Journal article

Publication year: 1998

Pages: 394-400

Journal: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde

Volume number: 58

Issue number: 7

ISSN: 0016-5751

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1022733

Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag

Abstract: 
Introduction: Introital sonography is an easily performed and non-invasive method in diagnostics of female urinary stress incontinence. However, there have only been few studies on whether introital sonography produces reproducible results. The aim of the study was to analyse the probably most important parameter of this method, namely, the symphysis-bladder neck distance. Study design: Introital sonography was performed on 68 female patients via standardised measurement procedures. The height of the internal urethral meatus in relation to the lower point of pubis, called symphysis-bladder neck distance, was evaluated and then analysed by means of sonographic coordinates at rest and during Valsalva's manoeuvre. Examinations were performed on nonpregnant (n = 23) as well as on pregnant women shortly before and after delivery (n = 40). Methods of sonographic procedure like volume of the bladder and angular position of the scanner were discussed separately. Results: 1. The symphysis-bladder neck distance of non-pregnant women showed a mean value of 21 mm (sd = 4.2) at rest; during Valsalva's manoeuvre we observed significantly lower values (mean 12.9 mm, sd = 4.4). 2. Physiological alterations of the vesico-urethral region during pregnancy and after delivery are associated with a significant decrease of the symphysis-bladder neck distance (mean 12.7 mm, sd = 5.0 at rest/mean 4.5 mm, sd = 6.2 during Valsalva). In this case the values of multipara were significantly lower than those of the primapara, referring in each case to pre-and post partum values (p=0.02). 3. Volume of the bladder and angular position of the scanner prominently influence datas of introital sonography. Conclusion: The quantitative analysis of the symphysis-bladder neck distance demonstrates that it can be recommended as a very useful parameter in introital sonography, providing reproducible information of the vesico-urethral region. With regard to measurement methods of introital sonography an exactly horizontal position of the scanner placed at the vaginal introitus seems to be the most important prerequisite.

Harvard Citation style: Stein, A. and Kunzel, W. (1998) Sonographic studies on the physiology of the distance between symphysis and bladder neck. Introduction, Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, 58(7), pp. 394-400. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1022733

APA Citation style: Stein, A., & Kunzel, W. (1998). Sonographic studies on the physiology of the distance between symphysis and bladder neck. Introduction. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde. 58(7), 394-400. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1022733