What it is
It assesses the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder and abdominal aorta and, with a dedicated technique, the bowel wall.
What it is used for
Abdominal pain, abnormal liver tests, fatty liver, gallstones or kidney stones, monitoring of the abdominal aorta, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis.
How it is performed
The patient lies down; the probe is moved over the abdomen with gel. You may be asked to hold your breath.
Preparation
- Fast for at least 6 hours; you may drink water.
- If the test includes the bladder and pelvic organs, arrive with a full bladder: drink about a litre of water an hour beforehand and do not empty your bladder.
- Avoid smoking and chewing gum before the test.
- Bring previous tests.
Report
The report is written by the doctor who performs the test.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to fast?
After meals the gallbladder empties and bowel gas obscures the view.
Can it be done at home?
Yes, the practice performs ultrasound scans at home within the city of Milan.
What is bowel ultrasound used for?
It measures the thickness of the bowel wall, which is useful in inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis, without radiation.