Postprocessing of pelvic floor ultrasound data: how repeatable is it?

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Gynecology
• Pelvic floor disorders

Background:

• Translabial 3D/4D pelvic floor ultrasound (PFUS) is vital for evaluating pelvic floor disorders.
• Analysis often relies on postprocessing stored volume data sets.
• Assessing the learning curve for PFUS postprocessing is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the time required to achieve acceptable repeatability in commonly used outcome measures for pelvic floor ultrasound (PFUS).
• To evaluate the training duration needed for proficient postprocessing of PFUS data.

Main Methods:

• Trainees (n=20) from diverse backgrounds underwent training in PFUS volume data postprocessing.
• Test-retest series (n≥20) were conducted between training days 2 and 15.
• Key outcome measures included levator hiatal area, bladder neck descent, and rectocele depth.

Main Results:

• All trainees achieved satisfactory repeatability (ICC > 0.7) for their required parameters.
• Training duration ranged from 3 to 15 days, with a mean of 4 to 5.8 days.
• Repeatability generally improved with subsequent retest series.

Conclusions:

• Postprocessing analysis of standard PFUS parameters for prolapse assessment is teachable to an acceptable standard within one week.
• This indicates efficient training is possible for PFUS data interpretation.