Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Abdominal organ ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method based on the use of ultrasound waves, which allows assessment of the structure and size of organs located in the abdominal cavity. The examination provides information about the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and other structures accessible to ultrasound examination.

Ultrasound can detect changes in the size and structure of organs, focal lesions, stones, cysts, signs of inflammation, as well as the presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. The results are interpreted by the physician taking into account the clinical picture and other available findings.

Indications

• abdominal pain or discomfort;
• a feeling of heaviness or persistent abdominal bloating;
• recurrent nausea or vomiting;
• laboratory abnormalities that may indicate impaired function of abdominal organs;
• suspected diseases of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen or kidneys;
• monitoring of previously diagnosed conditions;
• assessment after abdominal trauma;
• preventive examination as recommended by a physician.

Procedure

The patient is usually positioned lying on their back. The physician applies a special gel to the abdominal skin and gently moves the ultrasound transducer over the surface, examining the abdominal organs and structures in different planes.

The examination is painless and usually takes approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the purpose of the examination and the patient's individual characteristics.

Limitations

Ultrasound has certain limitations in visualization. The quality of the examination may be affected by intestinal gas, excess body weight, anatomical characteristics and the patient's ability to follow the physician's instructions during the examination.

Some abnormalities cannot be fully characterized by ultrasound alone. Depending on the findings and the clinical suspicion, the physician may recommend additional investigations, such as CT, MRI or laboratory tests.

Contraindications

Abdominal organ ultrasound has no absolute contraindications. The examination can be performed in children, adults and older people and, when medically indicated, during pregnancy.

In cases of extensive skin lesions, infections or significant pain in the examination area, the physician may decide to postpone or adapt the procedure.

Advantages

• non-invasive and painless method;
• does not use ionizing radiation;
• allows several organs to be assessed during a single examination;
• can be repeated when dynamic monitoring is required;
• provides real-time imaging;
• suitable for a wide range of patients.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4994-abdominal-ultrasound
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/abdominal-ultrasound/about/pac-20392738
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/abdominal-ultrasound
https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-ultrasound
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/abdominus

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any discomfort or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to consult a medical professional for appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to conduct them at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.