[Transanal ultrasonography for diagnosis of obstetric anal sphincter trauma]

Abstract

Fecal incontinence affects up to 2% of the general population. The major cause of it is related to the birth trauma of the anal sphincters. In this paper the possibilities of transanal endosonography in the assessment of the anal canal muscles defects after deliveries were presented. Anal canal sonographic anatomy together with the technique of the examination with the use of rotating endoprobe were presented. Transanal rotating endoprobe was compared with exoanal probes for visualization of the anal canal. Ultrasonic images of internal and external anal sphincters defects were shown with specific patterns of defects allowing differentiation between morphological and neurological damages of the sphincters. Anal endosonography was compared with clinical examination, electromyography and manometry in the assessment of the integrity of the anal sphincters.