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Ultrasound, also known as ultrasound, is one of the diagnostic tools most important and most frequently used. Find out below a little more about abdominal ultrasound and in which cases we should perform it.
At the abdominal level, there are many structures and organs, which the doctor may recommend studying in case they cause us discomfort or pain. El Abdominal ultrasoundL is a Imaging studio frequently used to diagnose, rule out and even prevent diseases in organs such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas, among others.
It's important for us to know that this is a procedure. painless, without side effects and that does not use any type of radiation, so it is 100% sure, so you should not be afraid of the procedure.
Why is an abdominal ultrasound indicated and when should I do it?
El Abdominal ultrasoundl should be performed when your doctor tells you to. Usually your doctor will order it for diagnose or rule out a disease.
Some of the symptoms The most common causes for which a doctor may order this study are abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, suspected abdominal tumor, suspected lithiasis (stones or stones) in the gallbladder or kidneys, and kidney problems associated with diabetes, among others.
Other bodies for which this study could be requested would be:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Stomach
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
- Intestines
- Abdominal blood vessels
These studies can also be performed if the patient is about to undergo a surgery.
What diseases does an abdominal ultrasound detect?
El abdominal ultrasound It can help Detect many diseases, for example:
- Liver inflammation or disease.
- Blockages in the gallbladder
- Stones, cysts, or tumors.
- Inflammation of the pancreas or its duct
- Granulomatous infections in the spleen.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- It is also used to perform image-guided biopsies.
Finally, the doctor is the one who will know what disease to diagnose or detect based on the information you have provided about your symptoms, you medical history And a clinical examination previous.
What does an abdominal ultrasound consist of and how is it done?
El abdominal ultrasound is performed using medical equipment consisting of a computer, a monitor and a transducer. El transducer It is connected to a probe, which through the gel will transmit inaudible high frequency sound waves to the body. Dicha Probe will pick up the sounds that bounce (like an echo). La Computer collects these waves to create an image of each of the abdominal organs that you want to study, which is projected onto the Monitor, capturing static images or videos in real time.
To begin the test, you will be asked to lie down Face up on the stretcher or exam table and discover your abdomen. Then you will be given a transducer gel to be able to transmit the images. Depending on the organ being studied, you will be asked to move on the stretcher to the right or left.
You're only going to feel one Slight pressure in the abdomen that the doctor will use through the transducer to get a good look at the organs. The biggest discomfort may be the cold temperature of the gel, but it usually turns out a study totally painless.
The study lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. When finished, the gel will be removed with a paper towel. The gel has no color or odor and does not stain.
Abdominal ultrasound before and after care
To make yourself a abdominal ultrasound it is recommended to attend with comfortable and loose clothing to facilitate the study. You may be asked to use a disposable gown during the procedure, so you'll need to remove the garments from your torso.
Normally it indicates a Fasting For at least 8 hours to assess the organs properly, you can drink water and if you consume any type of medication, these should not be stopped. If the person has a kidney disease with a restriction of water intake, you should not drink more than is allowed.
Remember to follow the instructions from your doctor to prepare you properly, and confirm with the laboratory or clinic where the study will be performed what the previous care is.
Depending on the type of ultrasound or the organ of interest of the doctor, there may be different Prior care:
- Abdominal ultrasound with emphasis on liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. The patient may be asked to eat fat-free foods and avoid food intake (fasting) for at least 8 hours.
- Abdominal ultrasound with renal emphasis. The patient may be asked to drink approximately 8 glasses of water one hour before the study is performed to fill the bladder. You may also be asked to fast for at least 8 hours.
- Abdominal ultrasound with emphasis on the abdominal aorta. Fasting for approximately 8 hours may also be recommended.
At the end of the study, they are not needed aftercare. You can eat or drink water again immediately.
How many times a year can an abdominal ultrasound be performed?
El Ultrasound O abdominal ultrasound, since it has no contraindications and is very safe (since it is radiation-free), it can be done as many times as necessary without being in danger. In addition, anyone can do it for themselves.
However, do not forget to follow the instructions of the specialists, as only they will be able to interpret the studies properly and follow a course of treatment and diagnosis.
What additional studies can be done?
Among the complementary studies They can be indicated blood tests And biopsies to confirm the results by ultrasound. For example, in the case of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), blood tests may be performed to show the presence of viral antibodies. A biopsy may also be done to check for liver damage.
All these indications will only be decided by your doctor.
How will I receive the results of my study?
The images are examined and interpreted by a radiologist or a doctor who is trained to monitor and interpret these studies. They will provide a signed report addressed to the doctor who ordered the examination.
Results are usually received within a period of between One and three days. Remember that regardless of what is indicated in the report, it is your doctor who will tell you what it means in your specific case, or if you need additional studies.
Once the doctor who requested the study receives the results you share with him, you can ask him to explain to you what was found in the test and what are the steps to follow for a treatment.
References
- Abdominal Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic.
- Full abdominal ultrasound. DX Radiology.
- Ultrasound in general surgery. Colombian Journal of Surgery.
