Objective: To compare the usefulness of non-contrast endosonography (NCE) with contrast-enhanced endosonography (CEE) in defining the type of ano-vaginal fistulas, and to assess anterior anal sphincter defects.
Material and method: Between 1999 and 2002 a group of 148 people with clinical diagnosis of anal fistulas was examined. A Bruel & Kjaer scanner with 7,.0 MHz transducer was used. Own techniques for diagnosis of sphincters defects and anal fistulas were presented.
Results: 11 ano-vaginal fistulas were found and anterior anal sphincter defects at the high anal level in 79% of women. NCE and CEE had a comparable value in diagnosing ano-vaginal fistulas. Own techniques for anal sphincters was helpful in excluding anterior sphincter defects found in NCE. Conclusion: AES is valuable in the detecting ano-vaginal fistulas and anterior anal sphincter defects.