Ultrasond examination in evaluation of structure and function of rectus abdominis and pelvic floor in early postpartum women / 中国介入影像与治疗学

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the value of ultrasound examinations in evaluation on structure and function of rectus abdominis and pelvic floor in early postpartum period. Methods: Transperineal pelvic ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound were performed on 102 primiparas 6-8 weeks postpartum. The levator hiatal area was measured under the maximum Valsalva maneuver, and the inter-rectus diatance (IRD) of the level of umbilicus, 3 cm above and 3 cm below the umbilicus were tested. Spearman correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between the levator hiatal area under the maximum Valsalva maneuver and IRD of the umbilicus. Results: Transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound showed PFD in 55 women (PFD group), while no PFD was detected in 47 women (non-PFD group). The maximum levator hiatal area in non-PFD group ([14.52±2.72]cm2) was less than that in PFD group ([22.78±5.51]cm2, t=9.81, P0.05). There was positive correlation between the levator hiatal area under the maximum Valsava maneuver and IRD of umbilicus (rs=0.42,P<0.01). Conclusion: Ultrasound is of great significance in evaluating postpartum inter-rectus abdominis and pelvic floor structure, indicating that the increase in IRD during early postpartum period can adversely affect the structure and function of pelvic floor.