It’s extremely important to look after the health of our liver, pancreas, and kidneys, and an abdominal ultrasound can help us assess the condition of these organs and the structures of the abdominal cavity.
This diagnostic examination provides an image of the abdomen’s internal organs. An abdominal ultrasound is completely painless, non-invasive, and safe because it does not use radiation, unlike X-rays or CT scans.
What does an abdominal ultrasound show?
Most commonly, it can assess:
Liver
- enlargement or reduction in size
- fatty liver disease
- cysts, tumors, metastases
- signs of cirrhosis
Gallbladder and bile ducts
- gallstones
- gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- dilated bile ducts
Pancreas
- inflammatory changes
- tumors
- changes in size and structure
Spleen
- enlargement
- injuries or cysts
Kidneys and urinary tract
- kidney stones
- cysts and tumors
- urinary obstruction/hydronephrosi
- s bladder condition
Major blood vessels
- abdominal aorta (e.g., aneurysm)
- inferior vena cava
Free fluid in the abdomen
- ascites
- bleeding
Why is an abdominal ultrasound performed?
An abdominal ultrasound is usually performed when a patient has symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating or a feeling of fullness, jaundice, suspected gallbladder or kidney stones, or unexplained weight loss. It is also indicated when blood test results are abnormal, such as elevated liver enzymes.
Abdominal ultrasound is also an integral and important part of preventive check-ups.
How to prepare for the examination
You must come fasting for an abdominal ultrasound. Do not eat anything for at least six hours before the exam. Two days beforehand, it is recommended to avoid foods that cause gas (such as cabbage, legumes, etc.), as well as heavy and fatty meals.
Abdominal ultrasound at IMC Priora
At the International Medical Center Priora, abdominal ultrasound examinations are performed by Dr. Zlatko Majić, Specialist in Internal and Emergency Medicine and Subspecialist in Pulmonology, and Dr. Matej Plažanin, Specialist in Internal Medicine and Subspecialist in Gastroenterology. Contact us with full confidence.
