Every year in New York, the Best of the Big Apple OB/GYN Ultrasound conference brings together physicians and sonographers to discuss hot topics within the field and advances in ultrasound technology. This past November, the three-day educational event promoted the use of 3D ultrasound and educated attendees on best practices for interpreting ultrasound scans.
Exploring the Role of 3D Ultrasound in Gynecology
This year, most of the conference's first day was devoted to discussing the role of ultrasound in gynecology. Educational objectives included learning when to use 3D ultrasound and how to identify pelvic masses using the technology.
Dr. Beryl Benacerraf of Harvard Medical School hosted a session titled "The Use of 3D Ultrasound in GYN: The Beginning of a New Era," in which she argued that a gynecologist should do a 3D sweep with every ultrasound exam. In her practice, she said, she and her colleagues always take 3D images, even if they aren't used at the time. With more detail and accuracy, the 3D ultrasound can provide additional information to help clinicians evaluate IUD placement or uncover the source of pelvic pain. She encouraged attendees to do a 3D sweep during the initial scan and conduct a follow-up ultrasound as part of routine care.
Another session discussed using ultrasound to evaluate pelvic floor disorders, a practice that is just starting to gain traction in the U.S. Benacerraf noted that ultrasound provides real-time information that an MRI exam cannot deliver. During an ultrasound, the physician or sonographer can ask the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver to look for tears or other problems. Although much more common in other parts of the world, the use of 3D ultrasound to evaluate pelvic floor disorders is gradually becoming a first choice in the U.S.
Best Practices for Evaluating Ultrasound Images
Ultrasound is cheaper, more comfortable and more convenient for patients than many other imaging tools. However, lack of experience and unfamiliarity are common barriers to adoption. Many sessions at the conference were dedicated to viewing and interpreting ultrasound images to give physicians and sonographers more confidence when using systems.
Dr. Alfred Z. Abuhamad of Eastern Virginia Medical School presented some best practices for gynecologists to follow when evaluating pelvic masses. He reviewed the basics of a good ultrasound scan, taking into account measurements, borders and pattern recognition.
Benacerraf expanded on this education in her session, "Just Images — Gynecology." She presented an extensive catalog of images and shared step-by-step guidance for ensuring an accurate, efficient ultrasound evaluation. Dr. Ilan E. Timor-Tritsch, of New York University Medical Center, also devoted a session to best practices for defining adnexal masses. Through these sessions, attendees gained a richer understanding of the value of following a systematic, checklist-style approach to ultrasound imaging to achieve accurate diagnoses.
A Can't-Miss Ultrasound Conference for Gynecologists and Sonographers
The Best of the Big Apple OB/GYN Ultrasound conference happens every year, and attendees can earn continuing medical education credit for completing objectives. The conference is a great opportunity for physicians and sonographers to gain more confidence and knowledge to enhance the use of ultrasound in gynecology.
