What is an ultrasound. Is preparation required for an abdominal ultrasound and how is the procedure performed? When Not to Do an Ultrasound

The simplest, quick and painless examination that can be done in any medical center is ultrasound. It is performed in order to examine the density of internal organs, their shape and location, and the main thing that is needed for a high-quality ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is to properly prepare for it. Find out how the survey differs, what it includes, who is assigned and what results it gives.

What is an abdominal ultrasound

Examination of the state of the abdominal organs (stomach, spleen, intestines and appendix) is carried out according to the same principle as for the rest. The basis of the technique was the difference between the reflection of waves by different types of tissues. Ultrasound machines send a signal, and the cells reflect it to varying degrees. The return signal enters the sensor. Equipment from it will make a black and white picture showing the state, shape and location:

internal organs of digestion and others;
cavities;
blood vessels (abdominal aorta).

Indications

This is the safest procedure for patients, especially in comparison with diagnostic abdominal operations. It is recommended to undergo it when prescribing examinations clarifying the diagnosis for children, the elderly, malnourished people, and pregnant women. It is convenient to carry out diagnostics before surgery. On the screen, a clinic specialist can see any disease, change, presence or absence of:

cysts, neoplasms;
stones in the gallbladder, ducts, kidneys;
polyps;
inflammation, including previous mononucleosis;
neoplasms.

An examination is recommended for internal inflammation, regular pain, when other tests have not shown the exact cause of their occurrence. Important: doctors prescribe ultrasound as an additional measure to detect diseases. To clarify the diagnosis, it is still necessary to do blood, urine and other tests. The "snapshot" of the organ itself is not indicative, only on its basis they do not make a diagnosis for the treatment of the disease. Main tested diseases:

violations of the work of internal organs;
oncological diseases;
pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, gastritis, ulcer;
inflammatory processes.

Which authorities check

The examination reveals the presence of the source of the problem. When the stomach hurts, the patient cannot indicate the exact source of sensations. However, ultrasound is not a panacea and does not show everything; gas formation interferes with a detailed study of organs. The hardware technique helps to identify the pathology:

kidneys, bladder, genitourinary system as a whole;
liver;
spleen;
pancreas;
gallbladder and bile ducts;
vessels in the abdominal region (as a result, the quality of the blood supply to the internal organs).

Preparation

Adults prepare for the examination a little easier. To facilitate the diagnosis of diseases, it is necessary to exclude food leading to gas formation. The abdomen must be empty so that the technique gives a more accurate picture of diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, gallbladder and ducts. In extreme cases, excess gases are removed with liquid and tablet preparations (Espumizan, Simethicone, activated carbon), adsorbing (Smecta) or carminative.

If the patient is prone to constipation, laxatives are used (Senade, Bisacodyl suppositories), with persistent constipation, an enema is given. It is important to follow the rules:

food intake, diet for 2-3 days;
abstinence from food (for 12 hours or more);
taking medications (if a course is prescribed or you are constantly taking medications, ask your doctor).

Nutrition before abdominal ultrasound

A man or woman should refrain from eating in the evening, for them the procedure is performed on an empty stomach (at the appointed time of the procedure, a light breakfast is allowed in the afternoon, ideally only unsweetened tea). For the accuracy of the diagnostic examination, it is necessary to abstain from food for 12 hours, and follow a special diet 2 days before the procedure. Stop using:

legumes;
sweets and bakery, flour products;
raw vegetables and fruits containing fiber;
milk;
sauerkraut;
carbonated drinks (including mineral water);
alcohol, nicotine;
chewing gum.

Espumizan before ultrasound

If you have doubts about your own health, it is reasonable to prepare: take pills or drops in advance (carminative, against gas formation). These include Espumizan: the agent "bursts" gas bubbles, separating liquid from gas. The drug is used the day before the ultrasound and on the day of the examination according to the scheme:

liquid - 50 drops (2 ml) three times a day, plus 1 such dose - on the day of the examination;
emulsion (Espumizan 40) - 10 ml, or 2 measuring spoons, three times a day, the same dose - before the examination;
in capsules - 2 units. also three times a day, and 2 capsules in the morning before the ultrasound.

