Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity: preparation for examination of adults and children. What is the principle of ultrasound examination? How does an ultrasound machine work? Types of sensors used in abdominal ultrasound

Ultrasound (ultrasound) has become the leading method for diagnosing various types of pathologies. The excellent combination of its qualities - non-invasiveness, informativeness, speed and absolute painlessness - allows you to obtain the necessary data for making a diagnosis and prescribing therapy.

Diagnostics has wide possibilities and is used to assess the condition of almost all soft tissues, blood vessels and joints. As with many other procedures, for an ultrasound examination of some organs, due to their characteristics, the patient must take a number of measures.

Preparation for ultrasound for certain organs or systems is an integral part, and differs depending on which part of the body the study is aimed at. A high-quality set of preparatory manipulations is guaranteed to ensure reliable results.

What organs need to be prepared for examination?

An ultrasound examination can carefully examine and identify pathological abnormalities in almost all parts of the body, but some of them require special preparation. Thus, the abdominal organs (AOC) that are subject to preliminary preparation for ultrasound include: stomach, pancreas, liver, intestines, gallbladder, spleen, and abdominal aorta.

It will also be necessary to prepare for examination of the retroperitoneal space, where the kidneys, adrenal glands and ureters are located, and certainly the pelvis during examination Bladder. Ultrasound of the mammary glands should be done in the first 7-10 days of the menstrual cycle. For everyone else - the brain, joints, joints, muscles, thymus and thyroid glands, no need to prepare.

Due to the structural features of various organs, their preparation for ultrasound occurs in different ways, but for some it is no different. For example, most of the EBPs have almost the same preparation algorithm, that is, the procedures before examining the liver, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, stomach and intestines are practically the same.

How to prepare for an OBP examination?

In order for the doctor to thoroughly examine the abdominal organs, it is necessary to completely clear the stomach of food debris and the intestines of feces, and also take care to reduce the process of gas formation.

Since this can be a significant obstacle to diagnosis - on ultrasound, accumulation of gas, food debris, feces may look like a neoplasm or other pathological processes.
Before preparing for an ultrasound scan of the abdominal cavity, you need to ask the nurse in the diagnostic room in detail about the features of the preparatory process or use the instructions for patients.

A standardized memo for examinees, which will allow you to obtain correct result the first time

Preparation for the examination includes two main components - a diet with a certain diet and bowel cleansing. To do this, you need to strictly adhere to the rules and follow all instructions.

The diet before an ultrasound is prescribed 3–4 days before the ultrasound and consists of: complete refusal from products that lead to increased gas formation and slagging of the body. What should you not eat before an ultrasound? What foods should you exclude from your diet when preparing for an ultrasound examination?

These include:

• legumes - peas, beans, beans, lentils;
• bakery products, pastries, sweets;
• raw fruits and vegetables;
• fatty types of meat and fish;
• milk products;
• juices, strong coffee and tea;
• carbonated drinks and water;
• alcohol containing drinks.

Foods that can be eaten before an ultrasound are:

• grain porridges – buckwheat, barley, oatmeal, flax seeds;
• lean poultry or fish, beef, steamed or boiled;
• hard-boiled eggs, but no more than one per day;
• low-fat cheeses.

When preparing, you need to eat often, at least 4-5 times a day every 3-4 hours and drink enough fluids - still water or weakly brewed tea up to 1.5–2 liters per day. For patients wondering whether it is possible to eat before an ultrasound, the answer is that the procedure is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, with the last meal during a late light dinner. If it is carried out after lunch, the examinee is allowed to have breakfast with foods allowed by the diet no later than 8-9 a.m., and then not eat or drink anything else before the ultrasound.

Purgation

Second an important condition What you need to do to get an ultrasound done the first time and avoid repeating the procedure is bowel cleansing. To go for an ultrasound with a well-prepared organ, you can cleanse yourself with one of existing methods– using an enema or taking special pharmaceutical drugs.

To cleanse the intestines using the enema method, the patient will need a combined heating pad or Esmarch mug and an assistant - close person, who will assist in carrying out water procedure. For high-quality intestinal lavage, you need to start cleansing in the evening and give 2 enemas at 20.00 and 22.00. The next morning at 6-8 o'clock, 1-2 hours before the test, you need to do 2 or more enemas until the water comes out clear.

