Program Ultrasound Abdomen
06/02/2568 12:00:47 | Views: 10,190What is an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the organs and blood vessels in your belly (abdomen).
Why would a doctor order an abdominal ultrasound?
There are several reasons why a healthcare provider may recommend an abdominal ultrasound. One of the most common is to check on a developing fetus throughout pregnancy. Providers often call this test a prenatal ultrasound.
Ultrasound can also check parts of your digestive system, including your:
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
A complete abdominal ultrasound examines those three organs, as well as your:
- Abdominal blood vessels like your aorta and inferior vena cava.
- Spleen
- Kidneys
- Bladder
What can an abdominal ultrasound detect?
Abdominal ultrasound may also help pinpoint the cause of unexplained abdomen (stomach) pain. It can help diagnose conditions, as well, like:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (enlargement of your abdominal aorta).
- Kidney stones.
- Kidney cancer.
- Bladder stones.
- Gallstones
- Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Pancreatitis
- Enlarged spleen.
- Abdominal cysts or tumors.
- Fatty liver disease.
- Certain types of cancer (like pancreatic cancer).
How does an abdominal ultrasound work?
Ultrasound uses sound waves you can’t hear to take pictures of soft tissues inside your body. To capture these images, a provider glides a handheld wand (transducer) over your abdomen.
The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves that bounce off structures like organs, blood vessels and other soft tissues. A computer receives these signals and uses them to create pictures.
How long do abdominal ultrasounds take?
On average, an abdominal ultrasound usually takes 30 minutes to complete. But it could take more or less time depending on your situation.
