[Case management of pelvic floor disorders]

Pelvic floor disorders can involve all three parts of the pelvic floor, and must be managed holistically. They are often associated with one another, because they all involve an imbalance between counterbalancing forces, namely abdominal pressure on the one hand and mooring forces on the other hand. The mooring forces consist of 1) the visceral ligaments, which are fibrous cellular condensations around vessels and nerves, connecting the pelvic wall to the organs; 2) the endopelvic fascia; and 3) the pelvic muscles, including the levator ani. The physical examination must be both functional and anatomical, in order to detect obvious and occult disorders of the three parts of the pelvic floor. When physical examination is inadequate, standard radiography or MRI may be used. Radiographic explorations include colpocystography and defecography. The first is carried out in the standing position with a "blocked" perineum, and the second is performed in the defecation position with a "relaxed" perineum. Treatment must take into account dysfunctions, incontinence, and ptosis of the three parts. The author discusses the various examinations and treatments (by the abdominal or vaginal approach), based on published data and personal experience. The choice of treatment always depends on the patient's age, anatomical defects and functional disorders, and the surgeon's expertise