A person in his entire life has to take tests and examine his own body more than once. One of the most popular diagnostic methods is x-ray and ultrasound. This article will discuss ultrasound of the stomach. What this manipulation shows , as well as how it is carried out, you will learn further. Be sure to recall the preparation for the survey.
Ultrasound of the stomach
“What does this procedure show?” - This is exactly the question doctors often hear in their office. To begin with, it is worth saying that there are several ways to examine this organ. Ultrasound diagnostics is one of the most comfortable.
The procedure is carried out in a special room equipped with a diagnostic apparatus with an ultrasonic sensor. During inspection, the room should be twilight. This will help the doctor to accurately assess the condition of the body.
What does an ultrasound of the stomach show?
Patients who are referred for such an examination have a lot of questions. The most common of these is: “Does an ultrasound show a stomach ulcer, and can the examination reveal cancer?” Let's try to understand in detail what the doctor can diagnose with such an examination.
Gastritis. This disease is manifested as follows. During the examination, the doctor asks the patient to make several turning movements with the body. If the contents of the duodenum are thrown into the stomach, then there is a likelihood of gastritis. Moreover, the greater the amount of food returned, the greater the chances of developing pathology.
It should be noted that it is impossible only to make a diagnosis on this basis. Identified gastritis on an ultrasound of the stomach (which the monitor shows at the same time, you already know) should always be accompanied by additional symptoms. Most often they appear with improper nutrition.
Ulcer. Will an ultrasound of the stomach show an ulcer? Of course, yes. Especially if the size of the pathology is quite large. During the examination, ultrasonic waves emanate from the sensor. They are reflected from the walls of the organ and show the image on the screen. With a stomach ulcer, these waves in a certain place cease to be reflected. On the monitor, the doctor sees a so-called hole, which says that there is a likelihood of such an ailment.
It is worth noting that ultrasound of the stomach shows an ulcer only conditionally. The specialist may suggest the presence of the disease, but the final result will show only a more detailed examination.
Malignant or benign tumor. Will ultrasound show stomach cancer? Let's try to figure out what the doctor sees with this pathology.
In most cases, the examination is performed on an empty stomach. However, sometimes situations arise when a specialist asks for some food or drink a liquid. After that, an estimate is made of the time during which the contents leave the stomach. It is worth noting that such a diagnosis takes a greater amount of time, since it requires several approaches to the examination.
If food or liquid stays in the stomach for a long time, then it is likely that the patient is sick. Most often, the disease is a malignant or benign tumor. An accurate diagnosis can only be made after a biopsy.
Inflammation. During diagnosis, the specialist notes the position of the organ, the thickness of the walls, the inner surface of the mucous membrane and other details. With some deviations from the norm, inflammation of the inner layer of the stomach can be suspected. In this case, the patient should have concomitant signs of this pathology.
Study protocol
After an ultrasound of the stomach (which this examination shows, you already know), you will be given a conclusion. The protocol indicates the detected pathologies, but you will never see the words there: gastritis, cancer or an ulcer. An ultrasound doctor only indicates the detected pathologies and their sizes. Only a gastroenterologist can make a final diagnosis. Very often before this, some more examinations have to be done.
Preparation for the procedure
In order to obtain accurate data during the diagnosis, it is necessary to properly prepare for the examination. The doctor who gives you direction for this manipulation will tell you how to properly organize your diet and prepare your body for ultrasound. It is worth noting that the preparatory procedure consists of several stages. Let's consider in detail each separately.
A few days before the manipulation
About three days before the procedure, you should completely review your diet. Stop eating all foods that can cause fermentation and gas. These include sweets, bread, raw vegetables, fruits, herbs, legumes and cabbage. Also, do not drink alcohol and soda. If possible, you should limit the use of juice and caffeine.
The day before the procedure, you should cleanse the body as much as possible. To do this, you can take any laxative or sorbent. It is worth noting that the second option is suitable only for patients with regular stools.
On the eve of the survey
In the evening, before the procedure, you should arrange a fasting day and a light dinner. At the same time, many patients begin to drink kefir. This cannot be done. This product causes increased gas formation.
Prefer low-fat broth or pasta made from durum wheat. You can also eat your favorite porridge cooked in water.
Before the procedure
On the day of the examination it is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke. In some cases, the doctor may allow you to drink a glass of boiled water and eat a cracker. But without special purpose this should not be done. Most often, the procedure is scheduled for the morning hours. First, the doctor examines your organs in an empty state. Next you need to drink a glass of water and continue the diagnosis. Thus, the doctor will be able to accurately evaluate all the indicators.
Summarizing
Ultrasound of the stomach is a simple, comfortable and quick diagnosis of this organ. If any pathology is suspected, the doctor recommends an additional examination and the necessary tests.
If you have been prescribed an ultrasound examination, do not refuse it. To get started, learn more about the procedure called "gastric ultrasound": what shows (a photo of a healthy organ can be found in this article) and how it is performed. Get ready for the diagnosis and find out all about the health status of your stomach. I wish you good health!