The role of transvaginal ultrasound in the assessment of the female pelvis.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the female pelvis has been compared with transvaginal ultrasound, using a 7.5 MHz transducer, in 80 women. Transvaginal ultrasound required less patient time and was preferred in 56% of patients. Image quality was superior in 72% of cases, and visualisation of the pelvic organs was equivalent with each technique. Transabdominal ultrasound gives a more global view of the pelvis, and is of more value in assessing large pelvic masses. Transvaginal ultrasound is of more value in assessing early pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian abnormalities, and for visualising the ovaries following hysterectomy.