Assessment of posterior compartment prolapse: a comparison of evacuation proctography and 3D transperineal ultrasound

Introduction Evacuation proctography (EP) is considered to be the gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of posterior compartment prolapse. 3D transperineal ultrasound (3DTPUS) imaging of the pelvic floor is a noninvasive investigation for detection of pelvic floor abnormalities. This study compared EP with 3DTPUS in diagnosing posterior compartment prolapse. Method In a prospective observational study, patients with symptoms related to posterior compartment prolapse participated in a standardized interview, clinical examination, 3DTPUS and EP. Both examinations were analysed separately by two experienced investigators, blinded against the clinical data and against the results of the other imaging technique. After the examinations, all patients were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire concerning their subjective experience. Results Between 2005 and 2007, 75 patients were included with a median age of 59 years (range 22-83). The Cohen's Kappa Index for enterocole was 0.65 (good) and for rectocele it was 0.55 (moderate). The level of correlation for intussusception was fair (kappa = 0.21). Conclusion This study showed moderate to good agreement between 3DTPUS and EP for detecting enterocele and rectocele.