Appointments vary. The minimum recommended dose of this sorbent is 2-4 tablets three times a day. The average dosage is 1 tablet / 10 kg of the patient's weight, the calculated rate is taken three times. It should be used like this:

1-2 days - at least the day before, before the study;
in the form of a single dose - on the day of the study.

Preparation for the study of the child

Softer requirements for the preparation of the procedure for ultrasound examinations in children:

babies can be fed on the day of the ultrasound (3 hours in advance) +1 hour to refrain from any drink;
under the age of 3 years - it is necessary to refrain from food from 4 hours (gastric juice should not be diluted with water);
older than 3 years - 6-8 hours.

What not to do before an ultrasound

Special preparation is not required before ultrasound of the kidneys, soft tissues. It is recommended to undergo an ultrasound for an accurate diagnosis, giving up bad habits (alcohol, smoking - at least on the day of the procedure). Otherwise, you can get an incorrect clinical picture and treatment. Relaxation - a light breakfast until 10 am - can be done if the study is scheduled from 2-3 pm. Forbidden:

gas-containing drinks - 2-3 days before;
food and drink, chewing gum and lollipops - on the day of the examination;
conducting an X-ray contrast study of this area (gastroduodenoscopy, irrigoscopy).

How is an abdominal ultrasound done?

The patient is asked to undress to underpants, lower them to free the abdominal region. Ultrasound of all organs is performed depending on the diagnostic tasks. To study the function of the gallbladder, a "choleretic breakfast" is taken, it may include 100 g of sour cream / chocolate / 2 bananas / 2 raw eggs. Follow the instructions of the sonologist, who “highlights” each organ with an ultrasonic sensor:

lie on your back;
turn to the left or right side;
lie on the stomach;
stand up (if it is necessary to compare the shape, position in space, the state of the organs lying and standing);
hold their breath;
after the procedure performed with the gel, wipe the stomach with napkins.

How long the procedure will take depends on the organs examined:

several organs - from 10-15 minutes;
the entire gastrointestinal system - from 20-30 minutes;
if the procedure is performed for data on the function of the gallbladder - about 1 hour of free time.

Features of abdominal ultrasound in children

Preparation for ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract includes both the right attitude and calming the baby. Dress the child in such a way that it is easy to free the area under study. To prepare, it is important for the child to hear that there will be no pain, and the doctor simply moves the sensor (special sensor) over the tummy. It is recommended to carry out the procedure as follows:

turn the child on his back, on his side, on his tummy;
for children 2-3 years and older - hold your breath;
after the procedure - wipe the area with napkins.

Decryption

In the form, the doctor indicates the size of the organs and their position, the condition of the tissues. Ultrasound reveals:

free fluid in the abdominal cavity;
the presence of aneurysm, stratification, vasoconstriction;
condition of retroperitoneal lymph nodes - enlargement, uniformity of structure.

The results (conclusion) of ultrasound diagnostics will describe and indicate the size of the organ, position, specific foci with impaired echostructure. This indicates the likelihood:

cyst;
abscesses;
tumors - malignant / benign.

Ultrasound signs of certain diseases

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is very informative. In the table, the most frequently detected diseases and their signs on ultrasound are indicated:

	Changes	Possible diseases
	Enlargement, rounded edges	Fatty hepatosis
	Changing the echo structure	The presence of tumors
gallbladder	Thickening of the walls of the gallbladder, "double contour"	Cholecystitis Chronic cholecystitis
	Dilation of the bile ducts	The stone blocks the exit of bile
	Change in direction, shape of the bile ducts (curved, thin)	Congenital anomalies, bile stasis
	Acoustic shadow, wall thickening	Calculous cholecystitis
	Increased density, uneven contours
	Density reduction	pancreatitis
Spleen	Increase	Infection Blood diseases Cirrhosis of the liver
Spleen	Seal	Heart attack, trauma and damage to the spleen
lymph nodes	Enlarged	Infection Malignant education
Abdomen, pelvic organs	Presence of liquid	internal bleeding Abdominal injury Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract

Price

The cost of an abdominal ultrasound varies depending on which organ is examined. Often, a comprehensive ultrasound of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity, taking into account all indicators, helps to determine the cause of the disease. For treatment, you have to find out which clinic conducts examinations with high quality and the best specialists. For effectiveness, an ultrasound of the pelvis and all organs is performed. If you were prescribed this method of examination during a medical examination, consider how much an abdominal ultrasound costs with a study on the monitor and a printout of the results:

one or two organs with the study of blood flow - 900-1100 rubles;
all organs of the abdominal cavity (ABP) - 1500-14000 rubles, depending on the quality and modernity of ultrasound devices.

