Abdominal ultrasound (gallbladder, liver, pancreas, spleen)

About the Examination

Ultrasound imaging is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic method used to examine internal tissues and organs with the help of ultrasound waves. The examination is quick, safe, and has no known side effects. It is performed using an ultrasound machine consisting of a transducer and a monitor. As the transducer is moved across the skin, ultrasound waves are reflected by the body and converted into electrical signals, which create an image on the screen. This allows the physician to examine internal organs without affecting the body.

When Is This Examination Recommended?

Ultrasound examinations may be prescribed to evaluate and detect abnormalities in the heart, thyroid gland, abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen), urinary system (kidneys, urinary bladder, post-void residual urine), prostate, breasts, lymph nodes, joints, as well as various types of pain, lumps, or other formations. For older adults, preventive ultrasound examinations are recommended once a year.

How Should I Prepare for an Internal Organ Ultrasound Examination?

Abdominal Ultrasound Examination

• Gallbladder examination – it is recommended not to eat or drink for approximately 6 hours before the examination. Still water and prescribed medications are allowed.
• • One day before the examination, it is recommended to avoid foods that may cause bloating (such as rye bread, apples, plums, peas, beer, etc.);
  • Your bladder should be full or moderately filled during the examination.

Urinary System and Reproductive Organ Ultrasound Examination

• Drink fluids before the examination and do not urinate. The bladder should be full or moderately filled during the examination.

Prostate Ultrasound Examination

• Drink fluids before the examination and do not urinate. The bladder should be full or moderately filled during the examination.

No special preparation is required for other ultrasound examinations.

What Happens During the Examination?

An ultrasound examination may be performed by placing the transducer on the skin over the area being examined or through natural body openings.

Examinations performed through the skin are usually carried out while the patient is lying on their back. Depending on the organ being examined, the physician may ask you to stand up, turn onto your side, or lie on your stomach.

A special water-based gel will be applied to your skin to eliminate the air gap between the skin and the transducer, ensuring more accurate imaging. The physician will press the transducer against the skin and move it over the area being examined to obtain detailed images on the screen. When the examination is performed through natural body openings:

• During a transesophageal ultrasound examination, the transducer is inserted into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart;
• During a transrectal ultrasound examination, the transducer is inserted into the rectum to examine the prostate gland;
• During a transvaginal ultrasound examination, the transducer is inserted into the vagina to examine the uterus and ovaries.

After the Examination

The physician will discuss the examination results with you and prescribe any necessary treatment.