Awareness and utilisation of advanced gynaecological ultrasound in the preoperative work‐up of women planning surgery for endometriosis: A survey of RANZCOG fellows and trainees. (5th March 2021) - Menakaya, Uchefuna A.
Abstract : Background : Endometriosis‐specific (advanced gynaecological) ultrasound is recommended as part of preoperative work‐up of women with suspected endometriosis. Aim : To evaluate the awareness and utilisation of advanced gynaecological ultrasound in the preoperative work‐up of women with suspected endometriosis among active RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) fellows and trainees. Materials and methods : Anonymous online survey invitations were emailed to all active RANZCOG fellows in Australia and New Zealand. Descriptive analysis of responses and multivariate analysis where appropriate were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results : A 17% (437/2567) survey response rate and 93% (409/437) completion rate were recorded; 59% (248/421) of respondents identified as generalists, whereas 15% (63/421) identified as advanced laparoscopic surgeons. Routine pelvic ultrasound (88.9%, 361/406) was the most common imaging modality requested by respondents; 32% (128/405) of respondents would also always request advanced gynaecology ultrasound. Respondents' self‐reported practice type was significantly associated with utilisation of advanced gynaecological ultrasound ( P = 0.03); 79.6% (348/437) agreed with our proposed definition of advanced gynaecological ultrasound for endometriosis. A major limitation to the utilisation of advanced gynaecological ultrasound for endometriosis was the lack of local expertise (63.8%, 233/356). Conclusion : The utilisation of advanced gynaecological ultrasound for endometriosis is significantly influenced by respondents' self‐reported practice type and limited by the lack of local expertise.