Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) is evolving as an essential tool in the work up for
women with pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis. Several studies have demonstrated
the accuracy and reliability of TVU for the diagnosis of pelvic deep infiltrating
endometriosis and pouch of Douglas obliteration. Assessment of the anterior pelvic
compartment for urinary DIE and utero-vesical adhesions should also be considered
in the TVU examination for women with pelvic/pain suspected endometriosis. In addition,
the use of ultrasound markers such as ovarian endometriomas and ovarian immobility
may also aid in the assessment for disease severity. The ability to map disease location
and extent pre-operatively allows for appropriate triaging, surgical planning and
patient counselling, and in turn, improved care for women with severe endometriosis.
This update focuses on the most recent advances surrounding the use of TVU for the
prediction of endometriosis location and severity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 08, 2016
Accepted:
February 29,
2016
Received in revised form:
February 20,
2016
Received:
January 4,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
