Content
Total abdominal ultrasound, also known as total abdominal ultrasound (USG) is an exam indicated for the morphological evaluation of abdominal organs, such as liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, kidneys, retroperitoneum and bladder, and also the evaluation of organs located in the pelvic region.
Ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to capture images and videos from inside the body, being considered safe and painless.
What is it for
Total abdominal ultrasound is used to assess the morphology of abdominal organs, such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, kidneys, retroperitoneum and bladder.
This exam can be indicated for the following cases:
- Identify tumors or masses in the abdomen;
- Detect the presence of liquid in the abdominal cavity;
- Identify an appendicitis;
- Detect gallstones or urinary tract stones;
- Detect changes in the anatomy of Organs abdominal organs;
- Identify swelling or changes in the organs, such as accumulation of fluid, blood or pus;
- Observe lesions in the tissues and muscles of the abdominal wall, such as abscesses or hernias, for example.
Even if the person has no signs or symptoms, in which a problem in the abdominal area may be suspected, the doctor may recommend abdominal ultrasound as a routine examination, especially in people over 65 years of age.
How the exam is done
Before performing the ultrasound, the technician may ask the person to wear a gown and to remove accessories that may interfere with the examination. Then, the person should lie on his back, with the abdomen exposed, so that the technician can pass a lubricating gel.
Then, the doctor slides a device called a transducer in the adome, which captures images in real time, which can be viewed during the examination on a computer screen.
During the examination, the doctor may also ask the person to change positions or to hold their breath in order to better visualize an organ. If the person feels pain during the exam, they should inform the doctor immediately.
Discover other types of ultrasound.
How to prepare
The doctor should inform the person how to prepare. It is generally recommended to drink a lot of water and fast for 6 to 8 hours and the previous day's meal should be light, preferring foods such as vegetable soup, vegetables, fruits and tea, and avoiding soda, sparkling water, juices , milk and dairy products, bread, pasta, egg, sweets and fatty foods.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend taking 1 dimethicone tablet to reduce intestinal gas.