Saline infusion ultrasound scan of pelvis

What is a Saline Infused Ultrasound scan?

Saline Infused Ultrasound scan — also known as saline infusion Sono-hysterography or saline infused sonogram—is a specialized gynaecological ultrasound procedure in which sterile saline (salt water) is injected into the uterine cavity via a thin catheter inserted through the cervix, while a transvaginal ultrasound is performed to visualize the inside of the uterus.

Purpose and Procedure:

• The saline gently distends (expands) the uterine cavity, separating the walls and providing much clearer images of the uterine lining and cavity than a standard ultrasound.

• Used to evaluate suspected abnormalities in the uterine cavity or endometrial lining.

• Typically performed in the early part of the menstrual cycle (days 5-10), after menstruation and before ovulation, when the lining is thinnest and best visualized.

• Procedure generally takes about 15 minutes and is well tolerated by most patients.

Benefits for Gynaecology Visits or Purposes:

• Improved Detection of Uterine Abnormalities:

  • Polyps, fibroids, scar tissue (adhesions), uterine septum, and other structural anomalies are much more easily detected using the contrast provided by the saline than with traditional ultrasound alone. This is especially so in cases where the traditional ultrasound scan is not able to differentiate if the polyps / fibroids are indeed protruding into the uterine cavity, and hence more amenable to surgery.

• Preoperative and Postoperative Evaluation:

  • Used before and after certain uterine surgeries to assess the cavity for successful removal of polyps or fibroids or to check for post-surgical adhesions.

• Evaluation of Congenital Uterine Anomalies:

  • Useful in diagnosing developmental abnormalities in women with a history of reproductive complications.

Safety and Tolerability:

• Considered a very safe procedure, with rare side effects such as mild cramping, spotting, or in extremely unusual cases, infection.

• Most people experience mild discomfort, like a Pap smear or mild period pain, and resume normal activities immediately after the scan.

Preparation for the procedure:

• Take painkillers like etoricoxib and paracetamol 1 hr before the procedure.

• Consider use of misoprostol vaginally 3-4 hrs before the procedure.