Medical instruments for intestinal lavage can be used both at home and in the hospital

Cleaning with pharmaceutical preparations such as Fortrans, Flit and others greatly simplifies the process and does not require the participation of a second person. The drug is diluted with water - in most cases it is a powder packaged in separate sachets. Its contents are diluted in 1 liter of water at the rate of 1 sachet per 20–25 kg of weight and drunk in an hour, that is, if you need to take 3 sachets, it will take 3 hours.

There are two preparation schemes - one-stage (only in the evening) and two-stage (taking the drug both in the evening and in the morning).

What medications make the preparation process easier?

For people suffering from increased flatulence or constipation, doctors recommend taking medications that relieve flatulence. pathological manifestations and significantly facilitating preparatory process. So, in case of excessive gas formation or to prevent it, drugs containing enzymes are prescribed - Festal or Mezim, for flatulence enterosorbents - White Coal, Smecta or Espumisan (1 tablet three times a day).

For regular bowel movements It is necessary to take laxatives such as Senade, Bisacodyl, Guttalax every day so that the intestines can independently cleanse themselves of fecal matter, and less time and effort will have to be spent on special cleaning.

Features of preparation for the study of the retroperitoneal space

The retroperitoneal part also has its own characteristics when preparing for an ultrasound, and the patient, when going for the procedure, must listen to the specialist’s recommendations and carefully follow them.

Kidneys and adrenal glands

If the patient normal weight, then, the kidneys and adrenal glands are easy to examine without prior preparation, but in case of obesity or increased flatulence, the patient will have to complete all the steps that are recommended for ultrasound of the kidneys. IN otherwise The diagnostician will not be able to examine the organs appropriate for diagnosis.

Bladder

Ultrasound of the bladder, as well as a comprehensive one, in combination with a kidney examination, is performed with a full bladder. Therefore, doctors recommend drinking water before an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder 45–60 minutes before the start of the procedure - at least 0.8–1 liter. Inaccuracies in water intake are caused by the characteristics of each organism, and they can only be identified experimentally.

Fluid intake – required condition before ultrasound of the bladder

If the patient has difficulty a short time drink required amount liquid, then you can start taking it 1.5 hours before the session and drink in small portions. At the beginning of the procedure, the subject should feel a strong urge to urinate. The algorithm for preparing for an ultrasound of the bladder with assessment of the volume of residual urine is constructed in the same way.

Small pelvis in women

The female pelvic organs are examined in two ways:

• Transabdominal(through the abdominal wall). It is carried out with a full bladder, so you need to not urinate for 2-4 hours before the procedure and drink 1 liter of still water an hour before the procedure. The night before, you need to cleanse your intestines with an enema.
• Transvaginal(insertion of the sensor into the vagina). This method allows you to determine pregnancy in the early stages and does not require preparation, since a full bladder will only interfere with the procedure.

Prostate

Diagnosis of this male organ also occurs in two ways:

• Transabdominal, which requires a full bladder, and therefore before the start of the session the patient cannot urinate for several hours, and must drink one liter of still water an hour before the session.
• Transrectal (insertion of the sensor into the rectum). The method does not require a full bladder, but the night before you should do a colon cleanse using an enema.

Many mothers, after receiving a referral for an ultrasound and learning about the upcoming diet, worrying about the child, begin to ask the doctor whether it is possible to eat before the ultrasound and how many hours should pass before the start of the study from feeding? Answers to such questions are provided depending on the age of the child. If the baby is a baby, then the mother skips one feeding so that at least 3 hours pass, and the baby must not drink for an hour.

For children from 1 to 3 years old, it is already a little easier to make the interval between doses more than 4 hours, which is enough to digest the food eaten, and also not let the baby drink for at least an hour. For older children - from 3 to 14 years old, who are able to understand why they need to give up food for a while, children are advised to fast for 6-8 hours and abstain from drinking liquids for an hour, but, as a rule, they tolerate such requirements normally. Careful preparation – results the first time!

An infant will not be able to do without feeding, and therefore before the procedure it is necessary to shift the meal time

The most important thing is to know and not forget that the preparatory process for ultrasound diagnostics is as important as high-quality equipment and the professionalism of the doctor. And with a successful combination of all these parameters, complete information with the smallest characteristics of the diagnosed organs will be available to the attending physician in just a few minutes, who will as soon as possible will establish the pathology and prescribe the necessary therapy.

Ultrasonography - modern technique identifying problems in the functioning of any organ in the peritoneal space allows timely detection of the presence of tumor formations. Preparation for an abdominal ultrasound will help the doctor to qualitatively and accurately examine all organs, systems and blood vessels.

