Pelvic Ultrasound Health Article

Preparation

Before undergoing a pelvic ultrasound, the patient may be asked to drink several glasses of water and to avoid urinating for about one hour prior to exam time. When the bladder is full, it forms a convenient path, called an acoustic window, for the ultrasonic waves. A full bladder is not necessary for an endovaginal examination, sometimes making it a preferred choice in emergency situations. Women usually empty their bladders completely before an endovaginal exam.

Aftercare

For a diagnostic ultrasound, the lubricating gel applied to the abdomen is wiped off at the end of the procedure and the patient can immediately resume normal activities.

Risks

Ultrasound carries with it almost no risk for complications.

Normal results

A normal scan reveals no abnormalities in the size, shape, or density of the organs scanned. During pregnancy, a normal scan reveals a viable fetus of expected size and developmental stage. Although ultrasound is an extremely useful tool, it cannot detect all problems in the pelvic region. If a tumor or other lesion is very small or if it is masked by another structure, it may not be detected. When used during pregnancy, patients should be advised that ultrasound does not reveal all fetal abnormalities. Additionally, the reliability of ultrasound readings can depend on the skill of the technologist or physician performing the scan.

An abnormal scan may show the presence of inflammation, cysts, tumors, or abnormal blood flow patterns. These results may suggest further diagnostic procedures, or surgical or pharmacological treatment. Obstetrical ultrasound examinations may alter the anticipated due date or detect abnormalities or defects in the fetus. This information may reveal that the fetus cannot survive on its own after birth, or that it will require extensive treatment or care. The technologist performing the ultrasound should consult with a radiologist or other physician if any questionable results appear.

BOOKS

Sanders, Roger C. Clinical Sonography: A Practical Guide. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Galen, Barbara A. "Diagnostic Imaging: An Overview." Primary Care Practice 3 (September/October 1999).

Jorizzo, J. "Sonohysterography: The Next Step in the Evaluation of the Abnormal Endometrium." Radiographics 117 (Oct. 1999).

Kaakagi, Y. "Sonography of Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies: Part II, Gynecologic Emergencies." American Journal of Roetgenology 661 (Mar. 2000).

Wooldridge, Leslie. "Ultrasound Technology and Bladder Dysfunction." American Journal of Nursing Supplement 100 (June 2000).

ORGANIZATIONS

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 14750 Sweiter Lane, Suite 100, Laurel, MD 20707-5906. (301) 498-4100 or (800) 638-5352. <http://www.aium.org>.

American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20852-1150. (301) 738-8401 or (800) 541-9754. <http://www.ardms.org>.

OTHER

Valley, Verna T. "Ultrasonography, Pelvic." Emedicine. January 17, 2001. [cited May 6, 2001] <http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic622.htm>.

Michelle L. Johnson, M.S., J.D. Lee A. Shratter, M.D.