Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology ›› 2019, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3): 351-354.

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Progress in Ultrasound Evaluation of Levator Ani Muscle and its Hiatus in Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse

WANG Jing-jing,ZHANG Shu-shu,HUANG Xiao-ling   

  1. Department of Ultrasound,The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University,Chongqing 400016,China(WANG Jing-jing,HUANG Xiao-ling);Department of Radiology,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University,Chongqing 400037,China(ZHANG Shu-shu)
  • Received:2018-11-23 Revised:2019-02-25 Published:2019-06-15 Online:2019-06-25
  • Contact: HUANG Xiao-ling,E-mail:huangxiaoling_4@163.com E-mail:huangxiaoling_44@163.com

Abstract: The levator ani muscle and levator hiatus are important parts of the female pelvic organ support structure, supporting the female pelvic organs. Female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common clinical pelvic organ dysfunction, which seriously affects women′s psychological and physical health. The etiology of POP is complicated, especially related to the levator ani muscle injury and the increase of the levator ani muscle area. Because ultrasound has the advantages of low cost, high reproducibility, no radiation, and good tolerance, it is currently used more and more widely in the application of female pelvic organ examination. And the application of transperineal ultrasound technique to evaluate the level of pelvic structures such as levator ani muscles and levator hiatus has gradually improved. This article mainly reviews the relationship between the anatomical structure of the levator ani muscle and levator hiatus, the occurrence of POP, and the application of transperineal ultrasound technique in the examination of female levator ani muscle and levator hiatus.

Key words: Ultrasonography, Anal canal, Wounds and injuries, Valsalva maneuver, Pelvis, Prolapse