Anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body with relevance to obstetrical injury and repair.
The female perineal body is a mass of interlocking muscular, fascial, and fibrous components lying between the vagina and anorectum. The perineal body is also an integral attachment point for components of the urinary and fecal continence mechanisms, which are commonly damaged during vaginal childbirth. Repair of injuries to the perineal body caused by spontaneous tears or episiotomy are topics too often neglected in medical education. This review presents the anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body, as well as clinical considerations for pelvic reconstructive surgery.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington, USA. Patrick.Woodman@na.amedd.army.mil
Patrick J
PJ
Woodman
Daniel O
DO
Graney
D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000293:injuries; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000379:methods*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D010502:Perineum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D012421:Rupture / Q000209:etiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000517:prevention & control*