Role of perineal ultrasound in the evaluation of urinary stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review.

AIMS

A review of the international literature on urogynecology was performed to focus on the actual role of perineal ultrasound. It is an increasingly used tool for the assessment of pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence. In recent years ultrasound studies have predominated but there is little information on normal values and confusion on methodology and measurements. The aim of this study is to report the data available in the Literature about ultrasound as investigational evaluation helpful in diagnosing of urinary incontinence and urethral hypermobility, to document pelvic floor anatomy and to assess anatomic and functional changes after surgery.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was conducted using combinations of heading terms: perineal, ultrasound, pelvic floor, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse.

RESULTS

Ultrasound has become an indispensable diagnostic procedure in urogynecology. Perineal, introital, and endoanal ultrasound are the most recommended techniques and the results comprise qualitative and quantitative findings. These are important for determining the localization of the bladder neck and vesico-urethral junction and also for pre- and postoperative comparisons, and moreover for clinical applications and scientific investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

There are as yet little data and there is a need to find in the near future more standard and objective parameters for the diagnosis of urinary incontinence. They will be obtained by means of more accurate analysis and comparison of the parameters, leading to a more clinically useful diagnostic test and assuring reliable and reproducible results.