The Usefulness of Sonohysterography
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A recent study conducted at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia has found that sonohysterography (SHG) is a highly effective transvaginal ultrasound technique that improves the ability of doctors to diagnose adenomyosis, a condition that causes severe pelvic pain combined with abnormal and unexplained vaginal bleeding.
SHG is a relatively new technique that allows medical practitioners to view a woman’s uterine cavity more clearly. A soft, plastic catheter is placed in the cervix in conjunction with transvaginal ultrasound, and a sterile saline infusion passed through this tube expands the uterus and also provides a contrast to the lining, thus giving doctors a better idea of what the problem really is.
- Sonohysterography is especially useful in treating women with infertility – it helps determine the presence of polyps, fibroids or tumors that prevent conception.
- Besides, it allows doctors to examine the uterine cavity before any surgery like a hysterectomy or a D&C procedure.
- It also helps in investigating unexplained infertility and repeated miscarriages.
- It’s a good diagnostic tool to explore unexplained vaginal bleeding in pre and post menopausal women.
- It allows examination and assessment of the endometrium and reveals endometrial abnormalities.
- A sonohysterography that’s performed before a suggested hysterectomy can sometimes help you avoid the hysterectomy altogether. So you’re saved the cost, mental stress, physical pain, and recovery from a surgery.
The main advantages of a sonohysterography are:
- It’s painless and can be administered in a normal ultrasound scan room
- It does not require the patient to be sedated or under the influence of anesthesia.
- It is not as expensive as an MRI scan which is normally used to investigate abnormal bleeding
- It is commonly available at most healthcare facilities.
- It helps avoid invasive diagnostic procedures
- It has no side effects and is not very uncomfortable for the patient
- Diagnosis is quick
- There are no complications to be worried about
Reference:
Verma SK, Lev-Toaff AS, Baltarowich OH, Bergin D, Verma M, Mitchell DG
Clinical Observations. Adenomyosis: Sonohysterography with MRI Correlation
Am. J. Roentgenol. ; 192: 10.2214/AJR.08.1405
Ivor Kovic
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