Early and late onset complications of gynaecologic surgery: a multimodality imaging approach

The role of imaging after surgery is pivotal to drive clinical management of early and/or late onset complications. Most frequently used imaging technique after pelvic surgery is Ultrasound (US), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). While Ultrasound is a standard procedure, using grey scale and/or colour Doppler evaluation, MRI and CT scan protocols should be derived on the basis of the specific indication of the exam. Correct evaluation of female pelvis after gynaecologic surgery, having in mind the most frequent complications, is based on the correct use of the instruments and on the experience of the examiner, who should be aware of the history of the patient, type of surgery and clinical symptoms for which the exam is required; the clinician should be aware of the possibilities and limits of the different techniques, in order to choose the most appropriate imaging modality and promptly make a correct diagnosis.