ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal value of the anal canal structures by transvaginal sonography in normal woman and compare this technique with the more commonly used transanal technique. METHODS: Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed in 25 parous patients between 4th and 8th decade of age, using a Bruel and Kajer type-1890. This procedure was followed by transanal sonography using the same system. The thickness of mucosa and submucosa, internal and external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle were measured by both methods. RESULTS: The thickness of mucosa- submucosa, internal anal sphincter, external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle by transvaginal sonography were 2.84 0.2 (2.6~3.0) mm, 2.98 0.4 (2.6~3.3) mm, 7.4 0.3 (7.1~7.7) mm, 7.5 0.5 (7.4~7.6) mm respectively(mean value standard deviation and range). The detection rate of external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle by transvaginal sonography were between 55.5% (5/9) and 71.4% (5/7). CONCLUSIONS: The thickness of internal anal sphincter was increased with age(p<0.05). The thickness of mucosa-submucosa, internal anal sphincter measured.