Function of Three-Dimensional Ultrasound in Gynecology

Alex D'souza, Medical Tech Outlook | Thursday, June 10, 2021

The clinical uses of 3D ultrasound in gynecology helps determine any uterine structural congenital disabilities, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, intrauterine implant positioning and position, and infertility workup.

FREMONT, CA: Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool that uses non-ionizing energy to visualize the internal structure. Three-Dimensional (3D) ultrasound is a technique that has been used for decades, making it possible to transform a Two-Dimensional (2D) image to a volume-based, real-time image. The benefit of using 3D ultrasound is the anatomical extraction of a volume rather than a slice's acquisition. The volume generated contains all the information required, which allows the technician to be much less reliant on the initial acquisition method, as any view can be reconstructed and evaluated from the volume information stored.

The ability to produce an extra amount of live scanning and the use of multiple planes, and to see an image much like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, makes 3D ultrasound an invaluable instrument that can be used in many clinical scenarios and may eventually replace MRI scans.

2D ultrasound remains a vital diagnostic technique in obstetrics and gynecology and is mostly good enough for specific purposes; however, the use of 3D ultrasound has been heavily used in recent decades. It may add more clinical knowledge and enhance treatment. Data on the acquired volume may be used to validate the diagnosis for testing or auditing. Obstetricians use 3D ultrasound scans to image the gestational sac, identify the site of ectopic pregnancy, and detect any fetal defects in the face, spine, arms, and fetal heart. 3D ultrasound is underused in gynecology. The clinical uses of 3D ultrasound in gynecology helps determine any uterine structural congenital disabilities, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps, intrauterine implant positioning and position, and infertility workup.

Since the invention of the vaginal probe, 3D volume imaging became the most crucial benefit of modern sonography. The generous use of 3D ultrasound in collecting useful medical information is undisputed and could replace MRI scans in gynecology patients as it can have the same or even better views. In comparison, ultrasound is cheaper, less painful for patients, and delivers useful knowledge on organ activity in addition to the structure. The ability of 3D ultrasound machines to view, restore and reconstruct images is essential in producing valuable clinical information.

Given the ultrasound benefits, it is vital that clinicians know the ultrasound machine's great potential and that advanced software can deliver beyond the established essential functions. Clinicians should be given more advanced instruction about how to operate these computers and applications. The use of 3D ultrasound could potentially offer more in gynecology than in obstetrics, and its use must again be advertised among clinicians.