In what cases should I see a doctor for a referral to an ultrasound? If you are concerned about pain in the abdomen, its upper part, increased gas formation, bitterness in the mouth, with the appearance of attacks of girdle pain or heaviness and pain in the right hypochondrium.
Abdominal ultrasound a very informative study when it comes to detecting tumors, accumulations of fluid, stones in the abdominal organs :
- in the liver to determine hepatitis, tumors, cirrhosis, cysts;
- stones, polyps, tumors, cholecystitis can be detected in the gallbladder;
- in the pancreas, diagnoses inflammatory processes and tumors;
- size and structure are very important in the spleen, since changes in them make it possible to detect serious diseases in the early stages.
During the inspection, the size of the organs, their location and structure, the presence of inflammatory processes, atypical formations are determined. This method diagnoses very accurately chronic diseases and changes in organs after injuries.
The principle of the study is that a special sensor directs the beam to the organ, while in dense areas the beam is reflected and returned, and it passes through transparent media unhindered. All these movements are recorded and processed by a computer, allowing you to get an image of an organ.
How does the abdominal ultrasound go
The examining doctor will ask you to strip to your waist and lie on your back on the couch. A small amount of gel will be applied to the stomach, which improves the transmission of the ultrasound beam. Then, using a sensor, an examination is carried out. You will have to hold your breath at the doctor’s request to get reliable results. At this time, there will be no discomfort, just a touch and sometimes the pressure of the sensor. Usually, the doctor comments on what he sees during the study.
Inspection begins with the liver, then the turn of the gallbladder and its ducts begins. Next, the pancreas is examined, and then the spleen. Her examination is lying on her right side, her hand should be thrown behind her head.
Ultrasound does not harm the body, so do not be afraid - it is not painful and not dangerous. The duration of the procedure can be from five minutes to half an hour.
When the study is over, you will need to wipe the remaining gel with napkins or a towel.
The protocol of the study can be completed in about an hour. If any pathology is detected, you will be advised to consult a specific specialist.
Getting ready for abdominal ultrasound
Since during the study it is necessary that a large amount of gas in the stomach and intestines, as well as digestion of food, do not interfere with the passage of ultrasound, you will be asked to prepare for abdominal ultrasound . Firstly, it is necessary to refrain from consuming certain foods that cause increased gas formation two days before the scheduled study. Diet before abdominal ultrasound should exclude sauerkraut, raw vegetables, black bread, fruits, juices, milk, legumes, cakes and pastries.
Secondly, if you have flatulence, then taking enterosorbents on the eve of the study, in the evening, will help improve the bowel condition. What kind of medicine, in what quantity - should be discussed with the doctor.
An abdominal ultrasound is performed when at least 8-12 hours have passed since the last meal, preferably in the morning without breakfast. Before the procedure, you should not drink water, smoke or chew gum. Another significant point is the adoption of various drugs within the framework of the therapy prescribed by the doctor, for example, hypertension. Be sure to solve this problem with your doctor.
This study is not performed after colonoscopy or gastroscopy.