This is a most useful tool for the diagnosis and management of female infertility.
Within a matter of a few seconds it is possible to diagnose problems in the uterus
such as a thin endometrium, intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyp, submucous
fibroid, uterine septum, arcuate or subseptate uterus. With the newly acquired 4-D
machine (Samsung R7) we can reconstruct the entire womb (uterus) in a 3-D fashion
to accurately diagnose problems with uterine structure and receptivity. Also, color
Doppler would show the blood flow to the uterus and help in the timing of the embryo
transfer and predict the chances of pregnancy. Furthermore, TVS can diagnose problems
with the fallopian tube such as a hydrosalpinx(indicative of a blocked tube) and
diagnose ovarian conditions such as ovarian simple cyst, endometriosis (chocolate
cyst) and other such pelvic pathologies. It is possible to predict the nature of
the lesion as to whether it is benign or malignant in nature and whether any surgical
correction is required for the same.
With this kind of detailed evaluation it is possible to avoid unnecessary hysteroscopies
and laparoscopies before proceeding with IVF. The clinic tries to avoid unnecessary
surgical procedures.
Furthermore, in most cases of tubal factor infertility such as blocked tubes it
is mandatory to rule out the presence of a proximally patent hydrosalpinx (blocked
tube which is filled with infected water which can still enter the uterus). This
would imply drainage of potentially infected fluid draining into the uterine cavity
thereby reducing IVF implantation rates from 40% to 5%. If we diagnose a hydrosalpinx
on TVS ultrasonography we know that the patient needs an operative laparoscopy to
first rectify this condition before embarking upon the IVF program.
TVS is also the main tool for interventional surgical work such as oocyte retrieval
(egg recovery) for IVF and ICSI.
We also offer TVS ultrasonography for monitoring of early pregnancy, diagnosing
twins, presence of a tubal pregnancy or complications such as ovarian enlargement,
hyperstimulation, ascites and ovarian torsion for our pregnant patients.