Ultrasound examination (sonography) is one of the most modern, informative and accessible methods of instrumental diagnostics. The undoubted advantage of ultrasound is its non-invasiveness, i.e., during the examination, no damaging mechanical effect is exerted on the skin and other tissues. Diagnosis is not associated with pain or other unpleasant sensations for the patient. Unlike the widespread one, ultrasound does not use radiation that is dangerous to the body.

Principle of operation and physical basis

Sonography makes it possible to detect the slightest changes in the organs and catch the disease at a stage when clinical symptoms have not yet developed. As a result, a patient who has undergone an ultrasound scan in a timely manner increases the chances of a full recovery many times over.

note: The first successful studies of patients using ultrasound were carried out in the mid-fifties of the last century. Previously, this principle was used in military sonars to detect underwater objects.

To study the internal organs, ultra-high frequency sound waves - ultrasound are used. Since the “image” is displayed on the screen in real time, this makes it possible to track a number of dynamic processes occurring in the body, in particular, the movement of blood in the vessels.

From the point of view of physics, ultrasound is based on the piezoelectric effect. Quartz or barium titanate single crystals are used as piezoelectric elements, which alternately work as a transmitter and receiver of a signal. When they are exposed to high-frequency sound vibrations, charges arise on the surface, and when current is applied to the crystals, mechanical vibrations occur, accompanied by ultrasound radiation. The fluctuations are due to the rapid change in the shape of single crystals.

Piezo transducers are the basic component of diagnostic devices. They are the basis of sensors, in which, in addition to crystals, a special sound-absorbing wave filter and an acoustic lens are provided to focus the device on the desired wave.

Important:The basic characteristic of the medium under study is its acoustic impedance, i.e., the degree of resistance to ultrasound.

As the boundary of zones with different impedance is reached, the wave beam changes strongly. Some of the waves continue to move in the previously determined direction, and some are reflected. The reflection coefficient depends on the difference in the resistance values of two adjacent media. The absolute reflector is the area bordering between the human body and air. In the opposite direction, 99.9% of the waves leave this interface.

When studying blood flow, a more modern and deep technique based on the Doppler effect is used. The effect is based on the fact that when the receiver and the medium move relative to each other, the signal frequency changes. The combination of signals coming from the device and reflected signals creates beats that are heard using acoustic speakers. Doppler study makes it possible to establish the speed of movement of the boundaries of zones of different density, i.e., in this case, to determine the speed of movement of the fluid (blood). The technique is practically indispensable for an objective assessment of the state of the patient's circulatory system.

All images are transmitted from the sensors to the monitor. The resulting picture in the mode can be recorded on a digital medium or printed on a printer for a more detailed study.

Study of individual organs

To study the heart and blood vessels, a type of ultrasound is used, such as echocardiography. In combination with an assessment of the state of blood flow through Doppler ultrasound, the technique allows you to identify changes in the heart valves, determine the size of the ventricles and atria, as well as pathological changes in the thickness and structure of the myocardium (heart muscle). During the diagnosis, you can also examine sections of the coronary arteries.

The level of narrowing of the lumen of the vessels can be detected by constant-wave Doppler sonography.

Pumping function is assessed using a pulsed Doppler study.

Regurgitation (the movement of blood through the valves in the opposite direction to the physiological) can be detected by color Doppler imaging.

Echocardiography helps to diagnose such serious pathologies as a latent form of rheumatism and coronary artery disease, as well as to identify neoplasms. There are no contraindications to this diagnostic procedure. In the presence of diagnosed chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system, it is advisable to undergo echocardiography at least once a year.

