The case for gynaecologist-led point of care ultrasound services in sub-Saharan Africa
), Kingsley N Agholor(2),
(1) JUNIC Specialist Imaging and Women’s Center, Canberra, Australia; Calvary Public and Private Hospitals Bruce Canberra, Australia
(2) Coastal Specialist Clinic Warri, Nigeria; Central Hospital Warri, Nigeria
Corresponding Author
Abstract
The value of pelvic ultrasound in women presenting with gynaecological symptoms is well established. Since the introduction of transvaginal ultrasound probes in the early 1980s, gynaecological ultrasound has evolved beyond routine measurements of the uterus and adnexae and the description of simple and complex adnexal masses to providing sonographic criteria for predicting the benign or malignant nature of adnexal masses1.
In women with abnormal bleeding, gynecological ultrasound has helped to determine the presence of morphological and/or structural changes of the endometrium and provide excellent delineation of the endometrial cavity (with saline sonohysterography) as well as guide appropriate planning of therapeutic procedures2. It also has an important role in the evaluation of women presenting with acute and chronic pelvic pain, improving diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in patients presenting with pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian torsion, and endometriosis2-4.
Furthermore, gynaecological ultrasound together with the quantitative measurements of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (bhcG) provides the best imaging modality to improve the diagnosis and management of early pregnancy complications2.References
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