title: [Connective tissue modifications in the pelvi-perineal prolapse at menopause].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the histological structure of the Levator Ani (LA) muscle at female patients with pelvi-perineal prolapse (PPP).
  
  
  METHODS
  After having taken biopsies of LA from 50 patients with PPP, a microscopic qualitative and quantitative study has been performed. This study was done by comparison with a control lot.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The connective, muscular and vascular modifications in the structure of the LA are presented, in connection with the hormonal status of patients with PPP and also the influence of these modifications on the anatomic and functional integrity of the pelvic floor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Applying the hormonal maintenance treatment for menopause patients has become strictly necessary, both in the PPP prophylaxis and after restoring surgeries.
authors.affiliation: Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi, Facultatea de Medicină.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crauciuc
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dumitrache
authors.forename: Doina Lucia
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Frîncu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000473:pathology*; D010502:Perineum / Q000473:pathology; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control