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is used to assess the condition of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, main vessels (in particular, the abdominal aorta) and kidneys.

note: for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, the optimal frequency is in the range from 2.5 to 3.5 MHz.

Ultrasound of the kidneys

Ultrasound of the kidneys reveals cystic neoplasms, expansion of the renal pelvis and the presence of stones (). This study of the kidneys is necessarily carried out with.

Thyroid ultrasound

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is indicated for this organ and the appearance of nodular neoplasms, as well as if there is discomfort or pain in the neck. Without fail, this study is assigned to all residents of ecologically disadvantaged areas and regions, as well as regions where the level of iodine in drinking water is low.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

Ultrasound of the small pelvis is necessary to assess the condition of the organs of the female reproductive system (uterus and ovaries). Diagnosis allows, among other things, to detect pregnancy at an early stage. In men, the method makes it possible to identify pathological changes in the prostate gland.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands

Ultrasound of the mammary glands is used to determine the nature of neoplasms in the chest area.

Note:To ensure the closest contact of the sensor with the body surface, a special gel is applied to the patient's skin before the start of the study, which includes, in particular, styrene compounds and glycerin.

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Ultrasound scanning is currently widely used in obstetrics and perinatal diagnostics, i.e., for examining the fetus at different stages of pregnancy. It allows you to identify the presence of pathologies in the development of the unborn child.

Important:during pregnancy, a routine ultrasound examination is highly recommended at least three times. The optimal terms, in which the maximum of useful information can be obtained, are 10-12, 20-24 and 32-37 weeks.

On ultrasound, an obstetrician-gynecologist can identify the following developmental anomalies:

non-closure of the hard palate ("wolf mouth");
malnutrition (underdevelopment of the fetus);
polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios (abnormal volume of amniotic fluid);
placenta previa.

Important:in some cases, the study reveals the threat of miscarriage. This makes it possible to timely place a woman in a hospital "for preservation", making it possible to safely bear the baby.

Without ultrasound, it is quite problematic to manage in the diagnosis of multiple pregnancies and determining the position of the fetus.

According to the report of the World Health Organization, which was prepared using data obtained in the leading clinics of the world for many years, ultrasound is considered an absolutely safe research method for the patient.

note: ultrasonic waves indistinguishable for human hearing organs are not something alien. They are present even in the sound of the sea and wind, and for some animal species they are the only means of communication.

Contrary to the fears of many expectant mothers, ultrasonic waves do not harm even a child during fetal development, that is, ultrasound during pregnancy is not dangerous. However, for the use of this diagnostic procedure, there must be certain indications.

Ultrasound examination using 3D and 4D technologies

A standard ultrasound examination is carried out in two-dimensional mode (2D), that is, the image of the organ under study is displayed on the monitor only in two planes (relatively speaking, you can see the length and width). Modern technology has made it possible to add depth, i.e. third dimension. Thanks to this, a three-dimensional (3D) image of the object under study is obtained.

Equipment for three-dimensional ultrasound gives a color image, which is important in the diagnosis of certain pathologies. The power and intensity of ultrasound is the same as that of conventional 2D devices, so there is no need to talk about any risk to the patient's health. In fact, the only disadvantage of 3D ultrasound is that the standard procedure does not take 10-15 minutes, but up to 50.

The most widely used 3D ultrasound is now used to examine the fetus in the womb. Many parents want to look at the baby's face even before it is born, and only a specialist can see something in an ordinary two-dimensional black and white picture.

But the examination of a child's face cannot be regarded as an ordinary whim; a three-dimensional image makes it possible to distinguish anomalies in the structure of the maxillofacial region of the fetus, which often indicate severe (including genetically determined) diseases. The data obtained by ultrasound, in some cases, can become one of the grounds for making a decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Important:it must be taken into account that even a three-dimensional image will not provide useful information if the child has turned his back to the sensor.

Unfortunately, so far only a conventional two-dimensional ultrasound can provide a specialist with the necessary information about the state of the internal organs of the embryo, so a 3D study can only be considered as an additional diagnostic method.

