Advanced Gynecological Ultrasound Interpreted by Physicians on Site

Premier Pulse April 2018 Apr 1, 2018

	By A. Kinney Hiett, MD, RDMS, from Perinatal Partners
	By Jiri D. Sonek, MD, RDMS, from Perinatal Partners

Pelvic ultrasound is recognized as the most accurate method to assess female pelvic organs.¹ Timely and accurate diagnosis and screening using ultrasound can make a big difference for a woman’s health. At Perinatal Partners, we have physicians who specialize in obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound. In addition to their role as maternal fetal medicine subspecialists, our physicians are board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists. This gives them a special ability to interpret ultrasound findings in the context of the patient’s gynecologic history and current ACOG recommendations to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis. Additionally, their background allows them to give recommendations that are tailored to the individual patient rather than just the ultrasound findings.

Gynecological ultrasound is used to image the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. Transvaginal ultrasound provides the best visualization of these organs. However, in certain circumstances, transabdominal ultrasound is used either exclusively or in addition to the transvaginal approach. In our evaluations, we often use supplementary techniques such as color and pulsed Doppler, 3-D imaging, and saline infusion sonography (sonohysterography).

In most cases, our physicians can give results to the patient at the time of her visit. This reduces the level of the patient’s anxiety and gives her the opportunity to ask questions. We also strive to send the report to the referring physician within 24 hours, and communicate abnormal results directly to the referring physician over the phone.

Following are some of the common indications for gynecologic ultrasound:

Abnormal bleeding
Pelvic pain
Suspected enlargement of the uterus
Suspected enlargement of the ovaries
Suspected pelvic mass
Suspected uterine malformations
Checking IUD location
Infertility: to assess the appearance of the uterus and ovaries
Infertility treatment: follicle study
Limited office pelvic exam

We maintain a close working relationship with referring physicians, including gynecologic oncology specialists. This cooperation will expand even further with the forthcoming accreditation by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group.² A more detailed description of this endeavor will be discussed in this publication later in 2018.

Perinatal Partners Locations

¹Benacerraf B, Abuhamad A, Bromley B, et al. Consider ultrasound first for imaging the female pelvis (Clinical Opinion). Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015;212:450- 455 DOI 10.1016/J.AJOG.2015.02.015

²Abramowicz, J. S., & Timmerman, D. Ovarian mass-differentiating benign from malignant: the value of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis ultrasound rules. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017;217(6):52-660.

Back to the April 2018 issue of Premier Pulse