Variability in utilization and techniques of pelvic floor imaging: findings of the SAR pelvic floor dysfunction disease-focused panel

Milana Flusberg, Yin Xi, Kedar Jambhekar, Simin Bahrami, Victoria Chernyak, Neeraj Lalwani, Mark Lockhart, Roopa Ram, Julia R. Fielding, Rania Farouk El Sayed, Gaurav Khatri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pelvic floor disorders are common and can negatively impact quality of life. Imaging of patients with pelvic floor disorders has been extremely heterogeneous between institutions due in part to variations in clinical expectations, technical considerations, and radiologist experience. In order to assess variations in utilization and technique of pelvic floor imaging across practices, the society of abdominal radiology (SAR) disease-focused panel on pelvic floor dysfunction developed and administered an online survey to radiologists including the SAR membership. Results of the survey were compared with published recommendations for pelvic floor imaging to identify areas in need of further standardization. MRI was the most commonly reported imaging technique for pelvic floor imaging followed by fluoroscopic defecography. Ultrasound was only used by a small minority of responding radiologists. The survey responses demonstrated variability in imaging utilization, patient referral patterns, imaging protocols, patient education, and interpretation and reporting of pelvic floor imaging examinations. This survey highlighted inconsistencies in technique between institutions as well as potential gaps in knowledge that should be addressed to standardize evaluation of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1294-1301
Number of pages8
JournalAbdominal Radiology
Volume46
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • Magnetic resonance defecography
  • Pelvic floor
  • Prolapse

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Gastroenterology
  • Urology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Variability in utilization and techniques of pelvic floor imaging: findings of the SAR pelvic floor dysfunction disease-focused panel'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this