An abdominal ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure which is performed to evaluate the organs of the abdominal region. Abdominal ultrasound like the traditional ultrasound procedure uses a small probe (transducer) which is used to send high frequency sound waves after the application of a gel on to the skin. The principle of the ultrasound abdomen imaging is based on the transmission and collection of sound waves by the transducer which are later converted into images.
When an abdominal ultrasound is advised ?
As ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure which is used to evaluate the organs located in the abdominal region (upper and lower abdomen) such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and the abdominal aorta.
An abdominal ultrasound is also advised to diagnose certain abdominal conditions like the cause of abdominal pain and distention, increased size of the organ, affected blood supply to abdominal organs, blockages in the blood flow, kidney stones and abnormality in liver function.
An abdominal ultrasound is usually the choice of test when tests which use ionizing radiation such as X-rays and CT scan are not advised.
When is an abdominal ultrasound not advised ?
An abdominal ultrasound is not advised if you have gastric acidity, bloating or gaseous obstruction in the abdominal region or if you have had a barium swallow in the past few days as these conditions might affect the outcome of the test. The test is also not advised in cases of obesity as in case of excess fat tissue the imaging of the organs is difficult.
How do you prepare for an abdominal ultrasound ?
There’s not much preparation required for an abdominal ultrasound as it is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is performed by a radiologist who is trained to perform and report such diagnostic procedures. The radiologist might ask you to abstain from any heavy meal 8-12 or a night before the procedure as it may interfere with the results of the procedure. The radiologist might also ask you to drink 4-5 glasses of water an hour before the procedure to get clearer images (especially when imaging the kidneys).
What happens during an abdominal ultrasound procedure ?
The radiologist will ask you to wear hospital clothing and remove all jewelry before the start of the procedure. You will be made to lie on your back with your gown pulled up to expose the abdominal area. The doctor will apply a gel on your abdomen as it smoothens the transmission of sound waves from the transducer and to the transducer. The sound waves which return to the transducer are then transferred to a monitor where they are converted into images which can be stored for evaluation. The entire procedure takes about thirty minutes.
Who interprets the abdominal ultrasound images ?
The images obtained after an abdominal ultrasound imaging are evaluated by the radiologist or your specialist and a report describing the organs seen and their normal and abnormal features are mentioned on the report.
Are there any risks associated with abdominal ultrasound ?
No, it is a non-invasive procedure which carries no risk which could harm the patient.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
