Sonohysterography

Sonohysterography, which is also called Hysterosonography, is a new noninvasive technique that involves the slow infusion of sterile saline solution into a woman's uterus during ultrasound imaging. Sonohysterography allows the doctor to evaluate abnormal growths inside the uterus; abnormalities of the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium); or disorders affecting deeper tissue layers. Sonohysterography does not require either radiation or contrast media, or invasive surgical procedures.

General information about a Sonohysterography

A Sonohysterography is preceded by a baseline ultrasound examination performed through the vagina. This allows the doctor to detect an unsuspected pregnancy and to assess the thickness and possible abnormalities of the patient's endometrium. The doctor then inserts a catheter into the uterus and injects sterile saline fluid while ultrasound imaging is recorded on film or videotape. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Why a Sonohysterography is performed

Sonohysterography is used to evaluate patients in the following groups:

• Peri- or postmenopausal women with unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Women whose endometrium appears abnormal during baseline ultrasound imaging.
• Women with fertility problems. Infertility is sometimes related to polyps, leiomyomas (fibroids), or adhesions inside the uterus. Adhesions are areas of tissue that have grown together to form bands or membranes across the inside of the uterus.
• Women receiving tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer.

Sonohysterography is useful as a screening test to minimize the use of more invasive diagnostic procedures, such as tissue biopsies and dilation and curettage (D&C). Sonohysterography can also be used as a follow-up after uterine surgery to evaluate its success.