ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND

Abdominal ultrasound is an extremely useful tool in diagnosing numerous conditions. Its main advantages are that it is non-invasive and does not require the use of contrast agents. We will further discuss how abdominal ultrasound is performed, when it is necessary, what the preparation consists of, how many types of abdominal ultrasound exist, what are the associated risks, and we will answer the most frequent questions patients have regarding this procedure.

What is abdominal ultrasound?

Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that helps identify various medical conditions. By producing high-frequency sound waves, images of the internal structures of the body are created. To perform this procedure, a small probe called a transducer and a gel applied directly to the skin are used. The high-frequency sound waves travel from the probe into the body through the gel, and the probe collects the transmitted sounds. The ultrasound captures real-time images, and with the help of a computer, the structure and movement of the internal organs of the body can be seen. The images can also show blood flowing through blood vessels.

Why is abdominal ultrasound necessary?

Abdominal ultrasound can be used to evaluate the size and condition of abdominal organs and structures. It can also be used to check for conditions such as:

• Cysts
• Tumors
• Collection of pus (abscesses) or fluid
• Obstructions
• Blockages (clots) in blood vessels
• Infections
• Gallstones or kidney stones
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abdominal ultrasound may also be necessary to assist in the placement of needles used for biopsy of abdominal tissue, to drain fluid from a cyst or abscess, or to evaluate the blood flow of various structures in the abdomen.

How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound

There are several recommendations you should follow when preparing for an abdominal ultrasound:

• If the abdominal ultrasound will analyze the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas, it is recommended to avoid eating and drinking for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
• For kidney ultrasound, your doctor may recommend drinking 4 to 6 glasses of liquid about an hour before the test, to fill the bladder, and to avoid eating for 8-12 hours before the test, to prevent gas accumulation in the intestines.
• For abdominal aorta ultrasound, it is recommended to avoid consuming liquids and food for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
• If you are on medication, you can take your medicine with a small amount of water.
• Wear comfortable and loose clothing. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined or change into a gown for this procedure.

Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may also request other types of preparations before performing the abdominal ultrasound.

How is abdominal ultrasound performed?

Although each clinic may have different protocols, generally, an abdominal ultrasound involves these steps:

• Once you arrive at the clinic, you will be directed by the reception staff to the room where the ultrasound will be performed.
• The doctor will ask you to lift your clothes and remove jewelry that may interfere with the ultrasound.
• If you are asked to remove your clothes, you will be given a gown to wear during the ultrasound.
• You will lie down on an examination table on your back or side, depending on the area of the abdomen to be examined.
• Ultrasound gel is spread over the area of the body that will be examined.
• Using a transducer, ultrasound waves will be transmitted through the body.
• The sound will be reflected by the structures inside the body, and the ultrasound machine will analyze the information transmitted by the sound waves.
• The ultrasound machine will create images of these structures on a monitor, and the images will be stored in digital format.
• After the procedure is completed, the gel will be wiped off your skin. If there are traces of gel left, do not worry! It does not stain and does not discolor clothes.

The procedure does not cause pain, and the doctor will take all measures to minimize any discomfort.

What follows after the ultrasound

The images obtained will be analyzed by the radiologist, who will send a signed report to the doctor who requested the examination, and then the latter will communicate the results to you. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss the results with you after the examination. Depending on your condition, it may be necessary to repeat the abdominal ultrasound to check if the treatment is working or if a particular problem requires additional attention.

Types of abdominal ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is classified into 3 types, depending on the area analyzed:

• Upper abdomen ultrasound, which analyzes the liver, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Lower abdomen ultrasound, which examines the kidneys, prostate, bladder, uterus, and ovaries.
• Total abdomen ultrasound, which examines all the organs of the abdomen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next, we will answer some of the most frequent questions patients have about undergoing an abdominal ultrasound.

Do I need to make an appointment for an ultrasound?

Yes, it is necessary to schedule an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound. On this occasion, the doctor will also tell you how to prepare before the ultrasound.

Does abdominal ultrasound hurt?

The procedure is not painful, but you may feel a slight discomfort when the cold gel touches your skin .

How long does an abdominal ultrasound take?

On average, an abdominal ultrasound usually takes about 30-45 minutes.

What organs are examined during an abdominal ultrasound?

The upper abdomen ultrasound examines the liver, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder, the lower abdomen ultrasound examines the kidneys, prostate, bladder, uterus, and ovaries, and the total abdomen ultrasound examines all the organs of the abdomen.

Can all abdominal conditions be identified through ultrasound?

Abdominal ultrasound can identify numerous conditions, such as:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (enlargement of the abdominal aorta)
• Kidney stones
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder stones
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Pancreatitis
• Enlarged spleen
• Abdominal cysts or tumors
• Fatty liver disease
• Certain types of cancer (such as pancreatic cancer)

Risks and Considerations

Abdominal ultrasound does not use radiation and contrast agents and can be safely performed for allergic patients and pregnant women. However, certain medical conditions can interfere with the test results, such as:

• Severe obesity
• The presence of barium in the intestines from a recent radiography that used this substance
• Accumulation of intestinal gases

It is important to convey to your doctor any information that could influence the results of the abdominal ultrasound before the test.

These are the most important pieces of information to keep in mind if you are going to have an abdominal ultrasound. Keep in mind the necessary preparations before the procedure, such as fasting for 8-12 hours before the ultrasound or drinking 4-6 glasses of liquid an hour before the imaging test, depending on the type of abdominal ultrasound. The doctor may perform an upper abdomen ultrasound, which examines the liver, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder, a lower abdomen ultrasound, to check the condition of the kidneys, prostate, bladder, uterus, or ovaries, or a total abdomen ultrasound, to examine all the organs of the abdomen.

Do you need an abdominal ultrasound? Contact a specialist doctor to receive all the information about the procedure and to schedule an appointment!

References

• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• University of Rochester Medical Center
• Mount Sinai
• Cleveland Clinic
• Radiology Info