Saline infusion sonohysterosalpingography, an underutilized technique.
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is an important gynaecological diagnostic tool which is little used in Australia. We herein report the findings in 60 women referred for SIS, the procedure being uneventfully performed in 55. Forty-nine of the 60 referrals were for investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding. The technique described allows examination of the uterine cavity and the Fallopian tubes. In 26 of the patients information was obtained which improved or altered the diagnosis made on B mode and colour Doppler ultrasound. Unlike hysteroscopy, SIS is always performed as an outpatient procedure, appropriate disinfection procedures are relatively simple to implement (1), and vasovagal reactions are rare. Hysteroscopy was avoided in 11 patients, there were other benefits in 4 patients, and in only 1 of 16 patients did the hysteroscopy findings differ with SIS. If diagnostic pitfalls are avoided by careful attention to detail, SIS offers a powerful new gynaecological investigative tool in the investigation of bleeding disorders (including menorrhagia, intermenstrual and postmenopausal bleeding), uncertain endometrial findings on vaginal ultrasound, infertility, and in the investigation of congenital and acquired uterine abnormalities.
de Crespigny
L
L
Melbourne Ultrasound for Women, Carlton, Victoria.
Kuhn
R
R
McGinnes
D
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D014463:Ultrasonography
D012965:Sodium Chloride