The well-known method for examining the internal organs and tissues of the abdomen is prescribed to adults and children. Preparing the patient for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, the algorithm of the procedure allows you to get information safely and painlessly. This procedure can be done even for newborns.
Who prescribes the study and why
The abdominal cavity is separated from the chest by a diaphragm. Everything above it is not included in the procedure. This manipulation involves preparing the patient for ultrasound of the abdominal organs, this information will be considered further.
The procedure includes examination of the following organs:
- the stomach;
- pancreas;
- liver
- spleen;
- gallbladder;
- intestines;
- abdominal aorta;
- kidneys
- adrenal glands;
- ureters;
- bladder;
- uterus;
- prostate.
The therapist, hepatologist, gastroenterologist sends for an ultrasound. You can sign up for the clinic yourself and undergo examination for a fee.
The purpose of the diagnostic method
An ultrasound is prescribed to correctly establish the diagnosis after patient complaints. To prevent disease, the method is used for preventive purposes. With the help of the study, the state of internal organs is monitored.
Among the indications of ultrasound:
- Identification of diseases of the abdominal organs.
- Observation of chronic processes.
- As an aid in conducting medical procedures.
The study will help to successfully conduct the operation. Due to safety and efficiency it is used an unlimited number of times.
In what cases is the procedure performed
Before starting preparation for the abdominal ultrasound procedure , the patient is diagnosed with symptoms of poor health. Ultrasound is prescribed both for diagnosis and for monitoring the process with a kidney and liver biopsy.
Ultrasound is needed in such cases:
- Abdominal pain.
- Bitter aftertaste.
- Heaviness on the right side under the rib.
- Complaints specific to gallbladder problems.
- Signs of stomach disease.
- Belching and heartburn.
- Jaundice.
- Inheritance associated with the risk of cholelithiasis.
- Long-term medication.
- Abdominal injuries.
- Alcoholism.
- Improper nutrition.
- Suspicion of oncology.
- Control of gastroenterological pathologies.
It is important that there are very few contraindications. The latter include the presence of purulent lesions (pyoderma) on the patient’s body, any open wounds (manipulation is delayed until they heal), or fistulas in the abdomen. In viral infectious diseases (for example, hepatitis C or HIV), ultrasound is also not performed.
How to prepare
Following the algorithm for preparing the patient for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, you should refuse food and drink for 8-10 hours before. For three days before going to the clinic, they adhere to a diet that excludes gas formation. In your daily diet should not be flour and sweet pastries, fresh bread. Exclude fresh vegetables with fiber.
In the memo to the patient, in preparation for abdominal ultrasound, it is said about products such as milk, sauerkraut, carbonated drinks. They are on the banned list, including alcohol. Chewing gum should not be used immediately on the day of the examination.
An ideal diet includes lean meat, lean fish. They are cooked in a double boiler. Boil porridge without milk, bake apples. Fractional nutrition, without overeating. Be sure to comply with the drinking regime. Throughout the preparation period, clean still water and unsweetened tea are allowed.
Recommendations to patients
The algorithm for preparing abdominal ultrasound for children, pregnant women and people with diabetes has its own characteristics and is gentle. Kids can eat on the day of the examination, but no later than three hours before the start. Otherwise, the examination will be defective.
It is better for a pregnant woman to prescribe a procedure in the morning to make it easier to bear hunger. It is allowed for two hours to drink water and eat biscuit cookies. In diabetes, tea with a little sugar and crackers are allowed before testing.
Preparation for the study of ultrasound of the abdominal cavity of an adult includes taking medications. It is allowed only after consultation with a doctor. Prescribe drugs to prevent flatulence, improve digestive function. Depending on the organ in question, enzymes and enterosorbents are selected. If a violation in the functioning of the digestive tract is expected, the intestines must be cleaned. In this case, you need a laxative, suppository, cleansing enema.
Internal organ checkup
The algorithm for preparing the patient for abdominal ultrasound differs depending on the organs being examined. A kidney check is done with a full bladder. The patient needs to drink water or weak tea. Careful preparation will allow you to get a true result. When filling the bladder, its shape, wall thickness and contours are considered. During the study, the intestines should be empty. A fasting test will allow you to get the most complete picture of what is happening in the patient's body.
Proper preparation for ultrasound of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity allows you to evaluate the size and contours of the organ, visualize benign and malignant neoplasms. Three days before the procedure, high-protein foods are discarded. The diet includes vegetarian soup, vegetables, fruits, berries. Exclude alcohol and smoking.
