MRI examination in endometriosis is especially dedicated to the preoperative evaluation of deep endometriosis and complements the clinical and sonographic examination.
However, the MRI examination can also be decisive for establishing the initial diagnosis, from which one can start in deciding the correct therapeutic attitude.
A correct and complete examination is, in fact, a detailed map of endometriosis lesions, a map that serves the surgeon in planning the intervention. Good communication between the radiologist and the gynecologist is an essential condition for a correct evaluation. In addition, the radiologist’s dialogue with the patient is decisive for establishing the examination protocol. Depending on the symptoms described by the patient, the radiologist decides how the MRI investigation will be carried out.
The examination is carried out by instillation of intravaginal and intrarectal gel, with the aim of expanding the cavities and allowing a better visualization of the walls and possible nodules of endometriosis. Through the contrast provided by the gel, the depth of infiltration of the lesions into the muscles can be evaluated. In addition, the presence of the gel improves the examination which could be of lower quality due to peristalsis (bowel movement) artifacts.
The MRI examination with a protocol dedicated to the diagnosis of endometriosis is not limited to the instillation of gel in the vaginal and rectal cavity. It is an examination that must be adapted to each individual patient, depending on the location of the suspected lesions following the clinical examination and anamnesis.
In our clinic, the investigation is always performed in the presence of the examining doctor with special training, being modified in real time to obtain the best visualization of endometriosis lesions. Having a special concern for the comfort of our patients, we managed to design a protocol that offers us a superior image quality in a very reduced examination time.
At the end of the examination, our patients benefit from a consultation with the specially trained radiologist, during which detailed explanations are given based on the images obtained.
We are aware of the complexity of this pathology and the long journey of patients towards diagnosis and treatment, both of those who come to us from Romania and from abroad. That’s why our team offers all the support that patients need, to create a pleasant experience for them.
The gel instillation does not hurt. The process can create discomfort at most, which will be alleviated as the body gets used to the presence of the gel.
Of course! The purpose of gel instillation is to evaluate as precisely as possible the degree of infiltration of endometriosis nodules. However, a highly experienced radiologist familiar with the disease can identify endometriosis lesions even without the use of the gel. Thus, although we recommend this procedure for a qualitative examination, patients can also opt for pelvic MRI without gel.
The day before the examination, patients should avoid foods that cause bloating. On the day of the examination, 3 hours before, the patients are not allowed to eat but are able to drink liquids (apart from fizzy drinks). 1 hour and a half before leaving for the clinic perform the microenema. Patients are advised a No-Spa before arriving at the clinic. If there are known allergies or possible adverse effects, do not administer.
Any suspected anatomical segment can be investigated.
We have an almost 100% success rate of MRI interventions performed by patients who declare themselves claustrophobic. The entire environment of the room where the investigation is carried out is pleasant, welcoming, specially designed for patients to feel as comfortable as possible. The ceiling is decorated with images that are visible from the device, and the large opening of the magnet reduces the patient’s stress.
In addition, the patients benefit from the full attention of the staff, throughout the investigation. From the control room, the technician will periodically communicate with the patient, and the doctor will monitor the entire procedure. Patients have a device that they can press at any time, which will signal to the operator that the investigation must be stopped. Thus, they are in control, being able to decide at any time to interrupt the procedure. Although this means that the process will have to be repeated, or that it cannot be carried out, it is important for patients to know that at no time are they alone or abandoned.
We offer patients the opportunity to listen to music. Headphones specially made to be used during the investigation fade the noise produced by the device, and the volume of the music can be adjusted, at the request of the patient.
Furthermore, patients are allowed to be accompanied by a person in the room where the investigation is taking place.
Our staff are empathetic, patient, understand the difficulties faced by endometriosis patients and do everything possible to support them emotionally.
