Real-time assessment of the behaviour of the bladder neck and proximal urethra during urine leaking in the cough stress test (CST) in supine and standing positions using transperineal ultrasound

Introduction and hypothesis The objective was to describe the behaviour of the bladder neck and proximal urethra during urine leaking in the cough stress test (CST) in supine and standing positions using transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). Method We carried out prospective data collection and a retrospective data analysis of 102 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who had a positive CST with TPUS in the supine and/or standing position. On TPUS, the behaviour of the bladder neck and proximal urethra was described by the urethral length, urethral funnelling, bladder neck descent (BND), retrovesical angle (RVA) and urethral rotation angle (URA). Differences between the ultrasound findings in the two positions were evaluated. Results In the 102 women, the mean age was 48 years and mean BMI was 23.8 kg/m2. On TPUS, urine leakage was detected in the supine or standing position in 102 women and in both positions in 81. Between the two positions, significant differences were found in the URA and RVA. In the standing position, the median RVA of 166° was significantly larger than that of 133° in the supine position (p < 0.001), and the median URA of 35° was significantly smaller than that of 64° in the supine position (p < 0.001). Conclusions TPUS in both positions can be used to detect the real-time behaviour of the bladder neck and urethra in the CST. In the standing position, less rotation and more straightening of the bladder neck and proximal urethra occurred during urine leakage.

Evaluation of transperineal ultrasound in diagnosis and grading of female genuine urinary stress incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has an observed prevalence of between 4%and 35%. Purpose: To determine the role of transperineal ultrasound in diagnosing stress incontinence, its degree and the possible cause by: Measuring the BN descent, urethral hypermobility, funneling of BN or proximal urethra, urethral diameter, posterior urethra vesical angle, associated cystocele Using color Doppler to detect escape of urine through the urethra. Methods: 52 female patients diagnosed to have genuine stress incontinence using 3 day voiding diary, simple questionnaire and confirmed by standard urodynamics. Classification of stress incontinence into mild, moderate and severe using Valsalva leak point pressure during urodynamic study. Transperineal ultrasound for evaluation of the anterior pelvic compartment regarding: bladder neck descent, urethralhy permobility, Funneling of the BN, posterior urethrovesical angle ,urethral diameter, associatedcystocele, and finally the Doppler detection of urinary escape both at rest and with Valsalva maneuvers. Results: 28/52 cases (53.8%) of SUI didn’t show clinical evidence of cystocele; 11 cases (21.2%) showed grade 1 cystocele and 13cases (25%) showed grade 2 cystocele. The presence or absence of cystocele and also the grade of cystocele did not show a statistically significant relation to the degree of SUI; p=0.089 and 0.086 respectively Conclusion: We came to conclusion that transperineal ultrasound can be used in accurate diagnosis and grading of female urinary stress incontinence with our given cutoff values for bladder displacement, α angle, β angle and urethral diameters and from this grading by transperineal ultrasound comes the novelity of our research.

Traditional Gymnastic Exercises for the Pelvic Floor Often Lead to Bladder Neck Descent – a Study Using Perineal Ultrasound

Background The aims of physiotherapy in stress incontinent women are to improve pelvic floor function and the continence mechanism including bladder neck support and urethral closure pressure. In Germany, traditional conservative treatment often includes gymnastic exercises with unclear effects on the bladder neck. The aim of this study was to sonographically assess bladder neck movements during selected exercises. Methods Fifteen healthy, continent women without previous vaginal births, who were able to voluntarily contract their pelvic floor muscels performed the shoulder bridge, the abdominal press, tiptoe and the Pilates clam exercises. The first set was performed without any additional instructions. During the second set directions were given to activate the pelvic floor before beginning each exercise and to maintain the contraction throughout the exercise. Bladder neck movement was measured on perineal ultrasound using a validated method with the pubic symphysis as a reference point. Results The median age of participants was 32 years, median BMI was 23. Eight women were nulliparous and seven had given birth to 1 – 2 children via caesarean section. When exercises were performed without voluntary pelvic floor contraction the bladder neck descended on average between 2.3 and 4.4 mm, and with pelvic floor contraction prior to the exercise only between 0.5 and 2.1 mm (p > 0.05 except for abdominal press p = 0.007). The Pilates clam exercise and toe stand stabilised the bladder neck most effectively. Discussion Bladder neck descent often occurs during pelvic floor gymnastic exercises as traditionally performed in Germany, and a voluntary pelvic floor contraction during the exercises does not necessarily prevent this.