What is a abdominal ultrasonography?

Upper abdominal ultrasonography is a non-invasive procedure used to evaluate the intraabdominal organs. The liver, gallbladder and gallbladder ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and abdominal aorta are examined. In total abdominal ultrasonography, in addition to the specified organs before, the bladder and male/female pelvic organs and structures are added to the examination.

Ultrasonography technology allows rapid imaging of the internal organs of the abdomen from outside the body.

Ultrasound gel is used to ensure that the transducer moves smoothly on the skin and ensures good transmission of the sound wave by eliminating the air between it and the skin.

It does not cause discomfort as radiation is not used and applied over the skin. Because no radiation or contrast agent is used, it can be safely used in pregnancy or in the presence of a contrast agent allergy.

Why would I need an abdominal ultrasonography?

Upper abdominal ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the location and size of intra-abdominal organs and to diagnose the following diseases:

• Increase in size in organs (liver, spleen or kidneys)
• Cysts of the liver, spleen, pancreas or kidneys, good and malignant tumors
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Billways obstructions
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Kidney blockage and stones
• Fluid in abdominal cavity
• Vessel blockages (clot)
• Collection of pus in the abdominal cavity (abscess)
• Aortic aneurysm

In addition to the whole abdomen ultrasonography;

• Bladder tumors and stones
• Appendicitis (inflammation of appendix)
• Hernias
• Ovarian cyst and tumors in women, fibroids and uterine cancer
• In men, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer can be detected.

Ultrasonography can also be used as an aid in the positioning of needles used to perform organ biopsies or to drain fluid from a cyst or abscess.

Ultrasonography can also be used to evaluate the blood flows of various organs within the abdomen. There may be other reasons why your doctor may recommend abdominal ultrasonography.

Certain factors or conditions may adversely affect the results of the test. These are:

• Advanced obesity
• Barium left in the intestines after a recent barium inspection
• Intense bowel gas

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

For an appointment before noon, the patient should have a fat-free dinner the previous day. No food should be consumed from midnight until the examination. For afternoon appointments, food should not be consumed after a breakfast with plenty of liquids to be done before 9am. If you have medicines that you use continuously, you can take them with water on the usual time.

Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may request other special preparations.