0
What else can I help you with?
What is the use of hysterosonography?
Hysterosonography is useful as a screening test to minimize the use of more invasive diagnostic procedures, such as tissue biopsies and dilation and curettage (D and C).
What are the risks of hysterosonography?
The chief risks are mild spotting and cramping after the procedure.
What is the importance of the saline solution in a hysterosonography?
The saline distends the uterine cavity (or endometrium) and simplifies the identification of polyps, fibroids, and tumors. The saline outlines the lesion, making it easier to find and evaluate.
Transvaginal ultrasound?
DefinitionTransvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound. It is used to look at a woman's reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. Transvaginal means across or through the vagina.See also: Pregnancy ultrasoundAlternative NamesEndovaginal ultrasound; Ultrasound - transvaginal; Sonohysterography; Hysterosonography; Saline infusion sonography; SISHow the test is performedYou will lie down on a table with your knees bent and feet in holders called stirrups. The health care provider will place a probe, called a transducer, into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel. The probe sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture. The doctor can immediately see the picture on a nearby TV monitor.The health care provider will move the probe within the area to see the pelvic organs. This test can be used during pregnancy.In some cases, a special transvaginal ultrasound method called saline infusion sonography (SIS), also called sonohysterography or hysterosonography, may be needed to more clearly view the uterus.This test requires saline (sterile salt water) to be placed into the uterus before the ultrasound. The saline helps outline any abnormal masses, so the doctor can get a better idea of their size.SIS is not done on pregnant women.How to prepare for the testYou will be asked to undress, usually from the waist down. A transvaginal ultrasound is done with your bladder empty.How the test will feelThe test is usually painless, although some women may have mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe. Only a small part of the probe is placed into the vagina.Why the test is performedTransvaginal ultrasound can help diagnose the cause of certain types of infertility, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and menstrual problems. It can show the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The test may reveal:Ovarian cystsOvarian tumorsPelvic infectionUterine fibroidsUterine lining polypsThickened uterine lining in cases of postmenopausal bleedingTransvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy to monitor the growth of the fetus, listen to the unborn baby's heart beat, and to check for ectopic pregnancy and other potential problems.Normal ValuesThe pelvic structures or fetus are normal.Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAn abnormal result may be due to many conditions. Some problems that may be seen include:Birth defectsCancers of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structuresInfection, including pelvic inflammatory diseaseNon-cancerous growths of the uterus and ovaries (such as cysts or fibroids)Twisting of the ovariesSome problems or conditions that may be found specifically in pregnant women include:Ectopic pregnancyMore than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)MiscarriagePlacenta previaPlacental abruptionShortened cervix, which increases the risk for preterm delivery or late miscarriageTumors of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic diseaseWhat the risks areThere are no known harmful effects of transvaginal ultrasound on humans.Unlike traditional x-rays, there is no radiation exposure with this test.ReferencesKatz VL. Diagnostic procedures: Imaging, edometrial sampling, endoscopy: Indication and contraindications, complications. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa : Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 11.Goldstein RB. Saline Infusion Sonohysterography. Ultrasound Clin. April 2006; 1(2); 385-414.Goldstein SR. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: The Role of Ultrasound. Radiol Clin North Am. November 2006; 44(6); 901-910.
