Three-dimensional gynaecological ultrasound, part one: How, when and why?

Most high-end ultrasound systems now incorporate three-dimensional imaging as a standard feature. As such, the use of three-dimensional ultrasound is becoming routine in many facets of medical ultrasound, especially obstetrics and gynaecology. Three-dimensional ultrasound can enhance or even alter a diagnosis in many gynaecological pathologies. However, like any technique, the usefulness and accuracy of the application relies on the operator having adequate application knowledge and technical acquisition skills to be able to use it to its full potential. This is the first part of a two-part series on this topic. This article serves to educate sonographers and other ultrasound users on how to incorporate a three-dimensional ultrasound assessment into their routine gynaecological examinations, why this should be done and how to overcome some of the pitfalls encountered with this technique.