Tactile Imaging Markers to Characterize Female Pelvic Floor Conditions.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: van Raalte H
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4571288 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Tactile Imaging Markers to Characterize Female Pelvic Floor Conditions.
van Raalte Heather H Egorov Vladimir V
Open journal of obstetrics and gynecology 20150801 9
The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records pressure patterns from vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions. The objective of this study is to validate tactile imaging and muscle contraction parameters (markers) sensitive to the female pelvic floor conditions. Twenty-two women with normal and prolapse conditions were examined by a vaginal tactile imaging probe. We identified 9 parameters which were sensitive to prolapse conditions (<i>p</i> < 0.0 ...[more]
Similar Datasets
Project description:Introduction and hypothesisTactile imaging (TI) is the high-definition pressure mapping technology which allows recording pressure patterns from vaginal walls under applied load and during pelvic floor muscle contraction. The objective of this study was to identify new tactile imaging and muscle contraction markers to characterize female pelvic floor conditions.MethodsThe study subjects included 22 women with normal and prolapse conditions. They were examined by a new vaginal tactile imaging probe that images the entire vagina, the pelvic floor support structures, and pelvic floor muscle contractions.ResultsWe identified 11 parameters as potential markers to characterize the female pelvic floor conditions. These parameters correlate with prolapse conditions, patient age, and parity.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the tactile imaging markers such as pressure, pressure gradient, and dynamic pressure response during muscle contraction may be used for further quantitative characterization of female pelvic floor conditions.
| S-EPMC4371815 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundQuantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). An innovative approach-vaginal tactile imaging-allows biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records high definition pressure patterns from vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions.ObjectiveTo explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters for differentiation and characterization of POP relative to normal pelvic floor conditions.Methods96 subjects with normal and POP conditions were included in the data analysis from multi-site observational, case-controlled studies; 42 subjects had normal pelvic floor conditions and 54 subjects had POP. The VTI, model 2S, was used with an analytical software package to calculate automatically 52 biomechanical parameters for 8 VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in 2 planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction). The groups were equalized for subject age and parity.ResultsThe ranges, mean values, and standard deviations for all 52 VTI parameters were established. 33 of 52 parameters were identified as statistically sensitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the POP development. Among these 33 parameters, 11 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity, 8 parameters show deteriorations in pelvic support and 14 parameters show weakness in muscle functions for POP versus normal conditions.ConclusionsThe biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor with the VTI provides a unique set of parameters characterizing POP versus normal conditions. These objectively measurable biomechanical transformations of pelvic tissues, support structures, and functions under POP may be used in future research and practical applications.
| S-EPMC6508651 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Further progress in restoring a woman's health may be possible if a patient with a damaged pelvic floor could undergo medical imaging and biomechanical diagnostic tests. The results of such tests could contribute to the analysis of multiple treatment options and suggest the optimal one for that patient. AIM:To develop a new approach for the biomechanical characterization of vaginal conditions, muscles, and connective tissues in the female pelvic floor. METHODS:Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) allows biomechanical assessment of the soft tissue along the entire length of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vaginal walls at rest, with manually applied deflection pressures and with muscle contraction, muscle relaxation, and Valsalva maneuver. VTI allows a large body of measurements to evaluate individual variations in tissue elasticity, support defects, as well as pelvic muscle function. Presuming that 1) the female pelvic floor organs are suspended by ligaments against which muscles contract to open or close the outlets and 2) damaged ligaments weaken the support and may reduce the force of muscle contraction, we made an attempt to characterize multiple pelvic floor structures from VTI data. RESULTS:All of the 138 women enrolled in the study were successfully examined with the VTI. The study subjects have had normal pelvic support or pelvic organ prolapse (stages I-IV). The average age of this group of subjects was 60±15 years. We transposed a set of 31 VTI parameters into a quantitative characterization of pelvic muscles and ligamentous structures. Interpretation of the acquired VTI data for normal pelvic floor support and prolapse conditions is proposed based on biomechanical assessment of the functional anatomy. CONCLUSION:Vaginal tactile imaging allows biomechanical characterization of female pelvic floor structures and tissues in vivo, which may help to optimize treatment of the diseased conditions such as prolapse, incontinence, atrophy, and some forms of pelvic pain.
| S-EPMC5548279 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionQuantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Vaginal tactile imaging is an innovative approach to the biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) records high definition pressure patterns through the vaginal walls under an applied tissue deformation and during pelvic floor muscle contractions.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters of the female pelvis for the differentiation and characterization of uterine prolapse relative to normal pelvic floor conditions.MethodsSixty subjects were included in the data analysis from observational and case-controlled studies. Out of these 60, forty-two subjects had normal pelvic floor conditions and 18 subjects had uterine prolapse (no anterior, no posterior prolapse). The VTI, model 2S, was used with an analytical software package to automatically calculate 52 biomechanical parameters for 8 VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Valsalva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in 2 planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction).ResultsThe ranges, mean values, and standard deviations for all 52 VTI parameters were established. Twenty-two of 52 parameters were identified as statistically sensitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the development of uterine prolapse. Among these 21 parameters, 6 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity, 5 parameters show deteriorations in pelvic support, and 10 parameters show weakness in muscle functions for uterine prolapsed versus normal conditions.ConclusionThe biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor with the VTI provides a unique set of parameters characterizing uterine prolapse versus normal conditions. These objectively measurable biomechanical transformations of pelvic tissues, support structures, and functions under the prolapse conditions may be useful in future research and practical applications.
