Diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of ultrasound in the management of pelvic pain.
OBJECTIVE
This review discusses the current diagnostic and therapeutic role of ultrasound in the management of pelvic pain.


RESULTS
Recent advances in ultrasound technology and expertise have facilitated the accurate diagnosis of common gynaecological and nongynaecological pathologies. Peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis can now be diagnosed using hard and soft ultrasound-based markers. The combination of ultrasound-guided aspiration and instillation of a sclerosant is an alternative to surgery in the management of adnexal masses.


CONCLUSIONS
Experience is a key factor in the ability of transvaginal ultrasound to characterize common gynaecological disorders with accuracy. Therapeutic ultrasound provides an alternative to surgery.
Okaro
Emeka
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, UK. emeka.okaro@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
Condous
George
G
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional