[Transvaginal sonography in diagnosis of the female pelvis]

Transvaginal ultrasound has become an important tool in diagnosing conditions in the female pelvis. The application of higher frequencies allows better resolution to be obtained than with the percutaneous technique, so the ratio between transvaginal and percutaneous ultrasound is now 70:30. Transvaginal ultrasound is used for the diagnosis of uterine malformations, tumors of the uterus, the cervix, the ovaries, for follow-up after a hysterectomy or radiotherapy, for diagnosis of the pelvic floor, as well as for additional information concerning the urinary bladder, bowel and pelvic vessels. In addition, a typical gynecological application of transvaginal ultrasound is the diagnosis of infertility and gravidity. Newer developments are emerging with ultrasound contrast media and Doppler as well as color flow Doppler sonography.