Ultrasound of the abdomen
The ultrasound examination (USG) is a painless and quick visual diagnostic examination that helps in evaluating the structure of abdominal soft tissue. USG is a harmless examination, since it uses ultrasound — a high-frequency sound waves, which is why USG may be performed on pregnant women as well.
USG provides an informative presentation of the size, shape, condition and functions of an abdominal organ. The ultrasound examination is performed with the top class diagnostic USG device, which ensures the opportunities of precise and high-quality diagnostics.
USG sniedz informatīvu ainu par vēdera dobuma orgāna lielumu, formu, stāvokli un darbību. Ultrasonogrāfisko izmeklējumu veic ar augstākās klases USG diagnostikas iekārtu, kas nodrošina precīzas un augstvērtīgas diagnostikas iespējas.
Duration of the examination
Approximately 20 minutes
Preparation
Preliminary preparation is required. See more.
Sensations
Limitations
There are no limitations. The examination may be performed on pregnant women as well.
Advantages
Top class diagnostic USG device, which ensures the opportunities for precise and high-quality diagnostics.
Results
Procedure of the examination
Depending on the examined area, the specialist will provide instructions on how the patient should lie down and what clothes need to be removed. A special jelly is applied on the skin, which enables the transmission of ultrasound waves in the tissues. A detector — a tool that irradiates ultrasound and detects the ultrasound reflected from the tissues, is moved across the skin. The physician can ask the patient to inhale and hold the breath for a short moment, as well as to change their body position.
USG is used to examine:
- liver;
- gallbladder and bile ducts — gallstones can be diagnosed;
- kidneys — kidney stones can be diagnosed;
- pancreas;
- spleen;
- urinary bladder.
During the abdominal USG examination, the following can be diagnosed and detected:
- gallstones and kidney stones;
- acquired pathologies and congenital abnormalities;
- changes in organ shape and structure;
- acute and chronic inflammation;
- and/or control cysts, benign or malignant lesions;
- traumatic injuries of internal organs – tears, haemorrhages, etc.
Cases in which a physician shall refer a patient for abdominal USG examination
- If the patient has abdominal pain or back pain, fever of unclear origin or digestive disorders.
- If the patient has chronic diseases, the USG examination is performed at least once per year, on the basis of the recommendations of the attending physician.
- For preventive purposes — once per year.
Preparation for abdominal USG examination
- You are recommended to abstain from the use of fresh vegetables fruit and fruit juices for 2 – 3 days before the examination.
- The patient must arrive for examination on an empty stomach, thus you must not eat for 5 – 6 hours prior to the examination; only water may be drunk.
- The patient is allowed to use medicinal products that they must use on a daily basis with a glass of water.
- If the USG examination of urinary tract, urinary bladder or prostate is scheduled, the patient must arrive with a full urinary bladder. Therefore, drinking 1 l of water is recommended approximately one hour prior to the examination, trying not to empty the urinary bladder until examination.
