title: Reliability of a new method for assessing tension and configuration of transobturator suburethral tapes using four-dimensional ultrasound.
abstract: We conducted this study to evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of a new method in assessing the tension and configuration of transobturator suburethral tape (TOT) at different tape points using 4-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. We randomly recruited 20 women following TOT procedures. Postoperative ultrasound datasets acquired during rest, straining, and coughing were digitally stored and analyzed offline by 2 independent and blinded investigators. The assessed parameters included axial tape-urethral distance, axial urethral central echolucent area, axial tape angle, and coronal tape angle at 5 equidistant tape points. For most parameters, the intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% confidence interval for intra- and interobserver reliability was higher than 0.70. 4D ultrasound can provide a quantitative method that meets minimal standards for reliability coefficients in assessing the tension and configuration of TOT. The reliability of the current method could be further evaluated when a whole new ultrasound examination was performed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Jenn-Ming
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Shwu-Huey
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Wen-Chen
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Chii-Ruey
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Tzeng
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014521:Urethra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*