Transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound in male.

INTRODUCTION: The pelvic floor (PF) is a highly complex structure which may be affected by various stimulating factors like decreased PF support. As ultrasound can dynamically observe the position and mobility of anatomical structures, However, there are very few studies on PF ultrasound in males.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male patients with normal conditions underwent transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound (TPFU) examination. Ultrasound was performed in a supine lithotomy position. The probe was pressed on the sagittal plane of the perineum and adjusted till the anorectal angle, as well as bladder, were located and the median prostate and pubic symphysis were visible on the sagittal plane. TPFU was carried out to observe the patterns of pelvic floor movement during different phases, measure ultrasound parameters of the PF in men, and assess the potential applications and prospects of the male PF.

RESULTS: Two-dimensional male PF ultrasound can detect the bladder, prostate, male urethra, anus, rectum. Resting, Valsalva, and contraction phases of the PF are clearly shown, the pelvic organs in the Valsalva phase shift to the dorsal foot side, and shift to the cephalic ventral side when the levator ani muscle (LAM) contracts. Three-dimensional male PF ultrasound can visually show the shape and structure of the levator ani muscle hiatus.

CONCLUSION: It is a feasible examination tool for detecting PF disorders. However, there are still many fields to explore in the future.