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 a transvaginal ultrasound probe.
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 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 your pelvic ultrasound previously. This may have either shown an abnormality with the lining or the uterus (i.e. polyps or fibroids) or your Doctor may want 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 pelvis elevated on a cushion. 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.
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.
Please settle your account on the day of the examination.
Please contact Hamilton Radiology for an appointment on 0800 HAMRAD (426 723) or (07) 839 4909.