Endosonography in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Editor: Gautam Allahbadia

It may be time to consider routine use of endovaginal ultrasonography, as this diagnostic tool picks up many abnormalities the bimanual exam misses. In her study of 633 premenopausal women, Dr M. Lynee Reuss of Bellvue Women's Hospital in Niskayuna, New York, reported that bimanual exams missed 36% of fibroids and 70% of abnormalities in the corresponding adnexa that were later detected by ultrasound.¹ Ultrasound was also useful in distinguishing uterine from adnexal masses, she noted.

The development of high frequency probes is literally producing a diagnostic revolution in gynaecology. Those who think this is an overstatement have either not used the technique or have not invested the time to become proficient enough with the technique to appreciate its real potential.

Endosonography in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a wonderfully edited volume by Dr. Gautam Allahbadia, is truly a composite text for gynaecologists who are not familiar with the techniques of endovaginal ultrasound and for radiologists who are not very familiar with gynaecologic diseases. Essentially, this book has been written for sonographers by (foremost) sonographers, and readers are assured of accurate, current, and proven information.

Not only does the book focus on technique, but also on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In addition, practical clinical areas such as color flow Doppler and ultrasound-guided invasive techniques, the application of endosonography to male infertility and urogynaecology, and the diagnosis of congenital anomalies, are summarised. Along with basic chapters on historical aspects and safety of ultrasound and pregnancy, the use of this technique in varied indications such as vaginosonographic pelvimetry and vaginosonographically-guided chorionic villus sampling has been incorporated. A comprehensive section on transperineal ultrasound is also included.

Not only does the book focus on technique, but also on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In addition, practical clinical areas such as color flow Doppler and ultrasound-guided invasive techniques, the application of endosonography to male infertility and urogynaecology, and the diagnosis of congenital anomalies, are summarised. Along with basic chapters on historical aspects and safety of ultrasound and pregnancy, the use of this technique in varied indications such as vaginosonographic pelvimetry and vaginosonographically-guided chorionic villus sampling has been incorporated. A comprehensive section on transperineal ultrasound is also included.

More than 200 colour pictures are included. Normal and abnormal utrasound findings are illustrated, and clinical correlations for imaging data are provided. Chapters on 3-D ultrasound and newer imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging keep readers informed on the latest advances.

With this book, the authors/editor have succeeded in covering the 'leading edge' application of endosonography in obstetrics and gynaecology, and have presented a timely and authoritative overview of all the new developments in the field. As such, Endosonography in Obstetrics and Gynaecology will serve as a very important reference source, both for students in the field as well as practising clinicians and ultrasound technologists.

Dr OA Shawki

Reference

1. Reuss ML. Transvaginal ultrasonography in gynecologic office practice: assessment in 663 premenopausal women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;175:1189-1194.