Comparison of ultrasonography with clinical examination under anaesthesia in the staging of carcinoma of the cervix at the Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

An analytical prospective study was done. 100 patients admitted in a gynaecology oncology ward with a diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix where recruited. They were staged both by clinical examination under anaesthesia and by ultrasonography and the results of the two staging methods compared. The main aim of the study was to assess the accuracy by which ultrasonography can be used in staging of carcinoma of the cervix as compared to clinical staging under anaesthesia which was taken to be the standard. Ultrasound examinations were done using a transabdomenal 3.0 MHZ sector transducer. Examination of kidneys, liver, para-aortic regions and spleen were done. Ultrasonography was found to be of great value in staging of late carcinoma of the cervix that is stage III and IV and this is because renal involvement with hydronephrosis and infiltration inlo the bladder was well demonstrated. Stage I and II were not well demonstrated. As ultrasound was not good in demonstrating parametrial. vaginal and pelvic wall involvement. Ultrasound would play an important role if used together with clinical examination under anaesthesia in the staging of cervical carcinoma.