Preparation for abdominal ultrasound

Preparation for an abdominal ultrasound is necessary for everyone without exception who is prescribed this safe and very necessary diagnostic procedure. The fact is that the principle of ultrasound examination involves unimpeded access of the signal to dense tissue. A special sensor sends an ultrasound beam to the desired organ or area using special elements located on its head, the signal reaches the target and is reflected according to the principle of wave reflection: reflection occurs at the junction, the boundary of substances of different densities. Then the signal returns to the scanner, and then to the device that records the result in the form of an image (contour). The depth of penetration depends on the specifics of the sensor, on the structure of the object being examined, as well as on how dense the tissues, organs, etc. are.

The ultrasound signal is not capable of giving an accurate result if the examined cavity is filled with air, gases, the beam will not reach the required, specified depth. That is why preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity involves compliance with simple but mandatory conditions. If the examined patient does not follow the recommendations for preparation, the quality of sonography (ultrasound) will suffer, and the results of such diagnostics will be distorted. Ultrasound examination is sometimes distorted if:

• The colon is full and bloated (gas);
• The person is overweight, which slows down the speed and reduces the depth of penetration of the beam;
• The intestines, possibly the stomach, contain a contrast agent (eg, barium);
• Excessive motor activity of the patient during the examination;
• An open, extensive wound in the examination area.

Preparation for an abdominal ultrasound is part of the overall examination process aimed at studying the contours of all areas and organs related to the upper peritoneum using images. This ultrasound examination is intended for:

• Studies of the aorta, the largest artery in the peritoneum. This vessel is responsible for supplying blood to the entire lower part of the human body, including the legs;
• Research and assessment of the liver condition – a fairly large, important organ that produces bile (splitting lipids, fats), performs a protective antitoxic function, accumulates glucose and participates in metabolic processes. The liver is located on the right side of the body – the hypochondrium;
• Gallbladder examination, it is located in the lower part of the liver (superficial zone). The gallbladder is responsible for the accumulation and secretion of bile, which is needed to absorb vitamins (fat-soluble), break down nutrients;
• Examination of the condition of the spleen, located on the left, under the ribs. This is a lymphoid organ that protects the body from various infections, filters used blood cells;
• Examination of the pancreas, which is located in the upper peritoneum. The gland is responsible for producing enzymes that help digest nutrients, as well as for secreting insulin;
• Examination of the kidneys, which are located to the right and left of the spine in the upper retroperitoneal zone. The kidneys are an important organ (paired) responsible for the production of urine and the removal of waste.

Preparation for an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity and the examination allow you to diagnose, specify and track in dynamics:

Diseases, pathologies of the spleen, such as an increase in size, a change in density, damage;

• To clarify the etiology of unclear pain symptoms, spasms in the peritoneum;
• Assess the condition of the aorta, confirm the presence of an aneurysm, localization of the pathology - infrarenal zone, fusiform expansion, tumor protrusion;
• Liver condition (shape, location, size). Hepatitis, secondary changes of cardiac etiology, hemangiomas, calcifications, cysts, and hepatosis;
• The presence of stones, polyps in the gallbladder, inflammation, possible blockage or pathological narrowing of the bile ducts;
• Kidney size, cause of urine outflow disorders, presence of stones, condition after transplantation. Ultrasound also helps to exclude or confirm "renal" hypertension;
• Determine the pathology of the pancreas - pancreatitis, oncological process;
• Evaluation of organs and vessels of the peritoneum after domestic injuries, accidents, etc. (computer tomography is also used);
• Monitoring of biopsy;
• Confirm ascites (accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity) and remove the fluid (paracentesis);
• Prepare the patient for abdominal surgery.

Preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity requires compliance with the following recommendations and rules:

• Do not schedule the procedure following an endoscopic examination, irrigoscopy (X-ray of the colon with a contrast agent), gastrography (assessment of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract), FGDS (gastroscopy of the stomach and duodenum);
• For several days (2-3) follow a dietary regimen, excluding vegetables containing fiber, dairy products, all types of legumes, confectionery products, especially high-calorie ones, carbonated drinks, bread made from rye or mixed flour;
• If you have problems with digestion, take enzymes to reduce flatulence;
• It is not advisable to skip breakfast before the examination;
• If the ultrasound involves examining the kidneys, drink enough fluid to fill the bladder.

In addition, if a person is constantly taking medications due to chronic diseases, the specialist conducting the examination must be informed about this.

List of recommended products that are required for preparation for an abdominal ultrasound:

• All types of porridge, preferably grain, cooked in water (oatmeal, buckwheat);
• Lean meat and fish, cooked without fat - steamed (baked);
• No more than one egg per day, preferably soft-boiled or boiled, but not fried;
• All types of low-fat cheeses;
• Still mineral water, weak tea (preferably green).

It is necessary to eat small portions, fractionally, at least 5-6 times every 2.3-3 hours. Before the ultrasound examination, the last meal should take place the night before (light, dietary dinner).

Preparation for abdominal ultrasound also depends on the purpose of the examination and the organs whose condition needs to be assessed. And compliance with the rules of preparation is not difficult, however, as is the painless, but very accurate (up to 99%) type of diagnostics - ultrasound examination.

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