ULTRASOUND OF THE PELVIS PROTOCOL

ULTRASOUND OF THE PELVIS PROTOCOL

ROLE OF ULTRASOUND

 

• To examine the uterus, ovaries cervix vagina and adnexae.
• Classification of a mass identified on other modalities eg solid, cystic, mixed.
• Post surgical complications eg abscess, oedema.
• Guidance of injections, aspiration or biopsy.
• Assistance with IVF.
• To identify the relationship of normal anatomy and pathology to each other.

INDICATIONS

• P/V bleeding/discharge
• Menorrhagia
• Polymenorrhea
• Amenorrhea
• Irregular periods
• Pelvic pain
• F/H uterine or ovarian Cancer
• Palpable lump
• Infertility- primary or secondary
• Anomalies

LIMITATIONS

• Transvaginal scanning is contra-indicated if the patient is not yet sexually active,or cannot provide informed consent.
• Large patient habitus will reduce detail, particularly via the transabdominal approach.
• Excessive bowel gas can obscure the ovaries.

EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND TECHNIQUE

• Use of a curvilinear 3-6Mhz probe and a 6-10Mhz endovaginal probe. Low dynamic range.

PATIENT PREPARATION

• If possible, scan the patient in the first 10 days of the cycle. Preferably Day 5-10 for improved diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of the endometrium and ovaries.
• A full bladder is required . Instruct the patient to drink 1 Litre of water to be finished 1 hour prior to their appointment. They cannot empty their bladder until after the scan.