Evaluation of the Umbilical Visceral Sliding Test by Transvaginal Ultrasonography Probe in the Prediction of İnfraumbilical Adhesions in Women Who Undergo Laparoscopy with Gynecological İndications

This study aimed to compare preoperative findings obtained with an umbilical visceral sliding test using a transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUSG) probe with intraoperative findings and to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel approach in detecting sub-umbilical adhesions before laparoscopy. This prospective study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Sakarya University Research and Training Hospital. A total of 200 patients scheduled for laparoscopy for gynecological indications were included. Preoperatively, the presence or absence of the visceral sliding sign at the umbilicus was evaluated using a TVUSG probe. Intraoperative findings regarding the presence of periumbilical adhesions were recorded and compared with preoperative ultrasonographic results . The sensitivity of TVUSG for detecting umbilical adhesions was 26.67% (95% CI: 12.28–45.89), while the specificity was 92.62% (95% CI: 87.17–96.26). The positive predictive value of the umbilical visceral sliding test was 42.11% (95% CI: 24.22–62.33), and the negative predictive value was 86.25% (95% CI: 83.42–88.66%). The umbilical visceral sliding test, performed with a TVUSG probe, is a novel, non-invasive, easy-to-apply, safe, and reproducible method. This technique may be helpful for preoperative risk assessment to reduce trocar-related complications, particularly in patients with a history of abdominal surgery.