Sonovaginography, or endometriosis ultrasound

Sonovaginography is a transvaginal ultrasound using contrast gel. This expert examination allows for a more precise assessment of what's happening in the pelvis. It involves the gynecologist administering contrast gel, also known as ultrasound gel, into the vagina. This allows the doctor to more precisely assess the vagina, ligaments, kidneys, bladder, and ureters, among other things.

The procedure and accuracy of the examination are improved by bowel preparation, which is currently recommended according to the latest guidelines. Preparation involves cleansing the bowels with a laxative so that the rectum and sigmoid colon—the part of the large intestine located in the pelvis—can also be assessed.

The test is best performed in the first phase of the cycle, due to the possibility of a better assessment of the uterine mucosa.

An ultrasound examination is usually painless. However, you may experience mild discomfort as the doctor inserts the transducer into your body.

A typical ultrasound examination takes from 30 minutes to an hour.

After the examination, you should be able to return to normal activities immediately.

MRI of endometriosis

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis for endometriosis 

This is a completely painless and non-invasive method of imaging the pelvic organs. It is distinguished by the preparation of patients for the examination and the fact that the examination is evaluated by a specialist. expert a radiologist who also has knowledge and experience in diagnosing endometriosisThis type of examination is primarily recommended for patients diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) based on ultrasound and when there is a suspicion of endometrial lesions not confirmed by other imaging tests.

Proper preparation involves cleansing the intestines with a laxative available at the pharmacy. From the moment the cleansing begins, you must fast until the examination itself, and you may drink water for up to two hours before the examination.
It is also important to remember to take your blood creatinine level result with you to the test (the current result is valid for a maximum of 30 days before the test).

The rest of the preparation for the test takes place on-site. The patient receives a vaginal gel, a rectal enema, and an injection of an antispasmodic drug (buscolysin) to slow down bowel movements.

During the examination, a contrast agent is also administered intravenously.

The entire examination takes approximately 60 minutes.

It's worth noting that each clinic has its own instructions, which must be strictly followed. If you have any questions about medications you're taking or additional tests you should undergo, it's recommended to contact the facility where your pelvic MRI for endometriosis will be performed.

Sites for performing MRI for endometriosis

Currently, MRI of endometriosis can be performed in three cities in Poland:

  1. Skanmex, Wrocław – described by Dr. Katarzyna Domagała-Pękalska (privately)
  2. Voxel, Warsaw – described by Dr. Tomasz Oleksiuk (privately)
  3. West Pomeranian Oncology Center, Szczecin – described by Dr. Marek Turkiewicz (under the National Health Fund and privately)