The patient is also responsible for the final results. Today we will talk about when it is better to undergo manipulation, which is included in the preparatory stage.

Diseases

Abdominal pathologies of the peritoneum, for which there are direct indications for identifying/preventing serious processes:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Hepatitis, cirrhosis.
• Gallbladder diseases (cholecystitis).
• Stones and cystic formations BP organs.
• Tumors of malignant and non-malignant etiology.
• Male pathologies: prostatitis.
• Female: ovarian cyst, uterine fibroids, etc.
• Pregnancy, monitoring of fetal development.

Symptoms

Anomalous processes can be identified by the following signs:

1. Bitter bad taste and odor in the mouth.
2. Profuse salivation.
3. Heavy sensation in the right side, hypochondrium.
4. Flatulence, constant nausea, vomiting.
5. Pain, spasm in the lower abdomen, stomach, lower back, when urinating, radiating to the groin and rectum.
6. Distension of the peritoneum after eating.

Survey

The study of PD includes the following organs and systems:

1. Liver: pathological processes, changes, presence of hepatitis (hepatosis), cirrhosis, cancer.
2. Gallbladder: presence of stones, blockage of the excretory system, growths, cholecystitis.
3. Spleen: uncharacteristic enlargement, change in structure.
4. Stomach: peptic ulcer.
5. Pancreas: pancreatitis, organ death (pancreatic necrosis).
6. Thin/thick, duodenum: polyps, cysts, tumors.
7. Urinary excretory system: kidneys, adrenal glands, ureter.
8. Bladder.
9. Ovaries, uterine cavity (women).
10. Prostate.

Preparation

Every organ has echogenicity. Their reflection is recorded by a high-frequency wave from the device’s sensors. After which the signal is converted into electrical and displayed as a picture on the monitor.

Size, boundaries, surface structure and density, malignant formations, the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, all of which the doctor can examine using an ultrasound machine.

Modern techniques and devices make it possible to accurately obtain data on the state of the peritoneal organs at a two- and three-dimensional level in real format.

Therefore, in order to avoid distortion of the picture, you need to thoroughly prepare for the procedure. Examination of the abdominal cavity (AC) is complicated by the formation of gases in the intestines.

Flatulence can cause poor visibility, resulting in inaccurate diagnosis. And feces lead to interference and unimpeded passage of the emitted wave.

Before the ultrasound, you need to eliminate foods that cause gas and constipation. It is forbidden to drink alcohol the day before and excessively indulge in tobacco smoking, this can cause spasms.

Price

The price depends on the clinic and the doctor’s qualifications. The table below shows the average rates per procedure.

You need to start the preparatory stage before the manipulation several days in advance. It's better to go on a diet.

Proper food:

1. Cereals: buckwheat, barley, flax porridge.
2. Lean meat: skinless chicken, beef.
3. Fish of lean varieties is best baked or boiled.
4. Fermented milk products with low calorie content.
5. The daily fluid intake is up to 2.5 liters.

The last meal should be 8 hours before the procedure. If during the day, then in 4-4.5 hours.

Prohibited per day:

• Vegetables and fruits without heat treatment.
• Beans.
• Bread, confectionery.
• Fermentation products, kefir, alcohol.
• Fatty, fried.
• Coffee, strong tea.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Smoking.

Cleansing enema

Scroll:

• "Duphalac".
• "Prelaxan".
• "Senade".
• "Fortrans".

Use according to the instructions, which basically say that you need to take 1 tablet per 10-20 kg of weight. Do not increase the dosage.

To normalize stomach function:

1. "Motilium".
2. "Festal".
3. "Mezim."
4. "Activated carbon".

To eliminate gases:

• "Smecta".
• "Enterosgel".
• "Simethicone".

On the day of the procedure: description

Ultrasound of the BP is performed before lunch on an empty stomach. Liquids should only be drunk with permission or on demand, for example during a bladder examination.

It is advisable not to drink water for 1.5-2 hours or more. Give an enema in the morning before the procedure, the intestines should be completely emptied.

How is ultrasound performed:

1. Horizontally, the diagnostic method is painless.
2. On the side (left/right) depending on the organ being examined.
3. The gel is applied to the diagnostic area.
4. The sensor is connected.
5. The picture is shown on the monitor.
6. Doctor fixing important points, the nurse writes down the result.

