title: Transperineal ultrasonography: new method to image the anorectal region.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this preliminary study was to present an alternative method to assess the anal sphincters by ultrasonography using a conventional ultrasound surface probe by transperineal approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Transperineal ultrasonography was performed in 20 asymptomatic volunteers to assess the anal sphincters. Ultrasonographic findings were compared with conventional anal endosonography pictures available in the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Images of the anal sphincters obtained by transperineal ultrasound were found to be similar to those produced by conventional anal endosonography. Internal and external anal sphincters were easily demonstrated in addition to mucosal and submucosal layers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transperineal ultrasonography is a new technique that enables imaging of anal sphincters and anal canal structures with potential application in functional and inflammatory anorectal disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colo-Proctology, Hospital São José, Joinville, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kleinübing
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Jannini
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Malafaia
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Pinho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010502:Perineum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results