Value of the electronic scalpel (cut mode) in the evaluation of the fetal face.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the improvement of image quality and diagnostic value of fetal face examinations using the electric scalpel.


METHODS
A total of 232 cases were examined. The fetuses were separated into two groups: Group A, including normal fetuses (n = 152) and Group B, fetuses with facial pathology (n = 80). The fetuses were divided into eight subgroups according to gestational age (9-12 weeks, 13-16 weeks, 17-20 weeks, 21-24 weeks, 25-28 weeks, 29-32 weeks, 33-36 weeks and 37-40 weeks).


RESULTS
The number of cutting steps for the improvement of image quality ranged from 1 to 9 (mean value 3) in the group of normal fetuses and from 1 to 10 (mean value 3) in the group of fetuses with facial pathology. In the group of normal fetuses, superior image quality improvement was achieved in 68.4% of cases, moderate improvement in 28.9% and poor improvement in 2.6%. In the group of fetuses with facial pathology, high image quality improvement was obtained in 72.5% of cases, moderate improvement in 25.0% and insufficient improvement in 2.5%. There were no differences among the eight subgroups in the number of steps required relating to gestational age.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the electronic scalpel was associated with diagnostic improvement in 71.1% of cases in the group of normal fetuses, and in 75.0% in the group of fetuses with facial pathology.
Merz
E
E
Center for Diagnostic Ultrasound and Prenatal Therapy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany.
Miric-Tesanic
D
D
Welter
C
C
D005145:Face / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*