The most "advanced" technology is 4D ultrasound. Time has now been added to the three spatial dimensions. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional image in dynamics, which allows, for example, to look at the change in the facial expressions of an unborn child.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an examination procedure without internal intervention, which includes the diagnosis of internal organs and tissues of the human body. During the study, the condition of the organs, their structure, placement, as well as the presence of pathologies and deviations in work are checked.

What organs are checked for abdominal ultrasound?

The abdominal cavity is the internal space in the body below the diaphragm, which includes organs called the abdominal organs.

The cavity can be divided by the peritoneum (sheath) into the abdominal cavity proper and the retroperitoneal space. The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen are organs that are located in the abdominal cavity.

During the ultrasound, the presence of neoplasms, defects, diseases and the consequences of injuries is clarified. What pathologies can be detected during the diagnosis:

With ultrasound of the liver, it is possible to determine: acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty hepatosis, transformations (which may relate to abnormalities in the work of the heart) and benign formations of a local location: cyst, hemangioma, adenoma, hyperplasia. Malignant tumors: primary and metastatic cancer.
Diagnostics allows you to identify deviations in the formation of the bile ducts and gallbladder on ultrasound, the formation of calculi (stones) and complications of cholelithiasis, forms of cholecystitis (acute and chronic), polyps and tumor formations of different quality.
During the ultrasound of the pancreas, violations in its formation are revealed, as well as inflammation of the organ, pancreatitis (acute and chronic), cysts, pseudocysts, abscesses, fatty infiltration. In the retroperitoneal space, benign and cancerous tumors are visualized, the consequences caused by aging.
Ultrasound diagnostics of the spleen will show if there are developmental problems, injuries resulting from physical bruises, inflammation, formations, heart attacks, abscesses, modifications of the spleen in diseases of the circulatory system.
An ultrasound of the vessels will show the main and intraorgan parts of the circulatory system, visualize their condition, and detect blood clots.

On ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, the doctor reveals the characteristics of the organs, the presence of changes or neoplasms in them, checks the correct location of the organs and the compliance of their sizes with established standards

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is performed in the presence of the following indicators:

bloating and lack of lightness in the stomach after eating;
heaviness under the right hypochondrium;
sensation of pain in the upper abdomen;
sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
bitter taste;
strong gas formation.

A timely examination of the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space, which should be done once a year for prevention, makes it possible to prevent or diagnose the disease at an early stage.

Carrying out diagnostics

For the diagnosis of the peritoneal cavity, the patient should lie on his back. Sometimes, in order to make the image clear, a person needs to lie on his side, then take a deep breath or not breathe for several seconds. In some cases, for example, with an unusual arrangement of organs, the study should be done in a sitting or standing position. The work of a sonologist during ultrasound of the abdominal organs pursues the following tasks:

establish, clarify and determine the nature of the development of the organs of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space;
detect abnormalities and abnormalities in the work of the spleen, assess the density and possible tissue damage, the size of the organ;
find out the cause of the unexpected appearance of pain with spasms in the abdomen;
check for the presence of cysts, hemangiomas, deposits of calcium salts in tissues and other formations;
formalize the data in the protocol of the diagnostic report.

The study is carried out using a special ultrasonic sensor that works with a gel conductor. The patient usually lies on his back, but the position can be changed at the request of the doctor. This is usually necessary if there is an abnormal arrangement of organs or poor visibility of one of them.

Research Opportunities

Ultrasound, as a diagnostic method, has a number of advantages and possibilities and allows you to eliminate or confirm suspicions of hypertension, to identify various disorders. Also, ultrasound is performed to control paracentesis and biopsy. Cavity surgical operations are necessarily preceded by echographic diagnostics. Inflammatory processes, various kinds of formations and neoplasms, types of disorders in diseases are determined. Deviations in the development of organs are also easily determined using ultrasound.

Often, in addition to an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in women, an ultrasound procedure of the uterus and appendages is included. The examination includes such purposes as the establishment of pregnancy, the detection of uterine polyps, ovarian cysts and tumors. Diagnosis can also be made during pregnancy: an ultrasound scan performed in advance allows you to see violations even in the intrauterine development of the fetus.

