Background: Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) has become an increasingly popular tool in obstetrics due to its objective, non-invasive, and real-time imaging capabilities.
Aim: This review aims to describe the basic approaches, current utilization, and potential future applications of TPUS.
Materials & method: A comprehensive literature review on TPUS was conducted. In addition, discussions at academic meetings and congress focused on TPUS were also considered.
Results: TPUS was initially used in prostate biopsies and is currently applied to evaluating fetal head descent in labor, with the angle of progression being the most widely used parameter. It is more tolerated than conventional invasive or expensive methods, such as digital vaginal examinations or MRIs. Additionally, TPUS can assess the internal rotation of the fetal head in the birth canal.
Discussion: Compared to other imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans, TPUS is easier to perform and more cost-effective. It also provides real-time imaging, allowing for quick and accurate assessments. It also help clinicians make critical decisions regarding the mode of delivery and identify patients at high risk for fecal incontinence postpartum. With its many benefits, TPUS has the potential to become a standard tool in urogynecology and obstetrics.
Conclusions: Transperineal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality that is well-tolerated and easy to understand for patients and their family and help medical staff support the patients. Transperineal ultrasound can be applied in real-time monitoring of labor progress, helping predict the possibility of vaginal delivery during labor, and further research in this area is warranted.
Keywords: diagnosis and management; diagnostic ultrasound and prenatal diagnosis; obstetric complications; operative vaginal delivery; postpartum care; premature labor.
© 2023 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.