Sonographic diagnosis of pelvic adhesions in patients after ovum pickup.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of transvaginal sonography for the detection of pelvic adhesions by using clear free fluid in the pouch of Douglas found after ovum pickup.

METHODS: A prospective clinical study was performed in an infertility unit of an academic research facility. Sonography was performed in 50 women with infertility 3 days after ovum pickup, and the visceral peritoneum of the uterus, the ovaries, and the fallopian tubes was scanned for possible pelvic adhesions.

RESULTS: The serosal surfaces of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes were successfully observed for the presence of adhesions in 86%, 68%, and 20% of the patients, respectively. Improved visualization was associated with an increased amount of pelvic fluid for the uterus (P = .01) but not for the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The amount of fluid in the pelvis correlated with an increased number of retrieved oocytes (P = .07) and a decreased need for manual manipulation to achieve proper imaging of the uterus (P = .001).

CONCLUSION: Transvaginal sonography performed in the presence of fluid in the pelvis may show adhesions mainly attached to the uterus and ovaries. Assessment of possible mechanical factors is important in planning treatment of patients with infertility.