DIAGNOSIS OF THE PELVIC FLOOR MICROCIRCULATION WITH LASER DOPPLER FLOWMETRY IN REPRODUCTIVE-AGED WOMEN

Objective. To evaluate the pelvic floor microvascular bed using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in reproductive-aged women. Subjects and methods. All examinees were divided into 5 groups: 1) women after vaginal delivery (VD); 2) those who had undergone cesarean section (CS); 3) those who had a history of one spontaneous miscarriage at less than 12 weeks’ gestation; 4) those who had a history of two pregnancy losses before 12 weeks’ gestation. LDF readings were once recorded for 30 seconds from 2 points, from the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. To determine normal LDF values, Group 5 (a control group) of apparently healthy women having no history of pregnancies was made up. Results. The LDF values for anterior vaginal wall blood flow were lower. A substantial decrease in blood flow was recorded in the women after VD and CS. There were no microcirculatory disorders in Group 3. The women with recurrent miscarriage had significantly lower blood flow values. Conclusion. LDF is a non-invasive technique that can be used to diagnose pelvic floor microcirculatory disorders. A significant blood flow decrease was recorded in women who had undergone BP and CS, which necessitates more detailed monitoring of these patient groups and inclusion of medical methods for pelvic floor restoration into a postpartum rehabilitation program. Women with recurrent miscarriage have significantly lower blood flow values and require that rehabilitation programs that include pharmacological agents and physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at improving pelvic floor microcirculation should be drawn up.

laser Doppler flowmetry, pelvic floor microcirculation, diagnosis of pelvic floor microcirculatory disorders