Vaginal Gel

Indication for vaginal gel : 

• Post-hysterectomy patients undergoing MRI female pelvis

EQUIPMENT: 

1. Foley or any 24-gauge catheter

2. Ultrasound Gel

3. 50-cc syringe

4. Absorbent pad/chuck

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE: 

1. Introduce yourself to the patient, discuss the steps and address any concerns.

2. Prepare syringe by removing the plunger and adding 30-40cc of ultrasound gel. Replace plunger. 

3. Place clean chuck on a flat surface. 

4. Attach syringe to side port of foley catheter and lay the catheter on the chuck. Inject the ultrasound gel through the foley until it comes out of the tip of the catheter onto the chuck. 

5. Lube the tip of the foley catheter with ultrasound gel. 

6. With the patient lying supine on the MR table, have them bend their knees to the side with their feet flat on the table. 

7. Have the patient insert the catheter into the vagina themselves, or insert it yourself a few inches until the catheter tip is at the cuff. 

8. Slowly inject the gel into the vagina, pulling the catheter out as you meet resistance. If there is a lot of resistance (often due to pelvic floor spasms), try repositioning the catheter tip. 

9. Remove catheter.

10. Obtain localizer images and confirm intravaginal gel placement.