Abdominal and lesser pelvic ultrasound scan

Abdominal ultrasound scan is usually the first scan of choice in the diagnostic process because it is painless, quick, and it is not accompanied by radiation.

What is the purpose of the scan?

To explore the condition, diseases, dysfunctions, and abnormalities of the organs in the abdominal cavity and the lesser pelvis.

When visualizing the organs, conclusions may be drawn regarding the origin of the diseases based on the observed structural changes. The circulation of the organs may be scanned too, which may also indicate various pathological abnormalities.

Which organs can be scanned by abdominal ultrasound? 

All organs can be examined with an abdominal ultrasound scan from the diaphragm to the pubic bone. An image can be obtained of the shape of the liver, gall bladder, gall ducts, pancreas, and the spleen, in addition, the kidneys, lymph nodes, abdominal arteries can be assessed very well with it, furthermore, the intestinal walls are partially examinable too (due to the air content). An ultrasound scan helps in the assessment of the conditions of the urinary bladder, uterus and ovaries, as well as the prostate, which are all located in the lesser pelvis.  

Which diseases may be detected by an abdominal ultrasound scan? 

Among others, it allows us to diagnose gall stones, kidney stones, fatty liver, liver neoplasms, cysts, fluid effusions, abscesses, congestions, benign neoplastic processes, malignant tumors, dilations, enlargements, calcifications, and inflammations.

How do you need to get prepared? Can you eat or drink before the scan?

An abdominal ultrasound scan is performed with an empty stomach, you must not eat 6 hours before the scan. You can take your regularly taken daily medications. You must come with a full urinary bladder (you should not empty your urinary bladder before the ultrasound scan), it is recommended to consume 6 dl of non carbonated water 1-1.5 hours before the scan.

How is an abdominal ultrasound scan performed?

Usually, the scan is performed in lying with the clothes being removed up to the waist. For the purpose of providing excellent transmission of the ultrasound waves and to prevent them being bounced back from the air, a special gel will be applied on the skin above the organ that is to be scanned. 

The patient is lying on their back, then turns to the right and to the left, so that the organs can be better visualized. The kidneys are scanned in side lying. Sometimes the patient will have to take a deep breath and hold it in. 

The gel which is applied on the skin can be easily removed without any stains as it is water-soluble.

When is the scan contraindicated?

There are no absolute contraindications. If the patient ate something beforehand, or comes with an empty urinary bladder, the scan results will be limited, or the scan cannot be performed at all.
How long does the scan last?

An abdominal ultrasound scan takes 15-30 minutes including the preparations. The patient will receive a written opinion immediately after the scan.

Chief radiologist Dr. Mária Puhl contributed to the creation of this description.