Urogenital hiatus
Hiatus urogenitalis
Definition
The urogenital hiatus is the opening in the pelvic diaphragm through which the urethra and vagina pass.
The urogenital hiatus is formed by the levator ani muscles, mainly the pubococcygeus and puborectalis muscles.
The size of the urogenital hiatus can vary significantly among individuals and is often larger in women with pelvic organ prolapse compared to those with normal pelvic support. For instance, a study by DeLancey and Hurd found that the hiatus area was significantly larger in women with pelvic organ prolapse (9.6 cm²) compared to those with normal support (5.4 cm²). This enlargement is associated with the degree of prolapse and can impact the success of surgical interventions for prolapse repair.
The functional anatomy of the urogenital hiatus involves the interaction of the levator ani muscles, the perineal membrane, and the perineal body, which work together to maintain the closure of the hiatus.This complex interplay is essential for the proper functioning of the pelvic floor and the prevention of prolapse.
References
Size of the Urogenital Hiatus in the Levator Ani Muscles in Normal Women and Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse.Delancey JO, Hurd WW.Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1998;91(3):364-8. doi:10.1016/s0029-7844(97)00682-0.
Functional Anatomy of Urogenital Hiatus Closure: The Perineal Complex Triad Hypothesis.DeLancey JO, Pipitone F, Masteling M, et al.International Urogynecology Journal. 2024;35(2):441-449. doi:10.1007/s00192-023-05708-w.
