Gynaecology ultrasound

What is it for?

The ultrasound plays a fundamental role in detecting benign and malignant pathologies in gynaecology: such as endometrial pathology, myomas, adnexal lumps, urinary incontinence and oncological pathology. At Vall d'Hebron, this Unit is part of the Gynaecology Department. Early diagnosis is essential, as in ovarian cancer.

How does it work?

It is performed preferably via the vagina or abdomen, the transperineal or transrectal method being less frequent.

• Via the vagina: a small transducer is inserted into the vagina, no preparation is required, and the urinary bladder needs to be empty. This is the preferred route.
• Via the abdomen: the patient must drink a litre of water one hour before the scan. It is performed when: the patient has not had sexual intercourse, when there is significant genital atrophy or to evaluate gynaecological tumours larger than 12 cm, in which the vaginal route loses definition.

Risks

The Ultrasound should not be performed every year, the frequency will be determined by the gynaecologist and can be of use to all units in the Gynaecology Department: Oncology, General Gynaecology, Pelvic Floor, Laparoscopy and Endoscopy. The Doppler allows us to analyse vascularisation of suspected malignant tissue, in cases of abundant vascularisation and low resistance rates.