Ultrasound of the pancreas is one of the stages of an echographic study of the internal organs of the abdomen. The organ has a deep location in the abdominal cavity, so when scanning with ultrasound, it is not possible to see it completely in all patients. In obese or flatulent people, the doctor can examine the gland fragmentarily (as a rule, only its head and body are visible).
Ultrasound of the pancreas is a diagnostic study performed using ultrasound scanning. Such a study allows you to visualize the investigated organ in different projections. The pancreas is an organ located in the retroperitoneal space. It is hidden behind the rest of the internal organs. One of the most effective and simple non-invasive methods that allow you to see the clinical picture and assess the condition of the organ is ultrasound scanning.
What are the sizes of the pancreas according to the norms on ultrasound, we will describe below.
Ultrasound Benefits
Ultrasound technique is currently successfully used as the only and reliable method for non-invasive examinations of the pancreas. Thanks to modern technical capabilities, and at the same time vast experience and medical professionalism of the diagnostic departments of clinics, it is possible to obtain the high-precision result necessary for the timely manifestation of pathological changes and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment carried out in relation to a patient.
Why do pancreatic ultrasounds?
Ultrasound of the pancreas, as a rule, is included in complex sonographic studies, since the functioning of the organ is closely related to the activity of other systems of the abdominal region. Along with this scan, ultrasound monitoring of organs such as the liver, spleen, gall bladder, and sometimes the stomach is also adjacent. True, in emergency cases, ultrasound scanning of the pancreas can be performed separately.
A sonogram (the result of an ultrasound scan in the form of a digital image) can display the shape along with the size of the pancreas. Such visualization makes it possible to assess the state of soft tissue (parenchyma), reveals a structural change and detects a pathological neoplasm. The method of ultrasound is simply indispensable when it is necessary to determine the localization area of the tumor without surgery. Thanks to the ultrasound examination of the pancreas, it is possible to identify pathologies in the form of:
- pancreatitis and proliferation of scar tissue;
- cysts and pseudocyst;
- deposits of calcium salts in soft tissue;
- lipomatosis (fat deposition in organ tissue).
Pancreas: indications for ultrasound
Ultrasound of the pancreas is required, according to doctors, in the following cases:
- When the mucous membranes, and at the same time, the integuments acquire a yellowish uncharacteristic color.
- An abdominal injury occurs.
- There is a sharp, and in addition, causeless decrease in body weight.
- There is a periodic breakdown of the stool along with bloating and indigestion of foods is detected.
- When a patient is diagnosed with diabetes.
- There are persistent abdominal pain along with the presence of discomfort.
- Laboratory studies indicate a possible pathological change in the pancreas.
- Pathological changes in the work of the stomach, which are detected by gastroscopy, are revealed.
- X-ray studies show intestinal and stomach pathologies.
- There is a suspicion of the presence of tumor formations.
Contraindications and limitations
Ultrasound of the pancreas does not have any contraindications or restrictions for patients. This technique is absolutely safe and does not carry radiation exposure for the human body.
How to prepare for the study?
An ultrasound of the pancreas requires preparation. Preliminary preparatory measures are aimed primarily at increasing the accuracy and information content of the analysis. Preparation for an ultrasound scan should begin two to three days before the study itself. At the same time, doctors recommend making adjustments to their diet, switching to a sparing diet. Forced measures will not affect the patient’s well-being, but rather, on the contrary, they will certainly improve it, as they normalize the digestive system. Preparation for an ultrasound examination of this organ includes the following medical recommendations:
- It is required to completely exclude from your diet foods that provoke excessive gas formation (we are talking about whole milk, food, rich in fiber, yeast bread, and so on).
- One day before the examination, you should cleanse the intestines, in addition, drink a laxative. In the evening, they recommend a light dinner (the last meal should be carried out no later than eighteen hours before the planned ultrasound examination).
- Immediately on the day of the analysis, eating along with some medicines is not recommended, in addition, the use of alcohol and smoking is prohibited.
At the preliminary consultation, the diagnostician will provide additional recommendations, based on the state of health. If necessary, the patient will be prescribed absorbents that relieve flatulence and cleanse the body of all sorts of toxins and toxins.
Ultrasound
The procedure of this study takes no more than fifteen minutes and does not cause absolutely any concern to the patient. Immediately before scanning, the patient needs to lie on the couch. In some situations, the study is carried out in a supine position or standing.
The doctor applies a special acoustic gel to the study area, which enhances the ultrasonic permeability. After that, the study itself begins. The diagnosis moves the ultrasound scanner across the stomach, due to which it can see an informative image on the monitor, which is transmitted using special sensors. An ultrasound scanner simultaneously serves as an emitter of a special wave and a transformer of the reflected signal from various structures of the abdominal region, converting the received information into a digital image, which is transmitted to the monitor.
Decipher ultrasound of the pancreas
The sonogram is the graphic result of an ultrasound scan of the pancreas. This is such a digital image in the form of a slice of the abdominal region, where all the outlines are visible along with the size and structure of the pancreas. On the basis of the sonogram obtained, the doctor draws up a conclusion. In modern clinics, patients receive the results in the form of a snapshot and a transcript of the conclusion is provided, which reflects the morphological, topographic and functional characteristics of this organ. A qualified diagnostic doctor describes the following when decrypting:
- The position of the pancreas in relation to the spine and blood vessels.
- The shape along with the contours and dimensions of the pancreas. The norm for ultrasound can only be determined by a qualified specialist.
- The structure of pancreatic ducts.
- Echostructure of tissues.
- Feature of the structure of the head of the pancreas.
Norm Parameters
The parameters of the pancreatic norm for ultrasound are the following indicators:
- The contours of the body should not be uneven.
- The shape of the gland should be displayed clearly.
- The length of the organ should be from 14 to 22 centimeters. Width in the head area is up to 3 centimeters. Thickness - no more than 3 centimeters.
- The length of the head should be between 2.5 and 3.5 centimeters.
The size of the pancreas on ultrasound may be different from the norm along with the presence of a neoplasm. Then the specialist will prescribe additional laboratory tests to the patient.