Sonohysterography

What is a Sonohysterogram?

It is a technique developed to image the inside of the uterus.  It uses an infusion of sterile saline (salt water)solution passed through a soft plastic catheter which has been placed in the cervix, in conjunction with an transvaginal ultrasound.  
The saline gently distends the cavity of the uterus and provides improved visualisation of the lining of the uterus, and any abnormality that may be related to the linging or the interior of the endometrial cavity (i.e. polyps or fibroids). 

Your Doctor will refer you for this examination either after consultation with a Gynaecologist or on the recommendation of the Radiologist who may have reported a pelvic ultrasound previously which
has either shown an abnormality with the lining or the uterus (i.e. polyps or fibroids) or your Doctor wants to exclude the possibility of an abnormality here.

Preparation.

Please phone Hamilton Radiology  for an appointment.  There is no specific preparation required for this examination apart from having an empty bladder.  The examination however
is performed between Day 9 and Day 12 of your menstrual cycle and therefore it needs to be timed with your menstrual cycle.

The Procedure.

You will be required to lie on your back with
your bottom on a pillow.  A transvaginal scan will be performed as an initial examination to image the uterus and the lining of the uterus.
Following this the Radiologist will position
a speculum within the vagina to visualise the cervix, and pass a small soft plastic catheter with a balloon on the tip through the cervix into the uterine cavity.
The transvaginal probe will then be positioned in the vagina and the Radiologist will then slowly inject a saline solution while the transvaginal scan is performed.  Images will be taken during
this examination.  Some minor discomfort may be experienced although this is not frequent.

Post-saline infusion - fibroid shown

    

Post-saline infusion

on - endometrial resection

After the examination.

The Radiologist will review the images taken during the procedure and a report will be sent to your referring Doctor.   The Radiologist will discuss the findings also with yourself after the procedure should this be requested. The images  will also be recorded on a CD which will be given to you or posted after the examination. 

Please settle your account on the day of the examination.