ExEm foam scan for ultrasound imaging of the uterus
Assuta’s fertility unit offers an innovative test for imaging the uterus and fallopian tubes for women who have been diagnosed with fertility problems. The test has maximum accuracy and does not involve the pain or risks of typical uterine imaging. It makes it possible to obtain highly reliable information about the health of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes without the need to inject iodine-based material and use X-rays.
About the test
ExEm foam test for uterine imaging with ultrasound is a new development that makes it possible to replace the uterine X-Ray, which in many cases involves a feeling of pinching and pain for the patients. This is a vaginal ultrasound examination that allows you to get reliable information about the health of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes without the need to inject an iodine-based substance and use X-rays. To date, more than 300,000 such tests have been performed in more than 50 countries.
During the test, the doctors receive a great deal of additional information about the various pelvic organs. This information cannot be assessed when performing a hysterosalpingography in the old technique. The test consists of two parts. First, a sterile physiological liquid (saline) is dripped through the vagina into the uterus and tubes, providing an image of the uterine cavity. Later, with the help of a small balloon and inflation of the uterine cavity with a physiological fluid of saline in a minimum amount of 5 cc, the uterine cavity can be well observed as if it were a black “balloon”. If there is any finding in the cavity, it will show a white filler defect against the background of the black space.
The second stage demonstrates the tubes and the degree of their openness, this is the stage where a substance called ExEm foam is infused. It produces small air bubbles that form a kind of contrast material, and allows the dispersion of the solution through the two fallopian tubes in front of the ovaries to be examined. Here, too, the fallopian tubes can be visualized and suspicious findings noticed.
What is ExEm foam?
A gel containing cellulose, glycerol and distilled water. The combination of the liquids and the chemical creates an excellent image for viewing on ultrasound imaging.
What are the benefits of the test?
This test has many benefits for the patients, it reduces the risks of hysterosalpingography and because it is not as painful as in standard hysterosalpingography it is performed without anesthesia.
- The test is performed without radiation or using an iodine-based X-ray preparation.
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- Highly accurate
- Simple and easy procedure without significant side effects.
- The examination is performed by our specialists and includes a written and detailed report to the attending physician immediately following the examination.
When and why is the test performed?
This is a test designed for women who seek fertility treatment after being diagnosed with mechanical infertility due to a blockage in one or both tubes. Such blockage can be caused by an infectious process, pregnancy, miscarriage (abortion or natural abortion), endometriosis or infections in the abdominal and pelvic cavity after surgery or inflammatory processes. To date, uterine X-Ray imaging has been the most common test method in Israel.
These women can now turn to an ExEm foam scan to diagnose infertility, or the medical cause of cases of irregular bleeding and increased bleeding in menopausal women. This is due to the ability of the test to demonstrate accurately the uterine cavity.
What do the results say?
The people who decipher the test are the operating physicians and they will also give an oral answer to the patient and a written and detailed description to the attending physician, immediately after the test. In addition, each subject receives images of the test and a disc in which the dynamic passage of the fluid can be seen in both the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes.