New approach to the urogynecological ultrasound examination.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new system for the ultrasound evaluation of urethral mobility. STUDY DESIGN: We studied the structure of interpubic disc and found landmarks that can be used to align different images and set up an universal system of coordinates. The method for capturing and post-processing of the introital ultrasound examination is described. The urethra in its entire course is evaluated. Ten patients were examined and some important points at the interpubic disc and the urethra were traced to assess the reproducibility of the method. RESULTS: The mean intra-observer difference for x and y coordinates were 1.88 mm (S.D. 1.53) and 2.00 mm (S.D. 1.54), respectively. The inter-observer difference was 2.30 mm (S.D. 1.64) and 2.50 mm (S.D. 1.79), respectively for x and y coordinates. CONCLUSION: The method shows good inter- and intra-observer correlation and presents data that can be further used for biomechanical analysis.