Medical Image Forming Procedures

Ultrasound of double chambered uterus

Laparoscopic removal of fibroids

• endometriosis:- the migration of uterine mucous membrane to a place where it does not belong;
• enlarged ovaries. Under normal circumstances, the ovaries are not visible. If they are, it is an indication of some form of ovarian cyst;
• ectopic pregnancy. Occasionally, the embryo implants itself within a fallopian tube instead of in the uterus and begins to grow there;
• a single or double horned uterus. Sometimes a fallopian tube takes on a horn shape, sometimes both do;
• abnormalities in the uterus itself. These include, fibroids, myoma's, polyps and septum formation. Large septums can cause a double chamber within the uterus. Strictly speaking, these abnormalities do not interfere with fertilization, but they do hinder or prevent implantation of the embryo and can cause miscarriage.

Ultrasound [outpatient procedure | Consultation CRG, level +2]

Ultrasound image of a blocked, fluid filled fallopian tube.

An Ultrasound (or echo) is a painless procedure whereby ultra high frequency sound waves are bounced off internal organs, producing an image of them on the screen.

In order to perform an ultrasound of the pelvic region, a small vaginal probe is inserted. The image is produced on a screen and the patient can follow the procedure as well.

See practical info for examinations for an explanation of how ultrasound scans are implemented in conjunction with IVF treatment.

 

Hysterosalpingography of a normal uterus and fallopian tubes.

Hysterosalpingography of an abnormally  shaped uterus.

During a Hysterosalpingography, the camera tracks the normal route of the egg within the woman's body (i.e. from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes into the uterus), but in the opposite direction. A radio opaque substance is injected into the uterus through the cervix, which flows through to the cavity of the uterus and to the fallopian tubes. A camera situated above the examination table follows the progress of the dye and projects an image onto a monitor. You are able to follow the procedure on the screen.

The procedure produces a good image of the uterine cavity and can determine whether the fallopian tubes are patent or not. However, the results of the investigation are not always conclusive. If the results are normal, no further investigations are required, but if abnormalities are detected, or problems within the abdominal cavity are suspected (on the outside of the reproductive organs), it may be necessary to perform either a hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or both in order to establish exactly what the problem is. 

Hysterosalpingography is an unpleasant experience to have to go through, nevertheless, it is a simple, safe procedure, which does not cause serious pain. It does not involve an anaesthetic and is performed on an outpatient basis.
See practical info for examinations for preparation details for this procedure and other information.

 

Hysteroscopy of the entrance to the cervix.

 

Laparoscopic view of a normal uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes..

The blue dye test is performed to determine patency of the fallopian tubes.

Laparoscopy, whether diagnostic or operative, is always performed under general anaesthetic.
 A camera scope with a diameter of less than 1cm is introduced via a small incision in the naval and slid down into the abdominal cavity. The cavity is simultaneously inflated with carbon dioxide gas, in order to obtain a good view of the internal organs.
Endometriosis or adhesions affecting the fallopian tubes can immediately be diagnosed and possibly treated in this way. The patency of the fallopian tubes can be determined via the injection of a blue dye through the opening of the cervix. If they are open, the surgeon will see the dye coming out of the fallopian tubes inside the abdomen.
A laparoscopy is mostly combined with a hysteroscopy, performed during the same operation, allowing the surgeons to visualize both the inside and the outside of the uterus at the same time.