Anatomical Abnormalities of Pelvic Floor

Question 1

Hemorrhoid

Answer 1

prolapsed blood vessel internal or external to external anal sphincter

Question 2

Fissure

Answer 2

• tear in anus related to difficulty passing stools

- tear in vaginal tissue, often at the posterior fourchette or the frenulum

Question 3

Fistula

Answer 3

Tunnel or opening b/w structures, named for location of the opening:

• Urethrovaginal fistula: b/w urethra and vagina, Urine dribbling into vagina
• Rectovaginal fistula: b/w rectum and vagina, small amounts of soft or liquid fecal matter passing into vagina

Question 4

Perineal laceration

Answer 4

• Grade 1 = skin
• Grade 2 = skin, subcutaneous tissue, perineal muscle
• Grade 3 = skin, subcutaneous tissue, perineal muscle, external anal sphincter
• Grade 4 = skin, subcutaneous tissue, perineal muscle, external anal spincter, internal anal spincter and mucosa

Tears can also occur in radial fashion into side wall, urethra and clitoris