Ultrasound of the OBP is considered the most effective and does not require other types of examinations and analyzes. After examination and conclusion, you can immediately begin treatment. Another positive side of ultrasound is its affordability. Often, patients have a question about where it is better to do an ultrasound scan: in a public hospital or in a private medical institution. In reality, there is no difference. The main thing to pay attention to is the presence of a modern ultrasound machine and the experience of the doctors who perform the procedure.

During the diagnosis of the abdominal cavity and its retroperitoneal part, the patient may not experience any discomfort, except for a feeling of slight coldness from the applied gel, which quickly passes. You can also notice pain in the hypochondrium when the sensor is adjacent to the skin.

If the patient feels acute pain, then diagnostics using ultrasound is not the cause of their appearance. In this case, the patient needs to be examined by a surgeon. The entire procedure takes no more than twenty minutes. It will take much longer to prepare for the inspection.

Preparing for an ultrasound

First of all, it is necessary follow a diet - eat:

boiled chicken or veal meat;
fish, steamed or baked;
oatmeal, buckwheat or barley porridge;
hard cheese;
liquid should be consumed at least one and a half liters per day.

It is forbidden:

eat legumes;
it is not recommended to drink carbonated and alcoholic drinks;
Rye bread;
milk and dairy products;
sweet products;
raw fruits and vegetables.

In order for the ultrasound of the abdominal organs to pass correctly, the patient must follow a special diet for three days. It is necessary to reduce gas formation and release the intestines.

It is necessary to stop smoking a couple of hours before visiting the clinic. Significantly difficult to scan the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space is an excessive amount of air. An important nuance in the preparation is the elimination of air from the intestines. Overweight people should be especially careful to prepare for the study, since the excessive thickness of the fat layer prevents ultrasound from reaching the insides.

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs also requires a mandatory bowel cleansing, which is performed in the evening, on the eve of the procedure. You can do it by washing with an enema or Esmarch's mug with 1 - 2 liters of not very cold, but not too hot unboiled water. After the procedure, it is necessary to take drugs with sorbent properties or Simethicone, they must be taken the required number of times.

At the request of the patient, an ultrasound of the kidneys is additionally done. The patient in this case should prepare as follows: you need to drink at least a liter of water or unsweetened tea an hour before the ultrasound, and then go to the procedure with a full bladder.

Ultrasound of the peritoneum is one of the most popular types of examinations. What does an ultrasound of the abdomen give and what does the doctor reveal in the study?

The procedure is carried out on an empty stomach, in the morning. A few days before the examination, the patient will have to limit himself to food: due to the fact that gases accumulate in the intestines through which ultrasound does not pass, the examination result may be either invisible or incorrect. Alcohol and carbonated drinks, beans, fatty, spicy, salty foods and black bread should be excluded from the diet for 3 days.

To completely cleanse the intestines, doctors recommend taking a laxative the day before the examination. In addition, pharmaceutical preparations, such as activated charcoal, will help get rid of gases. In the morning before the examination, you can not eat breakfast, smoke, drink water and suck on lollipops, so as not to cause stomach cramps and not get a distorted result. It is better to suffer hunger for several hours than to receive an incorrect diagnosis or a second referral for an ultrasound of the abdomen.

The liver is responsible for breaking down fats and ridding the body of accumulated harmful substances. Therefore, for example, when taking potent drugs, doctors recommend drinking hepatoprotectors, that is, drugs that protect the organ, improve its functioning and remove poison.

Normal liver values should be approximately as follows:

The dimensions of the right lobe - up to 12 cm, the left - up to 7 cm;
Portal vein diameter - up to 13 mm, vena cava - up to 15 mm;
Bile duct diameter - up to 8 mm;
The angle of the right lobe should be no more than 75 degrees, the angle of the left - no more than 45.

The edges should be even and clear. The liver should be equally dense in its structure, without seals and neoplasms. An ultrasound should show blood vessels and ligaments.

