Bedside ultrasonography for obstetric and gynecologic emergencies

There has been an increase in the availability and use of bedside ultrasonography in the acute care setting. The approach to the female patient with a pelvic complaint (including pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, or vaginal discharge) has been transformed by the use of bedside ultrasonography. Providers familiar with the transabdominal and transvaginal (endocavitary) ultrasonographic examination can obtain more accurate information faster, thereby improving time to consultation or discharge and achieving an increase in patient satisfaction. This article reviews the use of ultrasonography for evaluation of obstetric and gynecologic complaints in the acute care setting.