[Ultrasonography in the primary diagnosis and follow up of ovarian tumors].

Preoperative sonographic data in 317 patients who underwent surgery at the University Women's Clinic Heidelberg for an ovarian tumour during a 6 years' observation period, were compared with the results of clinical examination. The prognostic value of both techniques was examined, by relating the findings (as to tumour size, demarcation from the uterus) to the postoperative histological or cytological diagnosis. In the 214 cases of benign and 103 of malignant ovarian tumours a correct diagnosis was provided by ultrasound in 88% and 74% respectively. Thus significantly more often than by clinical examination alone (p less than 0.001 for benign and p less than 0.01 for malignant tumours). The sonographic findings in 49 patients during follow-up after surgery for ovarian carcinoma and polychemotherapy were checked by a second look laparotomy. The detection rate of tumour progression, recurrence, residual tumour or remission was of 98%.