E-Posters-Levator Ani Defects Among Non-Instrumentally Delivered Primiparae Related To Perineal Tears

Levator Ani Defects Among Non-Instrumentally Delivered Primiparae Related To Perineal Tears - Emilia Rotstein, MD

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This document is a summary of a study on levator ani defects (LAD) in low-risk primiparae women during vaginal delivery. The study population consisted of 133 women who had a spontaneous vaginal birth with no more than a second degree perineal tear. The aim of the study was to examine potential levator ani defects and their correlation with perineal tear.<br /><br />The results showed that 27.8% of the study population had levator ani avulsion, with 15.8% having a partial LAD and 12% having a total LAD. Among women with a perineal tear, 14.7% had a partial LAD and 15.9% had a total LAD. The study also found that a possible obstetric risk factor for LAD was a prolonged active second stage of labor.<br /><br />The levator ani muscle is important for supporting the pelvic organs and is essential for bladder and bowel control and sexual function. LAD can occur during vaginal delivery and increase the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction. Previous studies have primarily focused on traumatic deliveries, and this study aimed to examine LAD in low-risk primiparae women.<br /><br />The study used ultrasound imaging to assess LAD, using a BK Flexfocus ultrasound machine with 2D and 3D probes. Statistical analyses were conducted to analyze the data, including descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses.<br /><br />Overall, the study found a significant association between LAD and an increase in active second stage duration. Women with larger perineal tears were more likely to have LAD. The study suggests that addressing levator ani defects may be beneficial for symptom reduction after perineal reconstruction.<br /><br />In conclusion, this study provides insights into the prevalence and potential risk factors for levator ani defects in low-risk primiparae women during vaginal delivery. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of LAD and potential interventions to address them.

Keywords

levator ani defects

low-risk primiparae women

vaginal delivery

perineal tear

obstetric risk factor

pelvic floor dysfunction

ultrasound imaging

active second stage of labor

symptom reduction

prevalence