Upon completion, the doctor issues a stamped form with preliminary diagnosis. The decoding will be done by another specialist who provides a referral for an ultrasound scan.

results

Distortion, reasons:

• Smoked a cigarette half an hour before the procedure.
• Having a snack 2 hours in advance, even chewing gum, can negatively affect the outcome.
• Nervous unrest, stress.
• Insufficient amount of fluid when examining the bladder.
• You should not do x-rays or other radiation the day before.
• Taking antispasmodics in the morning is prohibited.

How to properly prepare for an abdominal ultrasound in children

This modern informative diagnostics, allows for timely identification serious illness, tumor formation.

Therefore, the quality and accuracy of the result will depend on how you prepare. Subscribe to our website. There is a lot of new information ahead.

Photos and videos of how ultrasound diagnostics are performed

What is abdominal ultrasound? Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in comparison with other research methods

Ultrasound examination is also called echography. This name is due to the fact that ultra sound waves, passing through human tissue, are reflected back in the form of an echo. The echo recorded by the sensor serves as the basis for the formation of an image on the screen of the ultrasound machine. Structures of different densities reflect ultrasound waves differently, resulting in a contrasting image.

Ultrasound examination has become a part of medical practice since the 1960s. Since then, medical technology has stepped forward, and ultrasound equipment has become more advanced. Using ultrasound, it is now possible to create a three-dimensional model of the organs being examined. Abdominal ultrasound is the most common procedure in the study of internal organs due to its simplicity and accessibility. Abdominal ultrasound is performed for people of any age in almost every medical institution.

What is the principle of ultrasound examination? How does an ultrasound machine work?

Ultrasonic waves are created using the piezoelectric effect. It consists of creating ultrasonic vibrations under the influence of electric current. Only some substances, such as quartz, have this ability. Piezoelements that create ultrasonic waves are made from such substances. Modern ultrasonic sensors contain from 500 to 1000 piezoelements.

There is also an inverse piezoelectric effect. It lies in the fact that under the influence of ultrasound the piezoelement generates electricity. Thanks to the inverse piezoelectric effect, the ultrasonic sensor simultaneously works as a receiver of reflected ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasonic waves travel in different media at different speeds. In the air their speed is 330 meters per second, in soft tissues and abdominal organs - 1500 m/s, in bones - 3500 m/s. At the boundary of two media with different speeds of propagation of ultrasound in it ( acoustic density) ultrasonic waves are reflected. The greatest reflection of waves is observed from the surfaces of media with big difference in density ( for example, between bones and soft tissues ). The stronger the reflection of ultrasonic waves, the brighter color structures on the screen of an ultrasound machine.

In the correct assessment of an ultrasound image, its resolution plays an important role. Resolution is determined by the distance at which two adjacent points on the ultrasound machine screen are distinguishable. To obtain a high-quality ultrasound image, sensor parameters are very important. A doctor has several options for sensors that have different parameters. If the sensor produces ultrasonic waves of higher frequency, they give very good resolution, but penetrate to a shallow depth. When using ultrasound of a lower frequency, the penetration depth of ultrasonic waves can be increased, but the image resolution deteriorates.

What organs are examined during an abdominal ultrasound?

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity includes examination of the following structures:

• gallbladder and bile ducts;
• spleen;
• abdominal vessels.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity with functional tests

Functional studies include ultrasound of the biliary tract with food load. In response to food intake, the gallbladder contracts and bile is released from it. Using ultrasound, you can evaluate the degree of contraction of the gallbladder. This technique allows you to evaluate motor ( contractile) function of the biliary tract.

Another study that allows you to evaluate function is ultrasound of the stomach and intestines with a water-siphon test. After filling the gastrointestinal tract, not only does its visibility on ultrasound improve, but it is also possible to track the rate of movement of fluid through the digestive organs. Using a water-siphon test, peristalsis is assessed ( muscle contractions walls of the stomach and intestines) and the rate of fluid absorption in the intestine.

Abdominal ultrasound with color Doppler mapping ( CDC)

Color Doppler mapping provides color coding of recorded frequencies on the monitor screen. Red color indicates the approach of the blood flow, and blue color indicates its distance from the sensor. Using this, you can get a branched tree of blood vessels on the screen, colored in different colors depending on the direction of blood flow.

Abdominal ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound can also be called duplex ( double) research. This name is explained by the fact that first a regular scan of all organs is carried out, and then the Doppler technique is used separately. Duplex study used in research abdominal region aorta, portal blood flow of the liver, in the presence of tumors and neoplasms.

