Functional Anatomy of Urogenital Hiatus Closure: the Perineal Complex Triad Hypothesis

Abstract

Urogenital hiatus enlargement is a critical factor associated with prolapse and operative failure. This study of the perineal complex was performed to understand how interactions among its three structures: the levator ani, perineal membrane, and perineal body—united by the vaginal fascia—work to maintain urogenital hiatus closure. Methods Magnetic resonance images from 30 healthy nulliparous women with 3D reconstruction of selected subjects were used to establish overall geometry. Connection points and lines of action were based on perineal dissection in 10 female cadavers (aged 22–86 years), cross sections of 4 female cadavers (aged 14–35 years), and histological sections (cadavers aged 16 and 21 years). Results The perineal membrane originates laterally from the ventral two thirds of the ischiopubic rami and attaches medially to the perineal body and vaginal wall. The levator ani attaches to the perineal membrane’s cranial surface, vaginal fascia, and the perineal body. The levator line of action in 3D reconstruction is oriented so that the levator pulls the medial perineal membrane cranio-ventrally. In cadavers, simulated levator contraction and relaxation along this vector changes the length of the membrane and the antero–posterior diameter of the urogenital hiatus. Loss of the connection of the left and right perineal membranes through the perineal body results in diastasis of the levator and a widened hiatus, as well as a downward rotation of the perineal membrane. Conclusion Interconnections involving the levator ani muscles, perineal membrane, perineal body, and vaginal fascia form the perineal complex surrounding the urogenital hiatus in an arrangement that maintains hiatal closure.