Abdominal ultrasound – an ultrasound examination

Why is it important to perform an abdominal ultrasound?

Abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate: 

• liver,
• gallbladder,
• bile ducts,
• pancreas,
• spleen,
• kidneys,
• adrenal glands,
• urinary bladder,
• aorta,
• large vessels and the retroperitoneal space.

The examination makes it possible to assess the size, location and structure of abdominal organs and detect abnormalities.

Indications for the examination are:

• enlarged abdominal circumference (if not related to excessive food intake),
• intractable, recurrent abdominal pain,
• colicky pain,
• weight loss (if not related to weight loss),
• prolonged constipation, diarrhea, bloating, vomiting,
• suspected gallstones or kidney stones,
• yellow skin,
• retention of stool or urine,
• bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract,
• changes palpable on palpation,
• injuries.

Abdominal ultrasound is also performed to monitor the treatment of tumors of abdominal organs and to detect metastases.

Every healthy adult should perform this examination prophylactically every 3-5 years, and after the age of 50 - every year. This allows early detection of abnormalities and implementation of treatment.

What is the examination based on?

Ultrasound examination uses the phenomenon of reflection of ultrasound waves from the structure of organs - it is a non-invasive technique, and the examination itself is painless and safe.

During the examination, the doctor applies a special gel to the abdomen of the patient or patient, which allows to obtain a good quality image. The application of the gel may cause slight discomfort due to the coolness and sticky feeling, but this passes as soon as the examination is completed and the skin is wiped.

• Abdominal ultrasound takes about 15-20 minutes.
• The test is performed in people over the age of 18.
• No referral is required. It is necessary to take the results of other examinations of the area/body, if performed.
• In case of improper preparation, abdominal ultrasound may not be performed or the result obtained will not be authoritative.
• The result is given to the patient in the form of a medical description along with a photo. All documentation is printed at the visit. The result description is also available online.

Recommendations before abdominal ultrasound

• 2-3 days before the examination: an easily digestible diet, excluding vegetables, fruits, dark bread. Do not drink carbonated or sweetened drinks (non-carbonated water can be taken).
• The day before the test: Espumisan 3 times 2 capsules each - the preparation is designed to remove air from the digestive tract.
• 6 hours before the examination: do not take food, smoke or chew gum. It is best to report for the examination with a filled bladder.