The Connection Between Ultrasound and Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Procedures
Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive imaging tool to observe pregnant mothers and their fetuses as pregnancy advances. Ultrasound technology relies on soundwaves, which bounce off the tissue and bones of the patient to form an image of the growing fetus and reproductive organs. Ultrasound is also used as a diagnostic tool for various other gynaecological issues. With the resulting images, doctors are able to locate abnormalities, making it easier to operate when necessary. Minimally invasive gynaecological procedures such as laparoscopy are more straightforward, with a clear ultrasound picture of the organs.
The Use of Ultrasound in Gynaecology
Since the late 50s, ultrasound has been used to observe a mothers’ health and the development of her fetus. Ultrasound imaging technology allows doctors to rule out ectopic pregnancies, determine the gender and estimate the due date, observe the placenta and amniotic fluid for abnormalities, and more. Outside of pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to look for ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. During pregnancy, doctors will conduct abdominal ultrasounds by dragging the ultrasound transducer over the abdominal area. When looking for other gynaecological issues, they usually perform a transvaginal ultrasound by inserting a smaller wand-like transducer into the vagina.
What Is a Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Procedure?
Minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions in the skin, which are less than an inch long, using specialised tools which are inserted into the incisions. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are a shorter recovery time, less time in the hospital, less pain during recovery, reduced blood loss, and a lower incidence of complications.
Types of minimally invasive gynaecological procedures:
Laparoscopy – can be used for diagnostic and operative purposes. A small incision is made in or near the belly button.
Minilaparoscopy – an alternative to traditional laparoscopy, a minilaparoscopy requires a smaller incision of 5 mm or less to insert instruments.
Robotic surgery – similar to laparoscopy, during robotic surgery, a surgeon controls a robotic arm with a camera or a surgical instrument. The camera produces high-definition 3D images.
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery – the newest type of minimally invasive surgery, is performed through an orifice such as the stomach, bladder, vagina, or rectum, with transabdominal assistance.
How Ultrasound and Minimally Invasive Surgery Are Connected
The use of ultrasound during surgery is also known as intraoperative ultrasonography. This video-assisted surgical technique employs high-frequency sonographic probes, which are passed through minimally invasive incisions to assist the surgeon during the procedure. While the ultrasound produces an image of the internal organs, the surgeon can better find and remove gynaecological abnormalities such as cysts and endometriosis. By combining minimally invasive surgical techniques with ultrasound, the doctor can gather more information than they would by merely inserting cameras into the incision. Ultrasound penetrates the tissue to produce images showing masses that may not otherwise be visible with a surgical camera.
Using ultrasound to perform minimally invasive gynaecological procedures offers numerous benefits to patients and surgeons. It ensures the surgeon has improved visualisation and accuracy, resulting in better patient outcomes. If you or someone you know needs gynaecological assistance, contact a clinic with a team of experienced gynaecologists who can perform such procedures.