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Am J of Ob Gyn
Imaging of pelvic symptoms is best addressed with ultrasound as the first choice, according to a recently published article in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
This has long been the contention of experts in mesh removals and complications and supports the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine initiative called Ultrasound First. It urges ultrasound over CT Scans (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance image) for many examinations, particularly obstetric and gynecologic patients.
Mesh removal expert, Dr. Shlomo Raz of UCLA, who has removed more than 900 transvaginal meshes over the last several years promotes the use of ultrasound in "seeing" the mesh. Background story here.
Healthday report (here) the researchers warn the use of a CT scan may pose a risk of cancer. That has not slowed the fact that CT scans use has tripled in the last 20 years. It’s estimated 29,000 future cancers may have their genesis from the CT scan which uses radiation. Half of those predicted cancers are in the pelvic area.
CT scans are typically used to detect kidney stones and undiagnosed pelvic pain, though the images are often of a lesser quality. Ultrasound uses waves, not radiation. Ultrasound offers a less invasive, less expensive and the most informative image.
The lead author, Dr. Beryl Benacerraf, is head of ob/gyn and reproductive biology and radiology at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. #
Learn More:
Consider Ultrasound First for Imaging the Female Pelvis, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, March 31, 2015
http://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(15)00151-9/fulltext
Ultrasound "Sees" the Mesh, Mesh News Desk, July 2014
https://www.meshmedicaldevicenewsdesk.com/imaging-device-translabial-ultrasound-sees-mesh