| S-EPMC6513001 | biostudies-literature
Project description:INTRODUCTION:Urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) disproportionately experienced by postmenopausal women. Limited data exist suggesting that phytoestrogens may have an impact on the pathophysiology and symptom of PFDs. PURPOSE OF REVIEW:The aim of the study was to review the current literature addressing the role of phytoestrogens on PFDs, including the pathophysiology, symptom, treatment, and possible prevention. FINDINGS:Qualifying literature spans from 2003 to 2017 and included 14 studies ranging from in vitro, animal, and observational studies to randomized clinical trials. SUMMARY:Although the literature is limited, most studies on phytoestrogens and PFDs support associations with pathophysiologic mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, but not fecal incontinence. Less is known regarding the prevention of PFDs with phytoestrogen intake over time. Overall, the potential influence of phytoestrogens on PFDs is not well understood, and more research is needed.
| S-EPMC5920717 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Controversies regarding structure and function of the pelvic floor persist because of its poor accessibility and complex anatomical architecture. Most data are based on dissection. This "surgical" approach requires profound prior knowledge, because applying the scalpel precludes a "second look." The "sectional" approach does not entail these limitations, but requires segmentation of structures and three-dimensional reconstruction. This approach has produced several "Visible Human Projects." We dealt with limited spatial resolution and difficult-to-segment structures by proceeding from clear-cut to more fuzzy boundaries and comparing segmentation between investigators. We observed that the bicipital levator ani muscle consisted of pubovisceral and puborectal portions; that the pubovisceral muscle formed, together with rectococcygeal and rectoperineal muscles, a rectal diaphragm; that the external anal sphincter consisted of its subcutaneous portion and the puborectal muscle only; that the striated urethral sphincter had three parts, of which the middle (urethral compressor) was best developed in females and the circular lower ("membranous") best in males; that the rectourethral muscle, an anterior extension of the rectal longitudinal smooth muscle, developed a fibrous node in its center (perineal body); that the perineal body was much better developed in females than males, so that the rectourethral subdivision into posterior rectoperineal and anterior deep perineal muscles was more obvious in females; that the superficial transverse perineal muscle attached to the fibrous septa of the ischioanal fat; and that the uterosacral ligaments and mesorectal fascia colocalized. To facilitate comprehension of the modified topography we provide interactive 3D-PDFs that are freely available for teaching purposes. Clin. Anat. 33:275-285, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
| S-EPMC7027585 | biostudies-literature
Project description:INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS:The pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased the awareness and efforts to provide care from distance using information technologies. We reviewed the literature about the practice and effectiveness of the rehabilitation of the female pelvic floor dysfunction via telehealth regarding symptomatology and quality of life and function of pelvic floor muscles (PFM). METHODS:A bibliographic review was carried out in May 2020 in the databases: Embase, Medline/PubMed, LILACS and PEDro. A total of 705 articles were reviewed after the removal of duplicates. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated by the PEDro scale. Two authors performed data extraction into a standardized spreadsheet. RESULTS:Four studies were included, two being randomized controlled trials. Among the RCTs, only one compared telehealth with face-to-face treatment; the second one compared telehealth with postal treatment. The other two studies are follow-up and cost analysis reports on telehealth versus postal evaluation. Data showed that women who received the intervention remotely presented significant improvement in their symptoms, such as reducing the number of incontinence episodes and voiding frequency, improving PFM strength and improving quality of life compared to women who had the face-to-face treatment. CONCLUSIONS:Telehealth promoted a significant improvement in urinary symptoms, PFM function and quality of life. Telehealth is still emerging, and more studies are needed to draw more conclusions. The recommendations of the governmental authorities, physical therapy councils and corresponding associations of each country also need to be considered.
