The association between levator plate integrity and pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction

Levator ani deficiency has been implicated in anterior pelvic floor pathology, but its association with pelvic floor defecatory dysfunction is less clear. The aim was to examine the relationship of levator ani deficiency with anatomical abnormalities and patient symptoms (bowel, vagina) in patients with pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction. Anatomical abnormalities in pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction were associated with worsening levator ani deficiency. There was no association between bowel symptoms and levator ani deficiency. Vaginal symptoms were associated with levator ani deficiency.