Three-dimensional transrectal sonography of the bulbo-urethal glands

Abstract

Three-dimensional transrectal sonography is a new imaging technique capable of providing sonographic sections in three planes simultaneously, which to date has not been possible by conventional techniques. Apart from the additional information obtained by the third, i. e. coronal, plane, this new technique permits precise three-dimensional analyses of relevant anatomical structures. In a total of 57 patients the bulbo-urethral glands were studied by means of three-dimensional transrectal sonography. In order to identify the visualized structures anatomically and topographically, the images obtained were compared with serial anatomical sections of several male pelves. The results show that, with the help of three-dimensional sonography, it is possible to obtain reproducible images by a routine procedure which enables the localisation and demonstration of the bulbo-urethral glands as well as the adjacent anatomical structures (organs, muscles, corpora cavernosa and vessels). Furthermore, a cyst in one of the bulbo-urethral glands could be definitively diagnosed and assessed in 3 patients. With the help of this non-invasive diagnostic tool it is now possible to assess the regions of the pelvic floor and prostate quickly, easily and with great precision. Any site which has been assessed in the volume scan can be simultaneously visualised in the three planes, which renders measurements in all three dimensions possible.