Evaluation of sonography in the initial assessment of the gynecologic patient.

Although the importance of sonography in modern obstetrics is undisputed, its role in the evaluation of the patient with gynecologic disease is less clear. We evaluated the role of pelvic sonography in the initial assessment of gynecologic patients. Standardized pelvic sonography was performed on patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopy or celiotomy. These examinations were evaluated by a radiologist who was not informed of the clinical diagnosis and the findings of physical examination. The overall performance of sonography was inferior to clinical examination and was notable for a high number of false positive diagnoses. We conclude that sonography should be reserved for specific indications.