With the help of ultrasound, the liver is examined for the presence of pathological processes. Allow cleansing with sorbents, an enema, or laxatives. This is especially true for overweight people.
Examination of the uterus and appendages
The preparation for abdominal ultrasound in women is different. Nutrition is adjusted, the body is cleansed. A woman needs to adhere to a diet, not overeat. The examination is carried out on an empty stomach. Before the procedure, the bladder is filled. To do this, they drink one and a half liters of water and do not empty the organ until the examination is over.
Qualitative diagnosis with proper preparation allows you to identify diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system at an early stage. Distortion of indications occurs with vigorous movements of the patient, bloating. You need to eat right, monitor the amount of food.
Functional trial with contrast
Comprehensive ultrasound involves the study of several organs. Sometimes carried out to review certain structures. This is necessary when the diagnosis is already established. The doctor examines the functional state of the organ. Ultrasound with functional tests lasts longer than an hour.
Most often used to identify problems of the biliary tract with a load of food. This allows you to determine the degree of organ contraction, motor function. Another way is to conduct ultrasound with a water-siphon sample. Improves the visibility of the viewed organ, allows you to track the speed of fluid movement through the digestive organs.
Contrast agents can improve the visualization of structures. When conducting ultrasound, a small amount of liquid is used, in which small gas bubbles are dissolved. Used to identify:
- Benign and malignant tumors.
- Blood supply estimates.
- Definitions of inflammation.
- Studies of blood flow parameters.
The substance is administered intravenously to indicate a lumen for blood vessels. Bubbles effectively reflect ultrasonic waves. And the quality of the procedure is not inferior to CT or MRI.
The subtleties of conducting
Preparation of the patient for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity begins at home, the procedure itself is carried out in a clinic. The patient lies on his back on the couch. The doctor applies a special hypoallergenic gel to the skin to improve contact with the sensor of the device. In some areas, it is necessary to deepen the skin under the pressure of a specialist. You should relax so that there are no discomfort.
If you are checking organs that are closed by the costal arch, you need to take a deep breath and hold your breath. Bodies will shift downward, are better viewed. The procedure lasts about half an hour.
Survey results
Adhering to the algorithm for preparing the patient for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, you can get the results of the changes. This includes gallbladder deformity, inflammation, abnormal formation of connective tissue elements. Find out if there is suppuration in the cavity, the accumulation of fat on the surface of the gland.
When checking the kidneys, nephrosclerosis or urolithiasis is determined. Examination of the spleen will indicate a heart attack, the presence of helminths. The pancreas is checked for abscess and neoplasm. If fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, ascites is diagnosed. The specialist will identify changes in the circulatory and lymphatic structure. After the procedure, a conclusion is issued. After receiving the results, the decryption is carried out by the doctor who sent for an ultrasound, or the uzist specialist himself.
Choosing an Effective Method
Based on the evidence obtained, it is confirmed that the size, shape and structure of the liver and pancreas are not disturbed. There is no tissue growth and fluid. No signs of aneurysm, aorta in normal condition. Examination of the gallbladder shows that it has not changed, the ducts are not dilated, and there are no stones. There are none in the kidneys, which have retained the correct shape. In addition, it is possible to confirm with full confidence the cirrhosis of the liver, the accumulation of fluid, the presence of a tumor in the pelvis.
If there are pathologies, the doctor will inform the patient about this. An additional examination in the form of x-rays, computed or magnetic resonance imaging will be required. To confirm the presence of stones in the gallbladder, radiotopic scanning and cholangiopancreatography are performed. You can examine the condition of the intestine using colonoscopy. If a cyst is detected, a biopsy is performed to study the composition of its contents, the degree of malignancy.
The procedure is performed in a private or public diagnostic center. In each clinic there are ultrasound diagnostic devices. When choosing pay attention to the profile of the institution. Make a choice in favor of a clinic where there is a professional gastroenterologist. He will be able to assess the condition and prescribe treatment.
There are no restrictions on the amount of ultrasound. It is carried out so many times that will provide a clear picture of the development of the disease. The procedure does no harm, so it is performed by babies and pregnant women.
Ultrasound examination is a safe and effective diagnostic method. For prevention, it is recommended to conduct an examination at least once a year. With its help, pathologies of the digestive tract, intestines, liver and kidneys can be detected at an early stage.