Bidimensional Rectal-water Contrast-transvaginal Ultrasonography (2D-RWC-TVS) Versus 3D-RWC-TVS in the Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis

Bidimensional Rectal-water Contrast-transvaginal Ultrasonography (2D-RWC-TVS) Versus 3D-RWC-TVS in the Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis

An accurate diagnosis of the presence, location and extent of the rectosigmoid endometriosis is of paramount importance for the clinicians in order to inform the patients on the potential surgical or medical treatments. It is well established that transvaginal ultrasonography is the first-line investigation in patients with suspicion of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

An improvement in the performance of transvaginal ultrasonography in diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis may be obtained by using rectal water contrast during transvaginal ultrasonographic scan.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pain and intestinal symptoms suggestive of rectosigmoid endometriosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous surgical diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis
• previous radiological diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis (based on Magnetic Resonance or double-contrast barium enema)
• history of colorectal surgery (except appendectomy)
• contraindications to bowel preparation or computed colonography (such as non-compliant patients and rectal malformations)
• previous bilateral ovariectomy
• psychiatric disorders