| S-EPMC7657071 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Quantitative biomechanical characterization of pelvic supportive structures and functions in vivo is thought to provide insight into the pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse (POP). An innovative approach - vaginal tactile imaging - allows biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor to quantify tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle functions. The objective of this study is to explore an extended set of 52 biomechanical parameters to characterize pelvic floor changes with age, parity, and subject weight for normal pelvic floor conditions. 42 subjects with normal pelvic conditions (no POP, no stress urinary incontinence) were included in the data analysis from an observational, case-controlled study. The Vaginal Tactile Imager (VTI) was used with an analytical software package to automatically calculate 52 biomechanical parameters for 8 VTI test procedures (probe insertion, elevation, rotation, Val-salva maneuver, voluntary muscle contractions in 2 planes, relaxation, and reflex contraction). The ranges, mean values, and standard deviations for all 52 VTI parameters were established. 12 VTI parameters were identified as statistically sen-sitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the subject age; 9 parameters were identified as statistically sensitive (p < 0.05; t-test) to the subject parity; no sensitivity was found to subject weight. Among the 12 parameters sensitive to women's age, 6 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity and 6 parameters show weakness in pelvic muscle functions with age. Among the 9 parameters sensitive to parity, 5 parameters show changes (decrease) in tissue elasticity and 4 parameters show weakness in pelvic muscle functions after giving birth. The biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor with the VTI provides a unique set of parameters characterizing pelvic changes with age and parity. These objectively measurable biomechanical transformations of pelvic tissues, support structures, and functions may be used in future research and practical applications.
| S-EPMC6656381 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Pelvic floor myofascial pain, which is predominantly identified in the muscles of the levator ani and obturator internus, has been observed in women with chronic pelvic pain and other pelvic floor disorder symptoms, and is hypothesized to contribute to their symptoms. OBJECTIVES:To describe the prevalence of pelvic floor myofascial pain in patients presenting with pelvic floor disorder symptoms and to investigate whether severity of pelvic floor myofascial pain on examination correlates with degree of pelvic floor disorder symptom bother. STUDY DESIGN:All new patients seen at 1 tertiary referral center between 2014 and 2016 were included in this retrospectively assembled cross-sectional study. Pelvic floor myofascial pain was determined by transvaginal palpation of the bilateral obturator internus and levator ani muscles and scored as a discrete number on an 11-point verbal pain rating scale (range, 0-10) at each site. Scores were categorized as none (0), mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10) for each site. Pelvic floor disorder symptom bother was assessed by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form scores. The correlation between these 2 measures was calculated using Spearman rank and partial rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS:A total of 912 new patients were evaluated. After exclusion of 79 with an acute urinary tract infection, 833 patients were included in the final analysis. Pelvic floor myofascial pain (pain rated >0 in any muscle group) was identified in 85.0% of patients: 50.4% rated as severe, 25.0% moderate, and 9.6% mild. In unadjusted analyses and those adjusted for postmenopausal status, severity of pelvic floor myofascial pain was significantly correlated with subjective prolapse symptoms such as pelvic pressure and heaviness but not with objective prolapse symptoms (seeing or feeling a vaginal bulge or having to push up on a bulge to start or complete urination) or leading edge. Severity of myofascial pain at several individual pelvic floor sites was also independently correlated with lower urinary tract symptoms, including pain in the lower abdomen (myofascial pain at all sites) and difficulty emptying the bladder (right obturator internus and left levator ani); and with defecatory dysfunction, including sensation of incomplete rectal emptying (pain at all sites combined and the right obturator internus), anal incontinence to flatus (pain at all sites combined), and pain with defecation (pain at all sites combined, and the right obturator internus and left levator ani). CONCLUSION:Pelvic floor myofascial pain was common in patients seeking evaluation for pelvic floor disorder symptoms. Location and severity of pelvic floor myofascial pain was significantly correlated with degree of symptom bother, even after controlling for postmenopausal status. Given the high prevalence of pelvic floor myofascial pain in these patients and correlation between pain severity and degree of symptom bother, a routine assessment for pelvic floor myofascial pain should be considered for all patients presenting for evaluation of pelvic floor symptoms.
| S-EPMC6732028 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundFemale Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) concerns over 200 million women and girls worldwide and is associated with obstetric trauma and long-term urogynaecological and psychosexual complications that are often under-investigated and undertreated. The aim of this study was to assess the pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2016 and January 2019 at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals. The participants were interviewed on socio-demographic and background information, underwent a systematic gynaecological examination to assess the presence and type of FGM/C and eventual Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and completed six validated questionnaires on pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms (PFDI-20 and PFIQ7 on pelvic floor distress and impact, FISI and WCS on faecal incontinence and constipation, PISQ-IR and FGSIS on sexual function and genital self-image). The participants' scores were compared with scores of uncut women available from the literature. The association between selected variables and higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models.Results124 women with a mean age of 31.5 (± 7.5), mostly with a normal BMI, and with no significant POP were included. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 mean (± SD) scores were of 49.5 (± 52.0) and 40.7 (± 53.6) respectively. In comparison with the available literature, the participants' scores were lower than those of uncut women with pelvic floor dysfunction but higher than those of uncut women without such disorders. Past violent events other than FGM/C and forced or arranged marriage, age at FGM/C of more than 10, a period of staying in Switzerland of less than 6 months, and nulliparity were significantly associated with higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms, independently of known risk factors such as age, weight, ongoing pregnancy and history of episiotomy.ConclusionsWomen with various types of FGM/C, without POP, can suffer from pelvic floor symptoms responsible for distress and impact on their daily life.Trial registrationThe study protocol was approved by the Swiss Ethics Committee on research involving humans (protocol n°15-224).
| S-EPMC7881631 | biostudies-literature