Ultrasound of deep infiltrating endometriosis with gel contrast (sonovaginography)

Ultrasound of deep infiltrating endometriosis with gel contrast is a specialised ultrasound examination performed with a vaginal probe. Before the procedure, the doctor inserts a gel into the vagina through a special catheter, which acts as a contrast agent. This allows the anterior vaginal wall, bladder, ureters, posterior vaginal wall, rectum and colon to be accurately assessed for the presence of abnormal endometriosis foci, infiltration of the walls of the organs being examined and narrowing of the bowel lumen.

An abdominal probe is then used to examine the kidneys to rule out urinary retention, which can be caused by urethral narrowing in the course of endometriosis.

A standard ultrasound scan of the cervix, womb and ovaries will also be performed.

The scan takes about 30 minutes. It is painless. It is best performed in the first phase of the cycle after the end of menstruation.

Indications for the examination

This examination should be performed in patients who have symptoms consistent with deep infiltrating endometriosis, such as:

• lower abdominal pain prior to menstruation,
• pain during sexual intercourse,
• bladder pain;
• pain in the sacral region of the spine,
• infertility,
• diarrhoea or constipation.

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