[An initial lack of knowledge of the perineal anatomy does not influence the learning of intermittent self-catheterization in women].

AIM: To evaluate the impact of female perineal anatomy knowledge on the success of a first learning of intermittent self-catheterization (ISC).

METHODS

Thirty subjects benefited from educational diagnosis, training and follow-up during 2 visits in a neuro-urology department. Three knowledge anatomical tests were carried out: a freehand drawing, then a diagram to be annotated and a self-location of the following 6 structures (labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethral meatus, vaginal orifice, anus) as well as a physiological knowledge test. A correction was made after annotating the diagram to perfect the learning process before performing the procedure.

RESULTS

Of the women studied, 83.3% had a neurological pathology and 77.7% had a gyneco-obstetrical history. Half of them had undergone perineal rehabilitation. Our study shows a lack of knowledge of the perineum prior to learning self-catheterization: 43.3% thought they knew it partially and 46.7% reported that they did not know it. Fifty-three percent of the subjects did not indicate the urethral meatus and 43.3% did not annotate the vaginal orifice on the diagram. Difficulties in anatomical transposition were observed: the urethral meatus was self-located in only 43.3% of subjects and 30% did not locate the vaginal orifice. Previous perineal rehabilitation was not benefical in the self-recognition of anatomical structures. However, all the patients, including those who did not initially locate the urethral meatus, acquired the technique of ISC.

CONCLUSION

Intial perineal anatomy ignorance in women was frequent but was not an obstacle to learning ISC.

LEVEL OF PROOF: 4.