Ultrasonographic presentations of pelvic pain in reproductive females at Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound is the technique of choice for investigation of pelvic pain as it affords reliable diagnosis of a range of gynaecologic conditions. This is because it is readily available, noninvasive, portable, non-ionizing radiation is used and its relatively low price compared to other cross sectional imaging techniques like CT and MRI. Pelvic pain is a debilitating condition among women with a major impact on health related quality of life, work productivity and health care utilisation. It is the single most common indication for referral to women's health services accounting for 20% of all out-patient appointments in secondary care. This leads to a substantial burden on limited health care resources. When un diagnosed, gynaecologic disease conditions can progress and later result into cancers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find out the ultrasonographic findings of pelvic pain among reproductive females at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study that involved females of reproductive age who sought ultrasound scan services due to pelvic pain at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. A total of 170 participants were recruited. Out of the 170, 20 of them declined consent and did not participate in the study. This made the actual number participants 150. Participants were in the 15-49 years age group. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants into the study. The data collected was reviewed quantitatively and frequency tables were drawn. Results: A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed to females of reproductive age presenting with pelvic pain at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Most participants were in the age range of 21-30. The average age of participants was 29. The most common ultrasonographic presentation of pelvic pain was fluid filled masses in the adnexal regions with posterior enhancement (simple adnexal cysts) (30.66%), followed by hypoechoic solid masses in the uterus (uterine fibroids) (26.67%). Conclusion: This study shows that the most common ultrasonographic presentation of pelvic pain among reproductive females at Kawempe National Referral Hospital was fluid filled masses in the adnexal regions with posterior enhancement (simple adnexal cysts) (30.66%), followed by hypoechoic solid masses in the uterus (uterine fibroids) (26.67%). This shows that there is a need for proper management of patients with simple adnexal cysts and uterine fibroids so that chances of complication that may arise as a result are minimized or completely eradicated.