Comment on "Early outcomes of transverse perineal support in obstructed defecation syndrome with pathological perineal descent": a historical and methodological clarification.

Abstract

The recent study by Basiouny et al. on transverse perineal support for obstructed defecation syndrome highlights the importance of objective assessment of pathological perineal descent. We wish to provide a historical and methodological clarification regarding the measurement device used in the study. The instrument illustrated as a "perineometer" may correspond to the previously described Perineocaliper^®, a device developed for the clinical measurement of perineal descent. Although objective measurement of perineal descent was first introduced by Henry and Parks using a different instrument, the Perineocaliper represents a distinct development. In addition, the term perineometer has traditionally been used in urogynecology for devices measuring pelvic floor muscle contraction strength. Accurate identification and terminology of measurement devices may improve methodological clarity and facilitate comparison between studies.