Comparison of 3-Dimensional Pelvic Floor Ultrasonography and Defecography for Assessment of Posterior Pelvic Floor Disorders

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of 3-dimensional (3D) pelvic floor ultrasonography and compare it with defecography in assessment of posterior pelvic disorders. METHODS: Eligible patients were consecutive women undergoing 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography at one hospital between August 2017 and February 2019. All 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography was performed by one examiner. A total of 167 patients with suspected posterior pelvic disorder was retrospectively enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the main symptoms. RESULTS: There were 82 rectoceles on defecography (55 barium trapping) and 84 on 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography. Each modality identified 6 enteroceles. There were 43 patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia on defecography and 41 on ultrasonography. There were 84 patients with intussusception on defecography and 41 on 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography. Agreement of the 2 diagnostic tests was confirmed using Cohen’s kappa value. Rectocele (kappa, 0.784) and enterocele (kappa, 0.654) both indicated good agreement between defecography and 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography. In addition, pelvic floor dyssynergia (kappa, 0.406) showed moderate agreement, while internal intussusception (kappa, 0.296) had fair agreement. CONCLUSION: This study showed good agreement for detection of posterior pelvic disorders between defecography and 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography.