title: Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of female urethral sphincter using a translabial technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of translabial 3D ultrasound imaging of the urethral sphincter in non-pregnant nulliparous asymptomatic women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A study using a 3D translabial ultrasound on thirty-seven women was performed. Urethral sphincter parameters were measured by the same experienced clinician 2 weeks apart. Multiple axial cross-sectional areas at 1-mm distances were used to calculate urethral sphincter volumes. The same measurements were carried out by a second experienced clinician to assess the interobserver reliability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found an excellent intraobserver reliability (interclass correlation coefficient, ICC >0.8) and good interobserver reliability (ICC >0.6).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described technique using multiple axial cross-sectional areas at set distances and a translabial approach is a reliable and accurate tool in the evaluation of the urethral sphincter. This should be used instead of mathematical formulas as the urethral sphincter is not a uniform geometrical sphere. The technique and values reported may help clinicians in the assessment of women with lower urinary tract disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urogynaecology, Cambridge Wing, St. Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, W1 1NY, London, UK. a.digesu@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: G Alessandro
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Digesu
authors.forename: Nishee
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Calandrini
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Derpapas
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.forename: Shahla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Vik
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Khullar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010298:Parity; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014521:Urethra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*