[Endosonographic anatomy of the pelvic floor]

With the aim of gaining a precise anatomical view of the anal canal, of the pelvic floor and his pathological changes, endorectal sonography was performed in 188 patients with carcinoma of the rectum without infiltration of the sphincter muscles. Based on our photographic material we designed a sonographic "map" of the pelvic floor. Transducer: Endo-P-Sonde, Siemens, with 5, 6 and 7, 5 MHz frequence and the possibility to obtain longitudinal and transversal sections. The following muscles were constantly seen: sphincter ani internus et externus, levator ani, obturator internus, ischiocavernosus, transversus perinei prof. et sup. and thereby ischiorectal and pelvirectal fossa were defined. On the basis of these exact knowledges diagnosis and therapy of perianal abscesses and fistulas can be improved.