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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Value of the electronic scalpel (cut mode) in the evaluation of the fetal face

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Objectives To evaluate the improvement of image quality and diagnostic value of fetal face examinations using the electric scalpel. Methods A total of 232 cases were examined. The fetuses were separated into two groups: Group A, including normal fetuses (n = 152) and Group B, fetuses with facial pathology (n = 80). The fetuses were divided into eight subgroups according to gestational age (9–12 weeks, 13–16 weeks, 17–20 weeks, 21–24 weeks, 25–28 weeks, 29–32 weeks, 33–36 weeks and 37–40 weeks). Results The number of cutting steps for the improvement of image quality ranged from 1 to 9 (mean value 3) in the group of normal fetuses and from 1 to 10 (mean value 3) in the group of fetuses with facial pathology. In the group of normal fetuses, superior image quality improvement was achieved in 68.4% of cases, moderate improvement in 28.9% and poor improvement in 2.6%. In the group of fetuses with facial pathology, high image quality improvement was obtained in 72.5% of cases, moderate improvement in 25.0% and insufficient improvement in 2.5%. There were no differences among the eight subgroups in the number of steps required relating to gestational age. Conclusions The use of the electronic scalpel was associated with diagnostic improvement in 71.1% of cases in the group of normal fetuses, and in 75.0% in the group of fetuses with facial pathology. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology