Transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography combined with serum CA 125 level for the diagnosis of pelvic adhesions before laparoscopic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography combined with serum CA 125 level in diagnosing pelvic adhesions before scheduled laparoscopic surgery.


METHODS
Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).


METHODS
Tertiary care academic hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-nine women with an adnexal mass diagnosed by two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography.


METHODS
Preoperative transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography and serum CA 125 level, followed by laparoscopy or laparotomy.


RESULTS
Pelvic adhesions were correctly identified by transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography in 26 of 32 women in whom the lesions were confirmed at laparoscopy or laparotomy. Mean serum CA125 level in women with adhesions was 70 +/- 73.7 U/ml, which was significantly higher than that in women without adhesions (24 +/- 16.16 U/ml, p = 0.004). The sensitivity of combined transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography and serum CA 125 level was 90%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 89%. The two methods showed strong agreement with surgical results (kappa = 0.889). Eight scheduled laparoscopies (13.6%) were converted to laparotomy due to severe adhesions. One patient (1.7%) experienced colon injury during laparoscopic adhesiolysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography combined with serum CA 125 level is sensitive in detecting pelvic adhesions before laparoscopic surgery. Patients with suspected severe pelvic adhesions should have preoperative bowel preparation to reduce the risk of intraoperative injury.
Seow
Kok-Min
KM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lin
Yu-Hung
YH
Hsieh
Bih-Chwen
BC
Huang
Lee-Wen
LW
Pan
Hun-Shan
HS
Chang
Jier-Zen
JZ
Chen
Heng-Ju
HJ
Hwang
Jiann-Loung
JL
D000328:Adult; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010388:Pelvis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D018394:CA-125 Antigen