Transvaginal chorionic villus sampling - an alternative approach

Conventional transabdominal approach for chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is difficult in obese women, retroverted uteri and when the placenta is poste riorly placed, while the transcervical method is technically demanding. We investigated the use of an alternative approach - transvaginal - in 38 cons ecutive women undergoing CVS for prenatal diagnosis of haematological condi tions. This is an effective method with regard to access and visualization of the placenta, patient tolerance and tissue yield. No major complications were encountered. We recommend that the transvaginal approach be considere d for CVS, especially in difficult cases.