When your doctor tells you to have an abdominal ultrasound, you may feel a little curious, and maybe even a little scared. Questions like, "Will this hurt?" and "What should I expect?" may come to mind. But there's no reason to be afraid. This is a very simple, painless test. Let's talk about it all clearly today.
What is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
Simply put, an abdominal ultrasound is a special test used to take pictures of the organs and blood vessels inside your belly (tummy). It uses high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to our ears. It's like shining a flashlight into your belly, but without any incisions.
You may have also heard of a 'sonogram'. Usually, 'ultrasound' refers to the entire examination, and 'sonogram' refers to the images we get from it. Both are talking about the same thing.
Why would a doctor recommend this scan?
There may be several reasons why a doctor might order this scan.
Many people know this scan as a test done during pregnancy to check the development of the baby in the womb . We also call it a 'Prenatal Ultrasound'.
It is also used to examine important parts of our digestive system. For example:
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
Sometimes you may be asked to do a 'Complete Abdominal Ultrasound'. In addition to the three organs mentioned above, other things are checked:
- The major blood vessels in the abdomen (e.g., Aorta and Inferior Vena Cava)
- Spleen
- Kidneys
- Bladder
What diseases can be detected with this scan?
This scan is very helpful in finding the cause of unexplained stomach pain. It can also help diagnose various medical conditions. See the table below.
| Diagnosable medical condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Kidney Stones | Small, hard stones that form inside the kidneys. |
| Gallstones | Stones that form inside the gallbladder. |
| Fatty Liver Disease | Excess fat deposition in liver cells. |
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | The main blood vessel that runs through the stomach weakens and bulges like a balloon. |
| Cholecystitis | Gallbladder inflammation or infection. |
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas. |
| Enlarged Spleen | The spleen is larger than normal. |
| Cysts or Tumors | Fluid-filled sacs or solid tissue that can form in the abdominal organs. |
| Kidney or Liver Disease | Various conditions that affect the functioning of these organs. |
| Certain Types of Cancer | For example, it can help detect things like pancreatic cancer. |
How does this ultrasound machine work?
What happens here is very simple. It's like a bat using sound waves to see what's ahead when it's walking in the dark.
The person doing the test will hold a small, handheld device (called a probe or transducer) over your abdomen. This device sends high-frequency sound waves that we can't hear into your body. These sound waves bounce off organs and blood vessels inside and bounce back. The signals that come back are picked up by a computer and turned into a picture on a screen.
How should I prepare before the scan?
This is very important. You should follow the instructions your doctor gives you before the scan. Only then will you be able to get the most accurate results .
There are usually two things that can happen:
- Fasting: In some cases, you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the scan. This is because some organs (especially the gallbladder) may not be visible properly when your stomach is full. This can cause blurry images.
- Drinking water: Sometimes, especially if organs like the bladder are being examined, you will be asked to drink a lot of water before the scan to fill your bladder. When the bladder is full, it is easier to see the surrounding organs clearly.
However, your doctor will give you the best and most accurate advice on how to prepare for your scan, so listen to what he or she says.
What to expect during the scan?
This process is very simple, and you won't feel any discomfort.
1. Lying on a bed: First, you will be made to lie comfortably on an examination table. You will be asked to lift or remove your shirt, or you will be given a hospital gown to wear.
2. Applying a gel: Then, a gel is applied to the skin of your abdomen. It will feel a little cold, but it won't hurt. Even if it gets on your clothes, it can be easily washed off. This gel helps the sound waves penetrate your body better.
3. Moving the probe: Next, the examiner moves the small device (probe) in his hand back and forth over this gel. He can then view the organ on the monitor.
4. Giving instructions: When you need to take a clear picture, you may be asked to turn to the side or hold your breath for a few seconds.
5. Cleaning: When the test is finished, the gel in the stomach is wiped away with a tissue.
Sometimes, if you want to look at your blood vessels, you can use a special technique called a Doppler Ultrasound. It does the same thing, but it can show details of how blood flows inside the blood vessels.
How long will this take?
The entire test usually takes about 30 minutes , but it can vary depending on what needs to be checked and your condition.
Are ultrasound scans safe?
Yes, absolutely. Ultrasound is the safest imaging test available. It does not use radiation like X-rays. So there is no need to worry about any side effects.
When will I receive the report?
After the scan is complete, a radiologist will review the images and send them to your primary care physician. This usually takes a week or less.
However, if there is a suspicion of an emergency, life-threatening condition, the results will be communicated immediately. In such a case, you may be referred directly to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
What questions should you ask the doctor?
If you have any questions about this scan, it's important to discuss them with your doctor. Here are some questions you can ask:
- What kind of ultrasound scan will I have?
- Will there be any further tests in addition to this?
- How exactly should I prepare before an abdominal ultrasound?
- When can I expect the test report?
Take-Home Message
- Abdominal Ultrasound is a safe, painless scan to look at the organs inside the abdomen.
- Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for this (whether to fast or drink water). Follow those instructions exactly.
- The scan usually only takes 30 minutes. There is no radiation involved, so don't worry.
- If you have any questions, doubts, or concerns, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
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