Roentgen of the abdominal cavity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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X-ray of the abdominal cavity organs - radiography - is a traditional diagnostic method of clinical medicine based on localized irradiation with a minimum dose of X-rays, as a result of which projection images of the internal structures of the body are obtained.
The most common types of X-ray examination include an overview X-ray of the abdominal cavity and contrast radiography.
It should be noted that the parenchyma of internal organs and soft tissues can not be reflected by X-rays, so there is no complete "picture" of many organs in the pictures. However, an overview X-ray of the abdominal cavity may show some organ damage; presence in the kidneys, bile and bladder foreign objects, pathological formations (tumors, cysts, hematomas) and stones (stones); presence of gases and liquids (including blood) in the intestine and abdominal cavity and their localization, as well as pathological accumulation of metabolic waste in the large intestine.
The survey X-ray of the abdominal cavity has long proved its diagnostic effectiveness and is mandatory appointed in cases of alleged intestinal obstruction, in violation of the integrity (perforation) of its walls or perforation of other organs of the abdominal cavity.
Contrast radiography is performed using a contrast medium, which fills the cavities that are not visible in the conventional X-ray.
Used as radiopaque substance barium sulfurate (barium sulfate in the form of a powder) practically does not dissolve in water, alkalis and basic acids, including hydrochloric, but absorbs X-rays. Before contrast radiography, a suspension of barium is taken inside (or injected through a probe): 80 g of powder per 100 ml of water. The drug in the digestive tract is not absorbed and does not enter the blood (if there are no intestinal wall integrity disorders); from the body is evacuated with feces. If, however, the x-ray of the abdominal cavity with barium is performed for the purpose of examination of the large intestine, a suspension (per liter of 0.5% aqueous solution of tannin 750 g of barium sulfate powder) is introduced into the rectum with an enema.
Roentgen of the abdominal cavity with barium gives a detailed picture of abnormalities of gastrointestinal mucosa (ulceration), perforations of hollow organs, narrowing of lumens in intestines and tumors.
Instead of barium sulfate in contrast radiography can be used air or nitrous oxide, and in the study of the bladder - drugs with sodium amidotrizoate (Triombrast, Verografine, Visotrast).
In addition to classical radiography, fluoroscopy is performed if necessary. This is when using additional special equipment you can not only fix a static image of internal organs on the film, but also observe them in a dynamic state at a given time. Such an X-ray of the abdominal organs gives the doctor the opportunity to visualize the processes occurring in the organs (contractions, stretching, displacement, etc.).
[Indications for an X-ray of the abdominal cavity
An overview X-ray of the abdominal cavity is performed with abdominal pain (acute abdominal syndrome) and lower back; with bloating; with injuries of the abdominal cavity; retroperitoneal abscesses; acute intestinal obstruction (obstruction of the lumen of the cyst by a cyst, polyps, tumor, etc.); intussusception of the intestine (intestinal obstruction due to the introduction of one part of the intestine into the lumen of the other); diverticulitis (inflammation of protrusions in the wall of the intestine - diverticula).
It is also performed for the diagnosis of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and gallbladder (cholecystitis), with stones in the kidneys or bladder.
After an overview X-ray has been performed - in the absence of damage to the mucous membranes of the intestinal wall - X-rays or fluoroscopy with a contrast agent can be prescribed.
Preparing for an x-ray of the abdominal cavity
If an overview X-ray of the abdominal cavity is assigned, then no preparation for its conduct is needed. Before visiting the X-ray room, it is recommended to empty the bladder.
But the x-ray of the abdominal cavity with barium requires some preparation. First of all, 12 hours before the X-ray, you should stop eating solid consistency. 24 hours before the X-ray of the large intestine, it is necessary to exclude the use of any vegetables, rye bread, milk and cream; food should be liquid and transparent.
On the day of the examination - approximately one hour and a half before shine through - the colon is cleared with an enema or by injecting a rectal suppository of a laxative (for example, Bisacodyl).
How is the x-ray of the abdominal cavity?
An overview x-ray of the abdominal cavity is carried out in clothing (but without jewelry), in a standing or lying position. The examinee must stand before the X-ray machine or lie on his back on a special table and stand (or lie) absolutely motionless for several minutes. After the irradiation the device is switched off and the radiologist informs that the procedure is completed. Often, the examination is carried out simultaneously in two positions: first standing, and then lying down.
When contrast radiography of the abdominal cavity before the start of the diagnostic procedure, the patient should drink a suspension of barium sulfate.
Contra-indications for abdominal x-ray
In fact, there are no contraindications for carrying out an X-ray of the abdominal cavity for diagnostic purposes. This examination is appointed by the doctor - with the appropriate direction, where a preliminary diagnosis of the patient, requiring clarification, can be indicated.
However, an X-ray of the abdominal cavity to a child up to the age of 14 years, as well as a pregnant woman at all gestational age is not recommended, ultrasound (ultrasound) should be done.
Contraindications to the conduct are perforation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract; colonic obstruction; acute diverticulitis; dehydration (dehydration) of the body during vomiting and diarrhea; ulcerative colitis in the acute stage; bronchial asthma; allergy; intestinal or mixed form of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas (cystic fibrosis).
Where can I get an x-ray of the abdominal cavity?
X-ray of the abdominal cavity organs is performed according to the appointment of the attending physician (gastroenterologist, urologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist) in a medical institution. The price depends on such factors as the category of the medical institution, the model of the equipment and the qualification of the radiologist. After all, it is the doctor of this specialization that describes in detail everything that the picture has displayed. So the cost of X-rays is also the interpretation of the roentgenogram.
To establish the correct diagnosis, other studies may be required, since the x-ray of the abdominal cavity is not capable of providing exhaustive information about the pathologies that exist.