Endosonography of anal sphincters

Endosonography of anus is an ultrasound method which provides a full image of external and internal anal sphincter and its defects, gaping of free edges, weakening or degenerative changes. There are many expressions denoting the mentioned examination, some of them can be even misleading as to the instruments used (endoscopic ultrasonography is not the same as endosonography). After studying domestic and foreign literature and articles in medical journals, I found out that the concrete examination can be denoted by different names but it is just the matter of differently viewed terminology. Thus the anal sphincter can be examined by endosonography, endoanal sonography, endoanal ultrasonography, transrectal ultrasonography, rectal sonography. However, all of these terms relate to the examination of rectum or anus with the use of a rigid high-frequency ultrasound probe. The thesis deals with injuries to anal sphincter and their diagnostics. Apart from the examination based on endosonography I also describe other related methods. It was necessary to mention some anatomical structures of the pelvic floor, the knowledge of which makes it possible to interpret the ultrasound records. The objective of the thesis was to evaluate the quality of anal sphincter imaging in dependence on the technical standard of the ultrasound devices. I elaborated questionnaires and sent them to chosen workplaces. Each workplace is thus represented by a questionnaire with replies and a supplement which includes the pictures of technical equipment and a concrete image of anal sphincters. These images were described and assessed subjectively, on the basis of obtained parameters and personal experience. According to the results of the thesis it is possible to state that the technical standard of the equipment considerably influences the quality of anal sphincter images. The contribution of the bachelor thesis can be seen in providing the professionals as well as the public with more information on the theme in question