[Imaging diagnostics of the male pelvic floor]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik des männlichen Beckenbodens.

ABSTRACT

The understanding of the female pelvic floor during the last 20 years was very much influenced by the new techniques of sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Functional imaging of the male pelvic floor is, however, still in its infancy. In analogy to ultrasound examinations of the female pelvic floor, perineal ultrasound can be also be applied to men. The mobility of the proximal urethra, scarring of the bladder neck or implanted suburethral meshes can be easily visualized. Studies on healthy men provide information about different muscular structures during micturition. Morphology and function of the external sphincter can be visualized with transrectal or intraurethral ultrasound and also with a perineal approach. Using functional MRI the complex interactions of bladder, urethra, external sphincter and pelvic floor muscles can be evaluated. Functional MRI is so far not generally available but enables a better understanding of the function of the male pelvic floor. Imaging of the male pelvic floor makes a substantial contribution for improving surgical procedures for male incontinence in the future.