Ultrasound scan of the pelvis

Introduction

This leaflet provides information for patients having an ultrasound scan of the pelvis

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body.

To perform the ultrasound scan we put ultrasound gel over the area to be scanned and a small plastic probe (transducer) is slowly moved over the area of interest. This probe transmits high frequency sound waves into your body. Based on the reflections of these sound waves, the ultrasound machine then creates images of your organs. Ultrasound imaging is considered very safe, as it does not use any radiation to acquire the image.

The scan may identify the cause of your symptoms or help to rule out conditions that could cause your symptoms.

Sonographers and Radiologists (practitioners) perform ultrasound scans. Both female and male practitioners undertake these scans, please let us know if you have a strong preference for the gender of the practitioner.

How long will I be in the department?

The scan usually takes around 10-20 minutes but may be longer.

What to do when you arrive

Please report to the reception desk on arrival in the Ultrasound department (Level 3), to let us know you have arrived for your appointment.

Staff you are likely to meet

• Receptionist
• Sonographer or Radiologist
• Healthcare Support Worker

Preparation for procedure/examination

It is important that you have a full bladder for this examination. Please drink 1-2 pints of fluid (500 mL- 1L) (non-fizzy clear fluids i.e. water/squash) at least an hour before your appointment time and do not empty your bladder before the examination. The bladder acts as a window which is why it needs to be full. If your bladder is not full enough, you might be asked to wait and fill your bladder further, or your appointment may need to be rescheduled. If catheterised: The catheter needs to be clamped 1 hour prior to your appointment if you are able to drink water or several hours before if unable to drink adequate water.

Please contact us in advance of your procedure/examination on 01223 216320 if you:

• Have additional requirements that may require a longer appointment
• Require a specific appointment time due to taking time sensitive medication (e.g. insulin, medicines for Parkinson’s disease).
• Are pregnant
• Require hospital transport
• Are unable to lie flat
• Have mobility issues

Benefits

Ultrasound scans do not use radiation and are considered a safe non-invasive procedure, which can provide clinicians with information to aid diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.

Risks

Is ultrasound safe?

Ultrasound is a safe and widely used test that helps us look inside the body using sound waves. It has been used in healthcare for many years and plays an important role in diagnosing and monitoring a range of conditions.

When used by trained professionals for medical purposes, there is no evidence that diagnostic ultrasound causes harm to patients.

Use of gel during your scan

During your scan, a small amount of gel will be placed on your skin. This helps the scanner produce clear images.

The gel is safe to use, and the risk of infection is very low. However, because standard ultrasound gel is not sterile, there is a very small risk of infection in some circumstances.

To reduce this risk even further:

• The gel will be wiped off at the end of your scan
• We recommend that you wash the area when you are able to

What will happen on the day of my procedure/examination?

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be taken through into an ultrasound room. You will have your details confirmed and then the first part of the scan will begin.

Abdominal scan

You will be asked to:

• Lie on a couch
• Lower your clothing to expose the lower part of your abdomen

You will be given a paper towel to tuck into your underwear to protect your clothing from the gel.

A small amount of gel will be applied to your skin. This may feel cool. The room lights may be dimmed so the practitioner can see the screen clearly.

The practitioner will move a handheld probe over your skin to take images. Some gentle pressure may be applied to improve the pictures. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

This part of the scan usually takes a few minutes, during which:

• Routine images and measurements will be taken
• You may be asked questions about your symptoms, such as your menstrual cycle, medications, or medical history

At the end of this part, you will be given paper towels to wipe off the gel.

Transvaginal (internal) scan (if required)

You may be offered an internal (transvaginal) scan to provide more detailed images and help with diagnosis. This is a common part of pelvic ultrasound and can be performed during your period or during pregnancy.

If this is recommended:

• The procedure will be fully explained to you
• You will be asked to give your verbal consent before proceeding

If you have never been sexually active, please let the practitioner know so this can be discussed with you.

Preparation

• You will be asked to empty your bladder
• If you are using a tampon or menstrual cup, this should be removed

During the scan

• A chaperone (who may be male or female) will be present in line with Trust policy
• You will be given privacy to undress behind a curtain
• A sheet will be provided to help maintain your dignity

A small ultrasound probe (similar in size to a tampon) will be:

• Cleaned and covered
• Covered with a protective sheath and sterile gel (which may feel cool)

The probe will then be gently inserted into the vagina.
It will be moved carefully to obtain images and measurements.

You may:

Feel some pressure or mild discomfort

Be asked to press on your abdomen to improve image quality

After the scan

• The probe will be removed
• You will be able to get dressed in private

This part of the examination usually takes around 10 minutes.

Accessibility requirements

If you require support for your appointment, e.g. if you find it hard to hear, see or be understood by others, please let the receptionist or healthcare professional know on arrival or contact us by email: cuh.accessibility@nhs.net or telephone: 01223 256998.

Can I bring someone with me?

Those accompanying you should be able to come into the ultrasound room with you, occasionally they may be required to stay out of the examination room during the procedure and remain in the waiting area.

Childcare whilst in department

Staff are unable to look after or supervise children whilst your procedure/examination is taking place. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children whilst you attend for your procedure/examination. If you attend an appointment with children with no one to look after them whilst you have your examination/procedure, then your appointment will unfortunately have to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Personal belongings

Your personal belongings will be able to stay with you during the examination

What happens after my procedure/examination?

You can return to your normal daily activities.

The practitioner may be able to provide information about the findings, however results will be sent back to the clinician who referred you for the scan.

Possible side effects and additional aftercare

There are no side effects

If any concerns post procedure/examination please contact us on 01223 216320

How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?

Your ultrasound scan is usually reviewed during or shortly after your appointment. This means the report is normally available to the team who referred you within 3 days.

Your referring clinician or team will contact you to explain the results and discuss any next steps.

Your results will also be available on MyChart. However, there is a 3-week delay before they appear. This delay is to give your clinical team enough time to:

• Review your results
• Take any necessary action
• Discuss the findings with you first if needed

Are there any alternative tests?

Your referrer has requested an ultrasound scan, and this has been agreed as the most appropriate first test to investigate your symptoms.

Ultrasound is usually the first choice for looking at common conditions affecting the pelvis.

In some situations, other tests such as:

• CT (computed tomography) scans, or
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

may be considered if further information is needed.

Contacts/Further information

Our contact number is 01223 216320

The phone line is monitored between 8am and 4.30pm

Facilities available

• Toilets
• Baby changing
• Disabled toilet
• Water fountain

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Directions to the department

Parking at the hospital is limited and so it is recommended, where possible, to consider alternative transport

On arrival please proceed directly to the Ultrasound Department.

The Ultrasound Department is located on Level 3, at the Outpatients end of the hospital.

Question, concern or complaint?

If you have any questions or concerns about your ultrasound scan, please speak to a member of the ultrasound team (such as the sonographer or departmental staff) during your visit if you feel able to do so. We will do our best to help and resolve any issues straight away.

If you feel unable to speak to the ultrasound team directly, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):

Telephone: 01223 216756 (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday)

Email: cuh.pals@nhs.net

Or complete a form via the PALS page on the CUH website

PALS is available on weekdays, and you can leave a message in the evenings or at weekends.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website.