Ultrasound Procedures
Abdominal, Gallbladder, Ultrasound

One of the most common ultrasound examinations is to detect gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder. Ultrasound is the best test to detect gallstones because of the differences in sound conduction between the solid gallstone and the bile fluid in the gallbladder. Patients are asked not to eat before the examination because in between meals the gallbladder fills with fluid and makes detection of stone easier and reliable. The gallbladder contracts after eating.
Abdominal ultrasound can also be used to evaluate the liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas. It is the modality of choice in determining if something is cystic. It is complimentary to other modalities of CT and MRI.


How the Test Is Performed

The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department. You will be lying down. A conducting jell is applied to your abdomen to help with the transmission. The transducer (a hand-held instrument) is then moved over your abdomen. You may be asked to move to other positions to examine different areas.


How the test will feel

There is no discomfort.


How to prepare for the test
You need to fast for 4 hours before the test.


PELVIC
Ultrasound is an excellent ways to evaluate the female pelvis. Ovarian and uterine masses are well characterized. Initial pelvic ultrasound is performed transabdominally through a full bladder. The sound travels well through the bladder. This gives an overview of all the pelvic structures just deep to the bladder. Frequently, the test continues with a transvaginal scan. This allows the transducer to be placed closer to the pelvic structures. The beam can be focused better here for a clearer picture.


Pelvic Transvaginal ultrasound
Pelvic scans are perform for a large number of reasons, such as

* Pelvic pain,
* Ectopic pregnancy
* Pain during intercourse,
* Abnormal bleeding,
* Question of mass,
* Cyst,
* Fibroid,
* Infections,
* Family history of ovarian or uterine cancer and many more.

The transvaginal examination will last about 10-15 minutes. if we find a large pelvic mass your physician may require you to do a next scan of your kidneys to make sure that the mass does not interfere with the normal flow of urine.


Preparation for the examination


No special preparation is required for a pelvic Transvaginal ultrasound examination. You do not need to have a full bladder and you do not need to drink before the examination. Your sonographer will give you the results immediately and answer your questions. If you have an abnormal result, your physician will discuss it with you, and explain your next options.


RENAL
The kidneys and bladder are well seen by ultrasound. Renal and bladder masses can be detected and evaluated. Frequently, ultrasound is used to further characterize mass seen on CT examinations. Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate for possible renal obstruction. Renal and bladder stones can be identified.


BREAST
Recent advances in ultrasound transducer technology have allowed for better characterizations of breast lesions. Higher frequency transducers provided clearer images. Breast ultrasound is very helpful in further evaluating mammographic abnormalities and palpable masses. Ultrasound can also be use to guide biopsy procedures.


THYROID
Thyroid nodules are very common. Ultrasound can be used in determining whether a nodule is cystic or solid. In addition, ultrasound can be used to evaluate lesion identified on other modalities such as CT and nuclear imaging. Ultrasound guided fine needle biopsies can be performed on nonpalpable lesions when necessary.


TESTICULAR
Ultrasound is the modality of choice in evaluating testicular masses. Ultrasound is very sensitive to the detection of tumors. In addition, ultrasound can be used to determine if blood flow to the testes is compromised by testicular torsion.


AORTIC
Arteriosclerotic disease can cause abdominal aortic aneurysms. These occur when the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the body, dilates in response to arteriosclerosis. This dilation weakens the wall and can lead to rupture. Ultrasound can evaluate for the presence and extent of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. MR and CT can also be used.



WHAT PREPARATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR AN ULTRASOUND?
The preparation varies with the region being examined.


Obstetric Scans: (Under 16 weeks Gestation).
Empty bladder 1.5 hours before appointment.
Drink 500 mls of water to be finished 1 hour prior to appointment.
Do not empty bladder after drinking water.


Pelvic Scans:
Empty bladder 1.5 hours before appointment.
Drink 1 to 1.5 liters of water to be finished 1 hour before appointment.
Do not empty bladder after drinking  water.


Abdominal Scans:
Complete fast for 4 hours before appointment. 

Small parts and Musculoskeletal Scans: Thyroid, neck, breasts, scrotum, lumps on the skin, tendons
etc. No preparation required.