US PELVIS (TVS)

Introduction

Ultrasound Transvaginal Scan (TVS) is known to be a more detailed reproductive system examination done among women encompassing the womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vaginal regions. The high-frequency sound wave produced through this test is used to construct image(s) of the pelvic organs aiding the diagnosis of several gynecological diseases or conditions. This is a rather superior diagnostic technique as it is quick to execute, fairly painless and exposure to radiation is also not required thus the procedure can be performed on almost all women without any risks. The test is relatively straightforward and often requires just the patient to be asked to keep her bladder empty as the most common requirement before the procedure in order to enhance the efficacy of the imaging performed in the process. 

What is a Transvaginal Scan? 

In a Transvaginal scan, an ultrasound probe known as a transducer is placed inside the vaginal canal. The probe creates sound waves which are reflected by the internal structures and displayed in animated images on a monitor. Because the transducer is situated near the organs being scanned, the scans are clearer and contain more detail than if conducted entirely within the abdomen. It is particularly useful for uterine and ovarian scan abnormalities and is highly applicable in obstetric and gynecological imaging and diagnostics. 

Transvaginal Ultrasound TVS: Types and Uses 

Although specifically designed to serve a specific function, TVS is however capable of performing the following: 

• 3D Transvaginal Ultrasound: this type of ultrasound can be used to explore uterine malformations. 
• Sonohysterography: putting sterile saline in the uterus gives better visual access to the uterine lining. 

List of Parameters Considered During the TVS

This sonography test is done by focusing on the following parameters: 

• The size, shape, and texture of the uterus. 
• Will assess ovarian volume and follicles. 
• Cysts, fibroids, and other growths. 
• Will measure the endometrial thickness. 

A patient suffering from other diseases or having some age may require an incorporation of extra parameters in the testing procedure. 

Reasons for Taking a Transvaginal Scan

• Determining the cause of lower abdominal pain. 
• Finding out the etiological factor of failure to conceive. 
• To look for factors like fibroid, cyst, or tumor. 
• To assess early pregnancy. 
• Determining the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. 
• To visualize the endometrium in a postoperative patient who has undergone menopause. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Imaging: high-quality imprints of the uterus and ovaries are received. 
• Non-invasive: There are no cut operations done. 
• Safety: it is a safe procedure as no radiation is used thus multiple tests can be done including pregnancy. 
• Quick Results: Quite often, the quick interpretation of images accelerates the diagnosis and treatment. 

Pathologies Diagnosed with Transvaginal Scan

• Uterine fibroids and polyps. 
• Ovarian cysts and tumors. 
• Ectopic pregnancy. 
• Anomalies of the uterus. 
• The endometrium abnormalities, which includes hyperplasia. 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or any other inflammatory processes. 

Preparing for a Transvaginal Scan

• Dress Comfortably: Dress in a way that is unequivocally comfortable for you since you may be asked to wear a gown. 
• Empty Bladder: In contrast to abdominal ultrasound, it is often easy to conduct TVS examinations with an empty bladder to evaluate the pelvic structures. 

Pre-requisites 

• Sexual activity 24-48 hours prior to the test should be avoided in certain cases to minimize interference. 
• A detailed history of recurrent vaginal infections should be communicated to the physician. 

Best Time to Take a Transvaginal Scan 

• In this situation, timing will greatly depend on the woman’s menstrual cycle and the objectives of the test. Generally speaking, around the second half of the menstrual cycle would allow for better tests for several reasons. 

Eligibility 

• The test is considered valid for women of reproductive and post-menopausal age with clinical specifications requiring further diagnosis. 
• However, virgin patients and those with contraindications for investigation are among those barred from the test. 

Procedure for Taking a Transvaginal Scan

1. Preparation: The patient will be placed in dorsal position with legs in stirrups as in a pelvic examination. 
2. Introduction: A transducer that is slimy and sheathed enters the vagina. 
3. Examination: Sounds emitted by the transducer are used to produce pictures of the pelvic organs on the monitor. 
4. Time Taken: The time of this survey is 15 to 30 minutes on the average. 
5. Pain of Client: There is slight expectation of pain. The sonographer has to be in mutual contact so that the patient feels more relaxed in case these pressures are affected. 

Warnings Before the Test is Done 

Patients must make sure that the technician is aware if they have: 

• Extreme vaginal Pain. 
• Some trauma from the previous pelvic examination history. 
• Any recent pasts of surgery or haven’t been resolved infections.