The evaluation of the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function.

Method: Asymptomatic thirty women were included in this prospective study. Group 1 included 10 women (age range: 18-50) who had never been pregnant. Group 2 included 10 women (age range: 18-50) who had vaginal delivery. Group 3 included 10 women over 50 who had vaginal delivery.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of resting and squeeze pressures. It was found that sphincter thickness showed statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 3, and also group 2 and group 3. There was not statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 2 in terms of sphincter thickness. There was a positive correlation between the age and sphincter thickness in all groups. In terms of sphincter thickness and pressure findings there was a positive correlation between the squeeze pressure and external anal sphincter thickness only in group 3.

Conclusion: The vaginal delivery did not have a negative influence on the structure and function of the anal sphincter in asymptomatic women. However, it was found that anal sphincter thickness changed strongly in a positive manner with aging.

Keywords: Anal manometry; Anal sphincter; Endoanal USG; Vaginal delivery.