| Approach | Probe type | Benefits | Limitations |
| pPFUS | - 2D: End-fire curved-array probe
- 3D or 4D: End-fire curved-array probe
| - Widespread availability to radiologists, obstetricians, and gynecologists
| - May not be able to see the higher structures in the vagina
- May be painful in patient with vulvar lesions or pathology (eg, vulvar pain of unknown cause)
|
| iPFUS | - 2D: End-fire endovaginal sector probe
- 3D or 4D: End-fire endovaginal sector probe
| - Widespread availability to gynecologists and radiologists since used for gynecologic imaging of uterus and ovaries
- Ability to perform concurrent imaging of gynecologic structures
| - May not be able to see the higher structures beyond the vagina
- May not be tolerated by patients with introital pathology
|
| EVUS | - 2D: Side-fire linear probe
- 3D: Side-fire linear probe
| - Available at colorectal and pelvic floor centers
- Great tissue penetration and visualization of cephalad structures since the probe is placed vaginally
- High-resolution details
| - While EVUS is generally well tolerated because the probe diameter is less than 2 cm, EVUS requires vaginal insertion of the probe, which may not be acceptable to some patients
|
| EAUS | - 2D: Side-fire linear probe
- 3D: Side-fire linear probe
| - Available at urological, colorectal, and pelvic floor centers since used for prostate, perianal fistula, anal sphincter, and colorectal cancer imaging
- Great tissue penetration and visualization of cephalad structures since the probe is placed anally
- High-resolution details
| - Endoanal application can be uncomfortable
|
