Pre-operative ultrasonographic evaluation of nongravid, enlarged uteri--correlation with bimanual examination.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the size of the nongravid uterus measured by ultrasound and bimanual examination before hysterectomy, with the actual size of the specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Uterine size of 49 consecutive patients, who underwent elective hysterectomy, was assessed by bimanual pelvic examination, preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation and actual postoperative size. RESULTS: All preoperative ultrasonographic uterine dimensions significantly correlated with the corresponding actual dimensions of the uterine specimens. Furthermore, ultrasonographic uterine length had the best correlation with uterine size estimation by bimanual examination. A formula was established in an attempt to calculate clinical uterine size by gestational week, using preoperative ultrasonographic dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: By using the aforementioned formula, ultrasonographic uterine dimensions can be extrapolated to uterine size in terms of gestational week, and therefore, be applicable to traditional clinical practice.