Transvaginal scan versus transabdominal scan for gestational sac detection in the early first trimester of pregnancy in Sudanese Ladies

ABSTRACT

Since ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester, the clear identification of a normal intra-uterine pregnancy by ultrasonography is vital as these pregnancies have a good prognosis. Modern ultrasound technology, especially transvaginal, has improved the assessment of early pregnancy development. The use of diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy is considered to be safe for both mother and feotus, even in critical periods of development the using high-frequency transvaginal transducers, has no adverse bioeffects been demonstrated. Ultrasound provides reassurance, charts normal development, and identifies women with abnormal or high risk pregnancies. This study was designed to compare the efficiency between transvaginal scan [TVS] over transabdominal scan [TAS] in the early detection for the presence of gestational sac in the first trimester of pregnancy. A total of 100 women with an age that ranged between 15 to 45 years old and showed a positive pregnancy test during first trimester of pregnancy, had transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound in order to compare the value of these two techniques for the detection of gestational sac. TVS found to be significant and superior when compared with TAS in detection for the presence of gestational sac, where Pearson Chi-Square value=32.727 and P value=.000; [Pearson Chi-Square=32.727 and P=.000]. Despite of this fact, knowledge of the finding on TAS made it easier to interpret the transvaginal findings. Although TVS have limitations such as locate lesions outside the pelvis and needs further counseling and education. TVS is more efficient in accessing the presence of gestational sac in early first trimester of pregnancy rather than the TAS