patients underwent a strict sonographic protocol performed with the women supine after voiding, using a GE Voluson E8 and S10 units, during maximal Valsalva manoeuvre and Pelvic Floor muscle contraction. LAM avulsion was assessed using volume contrast imaging (VCI) analysis (by two millimetres slices) and tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) at 2.5-mm slice intervals on volumes obtained on Pelvic Floor muscle contraction. 80 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 67 years (range 52-85). Mean parity was 2.6 (range 1-6). Mean BMI was 24.6 (range 19.5-33.2). Mean follow-up 25.5 months (15-42). LAM avulsion was observed in 14 patients (17.5%). POP recurrence after pelvic floor fascial surgery was observed in 5 patients (6%). In three out of these five cases (60%), LAM avulsion was diagnosed. Patients with LAM avulsion (#14) showed a significantly higher rate of POP recurrence after pelvic floor fascial surgery compared to patients without avulsion (#66) (21% vs 3%, respectively). Pelvic floor fascial surgery showed to be effective with a low risk of recurrence. LAM avulsion revealed to be related with a higher risk of POP recurrence after pelvic floor fascial surgery. A proper assessment of LAM trauma seems to be of paramount relevance to strictly select patients requiring a fascial or a mesh surgery.

New Measures for Predicting Birth-Related Pelvic Floor Trauma.

The aim of this study was to establish the predictive role of obstetric variables for obstetric outcomes and birth related levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma. In this prospective study, women underwent 3-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound at their first appointment at 36 weeks and also 3 months postpartum. The measurements included minimal levator hiatus circumference (MLHC) and the ratio of fetal head circumference to MLHC = head-induced stretch ratio (HISR) as an indicator of the discrepancy between passage and passing canal. To derive the true impact of baby's mass on the levator ani musculature, we devised the levator ani stretch ratio (LASR), which was calculated by multiplying the HISR and the baby's weight. Data set of 173 women was available for analysis. Mean HISR and LASR values were statistically different across all binary outcome categories, with 1 exception for HISR and levator ani injury. The odds ratios for LASR indicated positive and statistically significant associations with all obstetric outcomes examined. The probability of the LASR correctly classifying those with the adverse obstetric outcome, as estimated by the area under the curve, ranged from 0.64 to 0.80 with the strongest discriminatory ability observed for severe LAM trauma. Fetal head circumference/mother MLHC ratio (HISR) is associated with longer length of second stage of labor, assisted delivery, and increased severity of perineal trauma. Similar associations were observed for LASR, but in addition, LASR had good discriminatory ability to identify severe LAM trauma.

Persistence of levator ani sonographic defect detected by three-dimensional transperineal sonography in primiparous women.

Correlation of the sonographic appearance of levator ani muscle (LAM) injury soon after delivery with that at long-term follow-up has not been described fully. We aimed to compare results of three-dimensional (3D) transperineal sonographic (TPS) evaluation of the LAM from the period immediately postpartum with long-term follow-up, to determine whether sonographic findings persist over time. Primiparous women (n = 210) who had been examined by 3D-TPS in a previous study to determine LAM trauma 24-72 hours after delivery were invited to participate in a follow-up examination 3-21 months postpartum. We included in this study only women who were not pregnant when approached and who had not given birth in the interim. LAM trauma was diagnosed with 3D-TPS when we observed discontinuity and distortion of the most anteromedial part of the pubovisceral muscle in the coronal C-plane or rendered image. Initial and follow-up 3D-TPS results were compared using Cohen's kappa test for inter-rater agreement. Among the 87 women included in this study we found strong correlation between earlier and later sonographic appearance of LAM: 17/21 women with a sonographic finding of LAM injury in the period immediately postpartum were positive in the follow-up examination, and only 2/66 women negative for LAM damage at the first examination were found to have sonographic evidence of LAM defect at follow-up (Cohen's kappa, 0.805 (95% CI, 0.656-0.954), P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that 3D-TPS of the LAM is a reliable examination. A sonographic finding of LAM defect identified in the period immediately postpartum persists months or years after delivery; therefore, this test may be performed following delivery, or may be delayed without impacting the result. It is likely that this sonographic defect represents real anatomical disruption and is not an imaging artifact.

Status of the pelvic floor in young primiparous women.

To investigate the postnatal prevalence of sonographically diagnosed pelvic floor trauma, and the correlations with various antenatal/intrapartum predictors in primiparous women. This was a prospective cohort study performed in a tertiary hospital with 9000 deliveries per annum. Of those invited, 202 (23.2%) primiparous participants were assessed clinically at least 1 year after delivery by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), two/three-dimensional transperineal sonography and quantification of serum collagen type III levels. There was a high prevalence of clinically significant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on POP-Q staging: uterine prolapse, 63%; cystocele, 42%; and rectocele, 23%. Ballooning of the levator ani muscle (LAM) hiatus was detected in 33% and LAM avulsion in 29% of participants, with partial LAM avulsion occurring in 15% and complete avulsion in 14%. Postnatal POP symptoms (odds ratios (ORs) given here for presence of multiple prolapse symptoms) were positively associated with similar prepregnancy symptoms (OR, 7.2 (95% CI, 1.19-44.33)), LAM avulsion (OR, 4.8 (95% CI, 1.99-11.34)) and forceps delivery (borderline significance; OR, 1.8 (95% CI, 0.96-3.25)) and negatively associated with elective (OR, 0.2 (95% CI, 0.09-0.63)) and emergency (OR, 0.3 (95% CI, 0.12-0.83)) Cesarean section. LAM abnormality was associated with forceps delivery (OR, 4.9 (95% CI, 1.44-16.97)) and prolapse (OR, 6.8-11.7 (95% CI, 2.34-78.51)), whereas collagen levels did not play a role (OR, 1.001 (95% CI, 0.99-1.02)). Clinically significant POP was common in relatively young premenopausal primiparous women. Partial or full levator avulsion was seen in 29% of participants and was associated with POP and related symptoms. Congenital factors seem to play little role in the etiology of LAM trauma, and the main risk factor seems to be forceps delivery. Avoidance of difficult vaginal deliveries may prevent severe pelvic floor trauma.