As a rule, the state of the gallbladder is described along with data on the liver, since these organs are not only located next to each other in the abdominal cavity, but also perform the same function: the bile necessary for the breakdown of fats, which occurs in the liver, is produced and stored in gallbladder. Diseases such as cholecystitis and the formation of gallstones are associated with improper functioning of the gallbladder.

Normally, this body should have the following parameters:

Length - from 6 to 9 cm;
Width - from 3 to 5 cm;
The thickness of the walls of the organ is up to 4 mm;
The lower edge of the bladder may protrude from the lower edge of the liver by 1 cm.

Ultrasound also shows the size of the gallbladder ducts, through which fluid enters the duodenum and liver. The diameter of the bile duct should be no more than 6 mm, the diameter of the hepatic - no more than 5.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes, as well as insulin and glucagon. Improper functioning of this organ is fraught not only with pancreatitis and stomach problems, but also with the appearance of diabetes.

The normal result of a pancreatic exam should be something like this:

Head - no more than 32 mm;
Body - no more than 21 mm;
Tail - no more than 35 mm;
Pancreatic duct - no more than 2 mm.

The structure of the pancreas should be homogeneous, and the density should correspond to the density of the liver or be slightly higher. The contours of the organ must be clear. As in other cases, blurred contours and increased sizes indicate tissue inflammation and swelling. Cysts, tumors, and stones in the ducts will also be visible during an ultrasound examination.

Ultrasound of the intestines and stomach is rarely done, since these are hollow organs through which ultrasound passes poorly, which makes it impossible to detect mucosal lesions. But the study shows the presence of fluid or foreign bodies in the cavities, which can be useful in making a diagnosis.

Spleen and lymph nodes

The spleen, along with the kidneys and liver, is involved in blood purification. Antibodies are produced in this organ, the blood is filtered from bacteria and protozoa, and the spent blood cells are destroyed.

Violations of the functioning of this organ are less common and do not lead to such fatal consequences as violations of the liver or pancreas. In a normal state, the organ will be approximately 12 cm long and 8 cm wide. With inflammation and the appearance of neoplasms, the dimensions of the organ will increase, and the echostructure will be heterogeneous. If the interpretation of the results of the ultrasound indicates that the spleen is enlarged, it is worthwhile to come to grips with your health: often the inflammation of this organ indicates an infectious disease or problems with blood circulation. If ultrasound shows a heterogeneous echostructure, then this may indicate the death of spleen tissue.

The conclusion describes the number of examined and pathologically altered lymph nodes, their location, shape, size and internal structure. As in the case of the spleen, pathologies in the lymph nodes often indicate diseases of other organs.

Kidneys and ureters

Ultrasound of the kidneys is often prescribed separately from ultrasound of other organs. This study helps to identify disorders of the organ, tumors, the presence of stones and other unpleasant diseases. Normal kidney parameters should be something like this:

Size - 5 * 6 * 12 cm, the thickness of the parenchyma, that is, the outer shell - up to 25 mm. One kidney may be slightly larger than the other, but not more than 2 cm;
The structure is even, the contours are clear, echogenicity is at the level of the liver or slightly lower;
Mobility during breathing - no more than 3 cm.

Together with the kidneys, the doctor may examine the ureters and adrenal glands. They should not contain neoplasms, stones and sand.

Ultrasound of the abdominal vessels

Vascular ultrasound is often performed together with Doppler diagnostics, which allows you to assess not only the condition of the vessels, but also the blood flow in them. Ultrasound is performed in parallel with the examination of the abdominal organs, that is, together with the state of the tissue, the state of adjacent vessels and the level of blood supply to the organ are assessed. Separately assessed:

Portal venous system;
iliac arteries;
Vena cava;
Arteries and veins of the liver, spleen and other organs.

Examination of the vessels of the abdominal cavity helps to make the most accurate diagnosis, find out the cause of the disease and assess the general condition of the patient's abdominal organs.

Deciphering ultrasound is a complex process, and a doctor should deal with it. Often, patients who do not have the necessary knowledge try to interpret the results of the examination themselves, and when the results do not fit into the norm, they panic. Only a qualified doctor can correctly interpret the results, distinguish the disease from the characteristics of the body, and make an accurate diagnosis.

