Three-dimensional (3D) Rectal Water Contrast Transvaginal Ultrasonography Versus Computed Colonography in the Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis

Rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography is based on the distention of rectosigmoid with saline solution. Three-dimensional reconstructions convert standard 2D grayscale ultrasound acquisitions into a volumetric dataset.

Computed colonography or virtual colonoscopy uses special x-ray equipment to examine the large intestine. During the exam, a small tube is inserted a short distance into the rectum to allow for inflation with gas while computed tomographic images of the colon and the rectum are taken.