Gynecological Sonography: Endovaginal Scanning and Clinical Procedures

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key terminology, procedural definitions, positional standards, and reproductive concepts from gynecological sonography lectures.

Endovaginal Sonography (EV)

An internal pelvic ultrasound examination that accompanies a transabdominal ultrasound when greater image definition is required; it is generally not a full replacement for the transabdominal pelvic exam.

Modified Lithotomy Position

A patient position where the patient is supine with knees bent up and feet placed in stirrups or flat on the bed, utilized during endovaginal sonography.

Endovaginal Wedge Cushion

A specialized cushion placed beneath the patient's buttocks to elevate the pelvis and provide greater transducer mobility during an endovaginal examination.

Transverse EV Orientation (Anteverted Uterus)

The orientation standard where the superior aspect of the ultrasound display corresponds to the anterior uterus and the inferior aspect corresponds to the posterior uterus.

Transverse EV Orientation (Retroverted Uterus)

The orientation standard where the superior aspect of the ultrasound display corresponds to the posterior uterus and the inferior aspect corresponds to the anterior uterus.

Transverse EV Lateral Orientation

The display convention where the patient's right side appears on the left side of the screen and the patient's left side appears on the right side of the screen for both anteverted and retroverted uteri.

Hystero-

A medical word root referring to the uterus.

Salpingo-

A medical word root referring to the fallopian tubes.

-scopy

A surgical suffix implying that an examination or procedure is performed using a fiber-optic scope.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

A radiographic (X-ray) procedure utilizing contrast material injected into the uterine cavity to investigate the uterine cavity and assess potential fallopian tube blockages.

Hysteroscopy

A procedure that utilizes a thin, lighted fiber-optic device (endoscope) inserted through the cervix to inspect the inside of the uterine cavity.

Laparoscopy

A surgical procedure requiring anesthesia in which a fiber-optic instrument (laparoscope) and tools are introduced into the abdominopelvic cavity through small incisions.

Sonohysterography

An ultrasound procedure involving the catheter-based injection of sterile saline into the uterine cavity to distend it and separate endometrial walls for irregularity assessment.

Dilatation and Curettage (D & C)

A surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia where the cervix is widened and uterine lining tissue is scraped or scooped out for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

An assisted reproductive technology involving the retrieval and laboratory manipulation of both sperm and ova outside the body to achieve fertilization prior to uterine transfer.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

An assisted reproductive method in which washed sperm is introduced directly into the uterus through a catheter $36\,\text{hours}$ following ovulation induction.

Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT)

An assisted reproductive technique requiring at least one open fallopian tube where harvested ova and sperm are mixed and placed into the fallopian tube via laparoscope for natural internal fertilization.

Limited Field of View (EV Disadvantage)

A technical limitation in endovaginal imaging where higher frequency transducers yield higher resolution but restrict the depth of penetration and overall visualization width.

Cervical Funneling

An abnormal opening or protrusion observed at the internal os of the cervix on ultrasound that can serve as a predictor for preterm delivery.

Sperm Morphology

The structural evaluation and physical shape characteristics of sperm cells.

Sperm Motility

The assessment of how sperm move and their progressive forward movement rate.

Etiology Distribution of Infertility

The breakdown of clinical causes of infertility: $30\text{--}40\%$ female factors, $30\%$ male factors, $20\%$ combined male and female factors, and $10\%$ unexplained.

Endocavity Probe Disinfection

The mandatory post-examination reprocessing protocol for internal probes using personal protective equipment and high-level disinfection systems (e.g., Trophon or MetriCide 28).