Examination of the internal organs in the abdomen using high-frequency sound waves. If a Doppler ultrasound is done, the doctor is able to see blood flow in major blood vessels.
An abdominal ultrasound can examine the following:
Abdomen
Liver
Spleen
Pancreas
Gallbladder
Kidneys
Ovaries and uterus (including pregnant uterus and fetus within)
Aorta and other abdominal arteries (via Doppler ultrasound)
Reasons for Procedure
Ultrasound produces real-time images of soft tissue and can capture movement of internal organs. Therefore, it is used to visualize and diagnose problems inside the abdominal cavity. A diagnostic ultrasound is most often performed for the following reasons:
To diagnose an injury or disease of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, or other organs inside the abdomen
Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure
Both obesity and dehydration can make it more difficult to identify organs during the test
Air in the intestines may block views of the internal organs
The presence of
barium
or other contrast materials in the intestine can block views of the internal organs (Therefore, abdominal ultrasound should be done before other diagnostic imaging tests that require contrast material.)
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Physical exam
Occasionally, other tests such as a blood tests
When making the appointment, ask about dietary instructions. You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test to decrease the amount of gas in the intestines. For some types of ultrasound, a full bladder helps visualization. In these cases, you will be asked to drink six or more glasses of water and not to urinate before the scan.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
During Procedure
You will be asked to lie still on a flat table in a darkened room. The darkness helps the technician see images on the screen.
Anesthesia
There is no anesthesia associated with this ultrasound
procedure.
Description of the Procedure
The technician applies a conductive gel to the abdomen and presses a transducer against the skin. This is a small, hand-held device that converts energy from one form to another. The gel helps transmit sound waves between the skin and the transducer because these waves cannot travel through air.
The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves toward the internal organs, which reflect the sound waves back to the skin. The transducer receives these sound waves and converts them into electrical impulses that become a visible image on the echocardiography machine.
The technician watches the images as they appear on the machine's screen. The technician can capture a still image or videotape moving images for review at a later time. To obtain clearer and more complete images, the technician may move the transducer to different places on the abdomen. You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath during the exam.
After Procedure
The gel necessary for the ultrasound will be cleaned off the abdomen.
How Long Will It Take?
The procedure generally takes about 30 minutes.
Will It Hurt?
No. An ultrasound is not invasive and not painful. The gel may feel cold when it is first applied, and holding the transducer tightly against the skin produces a sensation of pressure and in some cases discomfort. For instance, pressure on a full bladder feels uncomfortable.
Possible Complications
There are no complications typically associated with diagnostic ultrasound of the abdomen.
Average Hospital Stay
There is no hospital stay for this procedure.
Postoperative Care
Clean the gel off your skin
Resume normal activities unless directed otherwise by the doctor
Outcome
A radiologist analyzes and interprets the images created by the ultrasound and gives a report to your doctor. Your doctor will make recommendations for treatment based on this report.
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs
Your symptoms become worse
RESOURCES:
The Association for Medical Ultrasound http://www.aium.org
RadiologyInfo, American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America http://www.radiologyinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
Radiology for Patients http://www.radiologyinfo.ca
References:
American College of Radiology website. Available at:
http://www.acr.org/s_acr/index.asp.
Radiological Society of North America website. Available at:
http://www.rsna.org/.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
