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Abdominal Ultrasound


Why is this procedure done?


An abdominal ultrasound is done to help see the organs in your belly. An ultrasound uses sound waves to make images or pictures. Doctors order this test when you have certain signs, such as belly pain or swelling or abnormal lab tests. Doctors may order this test to help to take a biopsy or sample of cells or tissues. It may help the doctor decide what is wrong. Ultrasound shows the size of organs, how they are working, flow of blood, and if there is any injury or disease. This kind of ultrasound shows the: ‚  
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Pancreas
  • Gallbladder
  • Ovaries and uterus
  • Spleen
  • Blood vessels in the belly like the aorta

What will the results be?


Your doctor will look at the ultrasound. The results will help your doctor understand if there is a problem with the organs in your belly. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


Your doctor may give you special instructions to get ready for this test. It depends on what kind of ultrasound you are having. Sometimes, you cant eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Other times you may be told to eat a fat-free meal the evening before your test. For some tests you need to drink a few glasses of water and not go to the bathroom until after the test. Ask your doctor what to do before the ultrasound. ‚  

What happens during the procedure?


  • You may be asked to remove your clothing and jewelry. You will be asked to lie down on a bed. The technician will place a small amount of gel on your belly. It will help send sound waves inside your body.
  • The technician will use a probe and will move it around your belly. The probe puts out sound waves. The sound waves bounce off of your organs. A computer picks up the sound waves. It changes them into pictures.
  • You can see the pictures on a monitor beside the bed. The probe may move over your skin and change positions. This will help get clearer and more complete images. The technician may take still pictures or a videotape of moving images. Sometimes, the technician may press the probe more firmly to get a clearer view of an area. You may feel some discomfort if that part of your body is tender. The technician may ask you to change positions or hold your breath for a few seconds.
  • The procedure takes about 30 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?


The technician will wipe off the gel. Your doctor will look at the printed images or videotape. You can go home right after your procedure. Talk to your doctor about when the results will be available. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


You may go back to your normal activities when you go home. Ask your doctor what to do after the ultrasound. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • The results will help your doctor understand any problems with your belly. You may need other tests or procedures.

What problems could happen?


Ultrasound tests do not cause any problems to your health. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


American College of Radiology ‚  
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominus&bhcp=1 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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