The relationship between postpartum levator ani muscle avulsion and signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction

• Published in: BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 121; no. 9; pp. 1164 - 1172
• Main Authors: Delft, K, Sultan, AH, Thakar, R, Schwertner‐Tiepelmann, N, Kluivers, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-08-2014
• Subjects: Adult; Anal Canal - diagnostic imaging; Anal Canal - injuries; Childbirth; Fecal Incontinence - complications; Fecal Incontinence - physiopathology; Female; Humans; incontinence; levator ani avulsion; Longitudinal Studies; Medical disorders; Muscle Strength - physiology; Muscular system; Pelvic Floor - physiopathology; Pelvic Floor Disorders - complications; Pelvic Floor Disorders - physiopathology; pelvic floor dysfunction; pelvic organ prolapse; Pelvic Organ Prolapse - complications; Pelvic Organ Prolapse - physiopathology; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Quality of Life; Reproductive system; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - complications; Surveys and Questionnaires; transperineal ultrasound; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography; Urinary incontinence; Urinary Incontinence - complications; Urinary Incontinence - physiopathology; pelvic floor dysfunction; incontinence; transperineal ultrasound; pelvic organ prolapse; Childbirth; levator ani avulsion
• ISSN: 1470-0328; 1471-0528
• DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12666

Objective
To establish the relationship between postpartum levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion and signs and/or symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
Design
Observational longitudinal cohort study.
Setting
District General University Hospital, UK.
Population or sample
Primigravida at 36 weeks' gestation and 3 months postpartum.
Methods
Pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and pelvic organ prolapse were assessed clinically using validated methods. Transperineal ultrasound was performed to identify LAM avulsion and measure hiatus dimensions. Validated questionnaires evaluated sexual function, urinary and faecal incontinence.
Main outcome measures
PFD signs and symptoms related to LAM avulsion.
Results
Two hundred and sixty nine primigravida without LAM avulsion participated and 71% (n = 191) returned postpartum. LAM avulsion was found in 21% of vaginal deliveries (n = 30, 95%CI 15.1–28.4%). Women with minor and major avulsion had worse PFMS (P < 0.038) and more anterior compartment prolapse (maximum stage 2; P < 0.024). Antenatal hiatus antero‐posterior diameter on ultrasound was significantly smaller in women sustaining avulsion (P = 0.011). Postnatal measurements were significantly increased following avulsion. Women with major avulsion were less sexually active at both antenatal and postnatal periods (P < 0.030). These women had more postnatal urinary incontinence and symptoms such as reduced vaginal sensation and ‘too loose vagina’. No postnatal differences were found for faecal incontinence, prolapse symptoms or quality of life. The correlation of differences in variables was only slight–fair with avulsion severity.
Conclusions
Twenty one percent of women sustain LAM avulsion during their first vaginal delivery with significant impact on signs and symptoms of PFD. As avulsion has been described as the missing link in the development of prolapse; longer term follow‐up is vital.