Uterine anomalies and failed surgical termination of pregnancy: the role of routine preoperative transvaginal sonography

Although used extensively in the assessment of many gynecological condition s, transvaginal ultrasonography is not performed routinely prior to termina tion of pregnancy in the UK. We describe a case in which surgical evacuation of the uterus failed. Posto peratively, transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated a bicornuate uterus w ith a viable pregnancy within the left horn. Subsequent medical termination of pregnancy was successful. This case shows the potential value of transvaginal ultrasonography prior t o termination of pregnancy. A prospective trial is needed to assess whether its routine introduction into clinical practice will lead to a reduction i n morbidity resulting from termination.