Guided procedures using transvaginal sonography.

Transvaginal sonography is indispensable for monitoring of follicular growth and is used for aspirating the follicular fluid for oocyte retrieval. Its use has improved the accuracy of embryo replacement into the uterus, or via the uterus, into the Fallopian tube and guidance of Fallopian-tube catheterization. Other ultrasonically guided procedures analyzed in this review article are aspiration of the ovarian cysts, drainage of cul-de-sac abscesses and selective reduction of multiple pregnancies. The advantages of ultrasonically guided transvaginal procedures are their performance under real-time imaging, relative simplicity, and low procedure-related complication rate. Most of these procedures can be performed in an office or emergency-room setting, but some require carefully monitored hospital protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]