Laparoscopic intraoperative ultrasound of adnexal masses - A pilot study with 20 premenopausal patients.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility and potentia l clinical value of laparoscopic intraoperative sonography in the female ge nital tract. Patients and Method: Intraoperative ultrasound was performed i n 20 consecutive premenopausal patients with adnexal masses during laparosc opy using a 7.5 MHz semiflexible transducer. Results: Laparoscopic ultrasou nd of the female genital tract improves image resolution. Furthermore, this new method allows accurate localisation of early tubal pregnancy and may b e helpful if laparoscopic evaluation of the inner genital tract is impaired by severe adhesions. In 7 out of 20 patients, the therapeutical procedure was clearly influenced by the laparoscopic ultrasound findings, resulting i n a benefit for the patients in all seven cases. Conclusion: Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound may improve minimal invasive management of adnexal masses.