Functional imaging of the pelvic floor.

Area of Science:

• Pelvic floor imaging
• Functional radiography
• Gastroenterology and Gynecology

Background:

• Anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction present clinical challenges.
• Dynamic cystocolpoproctography (DCP) has evolved to assess global pelvic floor function.
• DCP is a useful diagnostic tool for defecatory disorders and pelvic organ prolapse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique, diagnostic criteria, limitations, and clinical utility of Dynamic Cystocolpoproctography (DCP).
• To highlight DCP's role in evaluating anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction.
• To emphasize the necessity of global pelvic floor assessment.

Main Methods:

• Functional radiography under maximum stress to the pelvic floor.
• Assessment of levator ani relaxation and rectal emptying for defecatory disorders.
• Quantification of female pelvic organ prolapse.

Main Results:

• DCP demonstrates high observer accuracy and diagnostic yield.
• It provides quantitative data on pelvic organ prolapse, often superior to physical examination.
• Functional radiography reveals limitations of physical examination in assessing pelvic floor disorders.

Conclusions:

• DCP is a practical and cost-effective method for evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction.
• It aids in altering management decisions between surgical and medical interventions.
• Global pelvic floor assessment using DCP is crucial as disorders rarely occur in isolation.