The indication for an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is most often abdominal pain, so any doctor in contact with this area can refer to an ultrasound scan: a gastroenterologist, gynecologist, surgeon, oncologist, urologist or therapist. The main purpose of the examination is to establish the source and cause of pain. Recently, apparently to save time, the ultrasound room is also visited by people without a referral, on their own initiative. In this case, they go to the doctor after receiving a printout with the results.

If you want to undergo an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, having received a high-quality result, sign up at the NEOMED clinic. The examination is carried out using the latest expert ultrasound machine SonoAce X8, capable of displaying an image in color format, which significantly increases the accuracy of diagnosis. The equipment is endowed with high sensitivity and resolution, which eliminates the possibility of medical errors. After the examination, you can get a consultation from an experienced specialized doctor right in the clinic.

Conditions for accurate diagnosis of the abdominal cavity

Unfortunately, ultrasound waves can only visualize organs that do not contain air, and fat can also become a problem during examination. Therefore, the main condition for a successful diagnosis is proper preparation, which allows you to eliminate gases in the intestines.

The effect is achieved by taking antifoaming and enzymatic preparations in advance (2-3 days in advance) and following a diet. The diet should be freed from products that increase gas formation (legumes, black bread, etc.) 8-12 hours before the start of the ultrasound, it is recommended to refuse to take any food. This will allow the specialist to conduct a full examination, and the procedure will not take more than 40 minutes.

What can ultrasound of the abdominal cavity show in the NEOMED clinic

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is the most important diagnostic manipulation that allows to detect and identify a wide range of diseases and conditions: cirrhosis and hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis (acute and chronic) and pancreatitis, various tumor processes, problems with ducts, veins, the presence of foreign objects.

At the time of the procedure, the specialist gets the opportunity to visualize the organs of the specified area, partially retroperitoneal space, part of the pelvic organs, which is very important for extensive processes or unclear causes of pain.

Liver. This organ, like a sponge, absorbs all the decay products of the body, and therefore is often subject to destructive factors. Ultrasound will allow you to visually see diffuse changes in the tissues of the liver, which characterizes cirrhosis or hepatitis, and various formations of a tumor nature. Also, the doctor can see clear contours of the liver, and using the color rendering function, he will consider areas of necrosis, if any.
Spleen. An organ associated with the liver by common functions, therefore, must be considered without fail. In case of violations of the spleen, its size and shape can change, which is quite clearly demonstrated by ultrasound. In addition, during the analysis, it is possible to determine the presence of developmental anomalies, heart attacks, focal and oncological diseases of the spleen.
gallbladder. The most important organ of the abdominal cavity is scanned along with the biliary tract. This makes it possible to diagnose kinks and constrictions, which are formed due to improper development of the organ, and to detect violations of the outflow of bile, provoked by improper functioning of the bile ducts. Also, ultrasound is a great way to confirm a patient with cholelithiasis of any severity and acute or chronic cholecystitis. And for the detection of polyposis and cancer, this technique will be the most informative of all known to science today.
Pancreas. A unique organ that takes part simultaneously in the digestive and endocrine metabolism. The enzymes produced by this gland contribute to the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates into simpler compounds, thereby performing the main function of digestion. At the same time, the production of the hormone insulin regulates the level of glucose in the blood, protecting the body from hyper- and hypoglycemic conditions. Due to such a huge load on the pancreas, its tissues regenerate very slowly, which leads to numerous diseases, such as acute and chronic pancreatitis. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs can also detect abnormalities in the structure of the organ, cysts and tumors, fatty infiltration and disorders caused by diabetes mellitus.
Vessels. They are responsible for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all organs, and therefore the early detection of their blockage (thrombosis) can play a decisive role in the patient's medical history. Vessels located in the abdominal cavity are also amenable to ultrasound diagnostics. In addition, this technique allows assessing the state of the lumen and physiological abnormalities of the vascular system.
Retroperitoneal space. Examine to determine the parameters of the lymph nodes.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity shows the general condition of the above organs, allows you to assess their size, shape and structure of tissues. The results of the diagnosis will be the basis for determining the diagnosis and prescribing topical therapy.