[Vaginal sonography versus vaginal palpation: initial experiences in 120 pregnant patients with suspected cervix...

In a clinical study a group of pregnant women with suspected cervical incompetence was examined by vaginal sonography. Aim of the investigation was to compare results of performed vaginal palpation with results of sonography. 120 pregnant women with cervical insufficiency between 16th and 33rd week of gestation were examined by a 5-MHz vaginal sectorscanner probe. After focussing sagittal projection of uterine cervix and lower uterine segment the cervical length and opening of the internal os were assessed prior to cerclage. Postoperative vaginal sonography was performed to ascertain lengthening and stabilization of the incompetent cervix. Another group of 50 pregnant women with unsuspicious obstetrical findings were also examined to gain information about normal sonographical morphology and length of the competent uterine cervix. Comparing results of vaginal palpation and vaginal sonography showed, that the cervical length obtained by sonography was constantly higher in all patients than the results obtained by palpation. This difference became more distinct in the group of patients with extreme cervical incompetence. We are of the opinion that vaginal sonography is an objective method revealing the extent of cervical incompetence. Exact measurement of the cervical length and assessment of the internal os are efficient diagnostic criteria. They complete results of cervical palpation and offer precise information concerning an intended cerclage. In case of suspected cervical incompetence continuous sonographical examination can supervise the development of the uterine cervix during pregnancy. In future the number of prophylactic cerclage-operations perhaps decreases by using the technique of transvaginal sonography.