Evaluating the pelvic floor in obstetric patients.

Up to 40% of vaginal deliveries lead to pelvic floor denervation. This has been linked causally with the later occurrence of urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and vaginal prolapse. Pelvic floor position, anal sphincter pressures and anal electrosensitivity were evaluated in 72 volunteers as simple screening tests for detecting patients who might benefit from neurological assessment. A lower perineum and reduced voluntary sphincter pressures were found antenatally in parous women when compared with nulliparas. The tests were repeated postnatally 24 to 72 hours after delivery. When compared with antenatal readings, the perineum was lower and sphincter pressures were reduced in subjects delivered vaginally. Forty one subjects were reexamined after 6-8 weeks and partial recovery was found. Anal squeeze pressures and pelvic floor position when straining were the results most consistently changed. On the basis of this study it is suggested that 28% of multiparas seen anrenatally and between 25% to 30% of all women who deliver vaginally may be eligible for more detailed neurological study.