Measurement of the vaginal wall thickness by transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound of women with vaginal laxity: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal Vol. 33; no. 12; pp. 3563 - 3572
• Main Authors: Pereira, Glaucia Miranda Varella, Juliato, Cassia Raquel Teatin, de Almeida, Cristiane Martins, Valente, Isabella Salvetti, de Andrade, Kleber Cursino, Brito, Luiz Gustavo Oliveira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.12.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdomen; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gynecology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Original Article; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography - methods; Urology; Vagina; Vagina - diagnostic imaging; Vaginal Diseases; Vaginal laxity; Vaginal wall thickness; Ultrasound; Sexual dysfunction
• ISSN: 0937-3462; 1433-3023
• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05184-8

Introduction and hypothesis An objective diagnostic method to understand vaginal laxity (VL) is still missing. The aim of our study is to determine whether vaginal wall thickness (VWT) measured by ultrasound may differ according to the abdominal or vaginal techniques and to assess whether clinical variables are associated with vaginal measurements of women with VL. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital included 82 women aged ≥ 18 years with VL complaints assessed by the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire. Women who reported severe comorbidities or vulvovaginal disorders, previous treatment for VL, and use of vaginal estrogen in the last 6 months were excluded. Participants reporting VL underwent transabdominal (TAUS) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and physical examination and answered validated questionnaires. Descriptive data were given as mean and standard deviation, median (range), and absolute and relative frequency. The significance level adopted for this study was 5%. Sample size calculation was not performed for the present study. Results Mean age was 41.20 ± 8.64 years, and most participants were multiparous, with previous vaginal delivery and having vaginal intercourse. A statistically significant difference (up to 3 mm) between TAUS and TVUS measurements of the VWT was found in the proximal, middle-third, and distal compartments. A significant correlation was found between VWT and TAUS or TVUS in the mid-third and distal compartments. Conclusion A significant correlation was found between the VWT measurements in TVUS and TAUS. Our findings might give the health professional more possibilities for investigating VWT according to patient characteristics.