Postpartum levator ani muscle injuries. Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Levator ani muscle (LAM) injuries are much more frequent than trauma to sphincter ani muscles, but so far they have been omitted in obstetric handbooks. Levator ani avulsion is observed only after vaginal delivery. Forceps delivery, second stage of labor ≥110 min., fetal head circumference ≥ 35 cm, episiotomy and coincidence of anal sphincter trauma are risk factors for levator ani avulsion. The most vital issue in that type of trauma is pelvic organ prolapse and 2-4-fold higher risk of recurrence after prolapse surgery. The current level of evidence does not allow to conclusively determine the of role of levator avulsion in urinary incontinence. Levator injuries are occult, what constitutes the main diagnostic problem. Until recently, magnetic resonance imaging has been the only diagnostic method until the development of 3-dimensional ultrasound. Nowadays, 3-D ultrasound is an essential technique in static and functional diagnosis of the levator ani. There are no effective methods of levator trauma prevention. Except the risk factors reduction, there are some pilot data about positive role of antepartal perineal muscle training. Physiotherapy plays the main role in reducing the effects of levator trauma. Mesh techniques are the most effective operative methods in coincident pelvic organ prolapse with levator avulsion, but there is still a 2-fold higher risk of recurrence.