How long does a transvaginal ultrasound examination for endometriosis take in comparison to a routine transvaginal ultrasound examination?

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the additional time needed to perform an endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound (eTVUS) compared to routine transvaginal ultrasound (rTVUS). Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed. The study group included 199 eTVUS performed between September 2019 and September 2020. The control group comprised 105 consecutive rTVUS studies performed in the same time period. The time stamps on the ultrasound images of all cases in both groups were reviewed to determine the time taken to perform each study. Mean, median, minimum and maximum scan times for both groups were calculated as was percentage difference between scan times. A two-tailed, unpaired t-test of the normalised data and a Mann-Whitney U test assessing time difference of scans between two groups were performed with P value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Performing eTVUS took significantly longer than rTVUS with increases in the mean (8.4 vs 13.8 min, 64%), median (7 vs 12 min, 71%), minimum (4 vs 7 min, 75%) and maximum (19 vs 42 min, 121%) scan times. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated a statistically significant difference in the median scan times (5.0, CI 4.0-6.0), P < 0.001. An independent t-test of the normalised data revealed a significantly larger mean scan time for eTVUS than rTVUS, Mean = 9.05 95%CI [13.17-4.94], t(302) = 4.327, P < 0.001. R 2 = 0.583. Conclusion: Endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound added an average 5.4 min to rTVUS, which is statistically significant. For ultrasound departments wanting to offer this technique, doubling the scan time allocated to perform a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is suggested.

Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Endometriosis—An Overview: How, Why, and When

“…Although studies have suggested a good sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of recto-sigmoid DIE by TVS [ 23 , 43 ], it requires expertise [ 44 , 45 ] and may take significantly longer to perform compared with routine TVS [ 46 ]. Moreover, compared with MRI, it is less sensitive for upper gastrointestinal lesions (more than 16 cm from the anal margin) [ 47 ] and multifocal bowel lesions [ 7 ].…”

Visualization of sacral nerve roots and sacral plexus on gynecological transvaginal ultrasound: feasibility study

“…The SP is located deeper within the pelvis, which may influence to some extent the time needed for its visualization, compared with that of the ureter. The average duration of a routine TVS scan is about 7–8 min, whereas an extended TVS scan in a patient with pelvic DE takes 13–14 min 17 . In this context, incorporating visualization of the SP into standard gynecological pelvic TVS examination would not increase significantly the overall examination time.…”

CAR Practice Statement on Advanced Pelvic Ultrasound for Endometriosis

“…The room must be set up to accommodate a longer exam time. Examinations should be performed on an adjustable examination table; tables with stirrups are preferred and adequate padding is necessary given that examinations can last up to 45 minutes 39 (though most are significantly shorter in duration than the maximum). Preparing patients in advance by ensuring that the schedulers can consistently and fully communicate what patients should expect at the time of their study and confirming they are scheduled to arrive with a full bladder, when indicated, for the transabdominal component of the scan.…”