Abdominal ultrasound with contrast

Ultrasound with contrast is performed for the following purposes:

• identifying differences between benign and malignant tumors;
• assessment of the blood supply to various organs during their inflammation ( for example, liver);
• study of blood flow parameters in some vessels.

CT scan ( CT) and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity

A CT scan of the abdomen is often performed with contrast. By using computed tomography Almost all diseases can be diagnosed, including inflammatory ones. Ultrasound is not as accurate as computed tomography, but is a more accessible and faster method. In addition, ultrasound does not expose the patient to radiation and therefore has no contraindications.

Computed tomography is most often prescribed before abdominal surgery. Surgeons need to know in advance the location in the abdominal cavity of the formations for which the operation is being performed. Ultrasound cannot provide accurate data, while this is clearly visible in a CT image. Thus, for a routine examination of the abdominal organs, ultrasound is sufficient, but serious illnesses, in which ultrasound is not sufficiently informative, CT is recommended.

Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity

MRI of the abdominal cavity is informative and is successfully used in the following groups of abdominal diseases:

• inflammatory diseases;
• congenital anomalies of organ structure;
• benign tumors;
• malignant tumors;
• vascular diseases and others.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and FGDS ( fibrogastroduodenoscopy)

When examining hollow organs, ultrasound is not as informative as when examining parenchymal organs such as the liver and pancreas. The wall of hollow organs is small in thickness, and the resolution of an ultrasound machine may not allow all its details to be seen. Therefore, to diagnose some diseases ( ulcer, gastritis) it is necessary to conduct a visual endoscopic examination of the wall of the stomach and intestines. Naturally, this procedure is less convenient for the patient, but it gives a reliable result. Using FGDS, it is also possible to collect tissue and biological fluids from the stomach cavity.

Unfortunately, FGDS is not performed on children due to the unpleasant sensations it can cause to the child. psychological trauma. Modern ultrasound equipment has made a step forward and in some cases makes it possible to diagnose defects in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. However, despite this, for diseases of the stomach and intestines, FGDS is a priority study.

Indications and contraindications for abdominal ultrasound

Purpose of performing abdominal ultrasound

The purposes of performing an abdominal ultrasound are:

• Preventive examination of internal organs. It is recommended that a preventive examination be performed every three years, starting at age 21.
• Exclusion or confirmation of diseases of the abdominal organs. In this case, an ultrasound is performed to establish a diagnosis and choose treatment tactics.
• Monitoring chronic processes. For some diseases, a wait-and-see approach is followed, since their treatment poses a high risk. In this case, organs are examined approximately every six months.
• Assist in performing diagnostic and treatment procedures. Puncture of cysts, abscesses, collection of a piece of tissue ( biopsy) are performed under the control of an ultrasonic sensor.
• Postoperative observation. The success of operations performed on the abdominal cavity is assessed using live examination as well as ultrasound.

Indications for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. For what symptoms should you consult a doctor and undergo an abdominal ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound should be performed if the following symptoms occur:

• digestive disorders ( constipation, flatulence);
• acquisition of a yellow tint by the skin ( jaundice);
• feeling of heaviness after eating;
• sudden change in weight.

Abdominal ultrasound for abdominal pain

Acute abdominal pain can occur for the following reasons:

• Hepatic colic. Pain occurs in the right hypochondrium. An abdominal ultrasound reveals gallstones and inflammation.
• Acute pancreatitis. Pain appears in the middle or upper abdomen and radiates to the lower back ( girdle pain). Ultrasound reveals enlargement, swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.
• Exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease. With ulcers, pain is associated with eating and appears in the upper abdomen along midline. Ultrasound is not very informative in diagnosing ulcers; FGDS is preferred.
• Intestinal inflammation ( enteritis, colitis). Pain appears in the middle and lower abdomen, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea ( diarrhea) . Ultrasound cannot detect intestinal inflammation, so indigestion is the main sign of intestinal damage.
• Appendicitis. Pain with appendicitis initially appears in the right lower abdomen, but quickly spreads to the entire surface of the abdomen. In case of appendicitis, it is necessary to provide assistance as soon as possible surgical care. Ultrasound is also effective in detecting appendicitis.
• Stones in the kidneys. Pain due to kidney stones appears in the back, but the patient feels that they radiate to the stomach and stretch into the groin area. Using ultrasound, they are detected in almost all cases.
• Tumor disease. Tumors rarely cause severe pain. This usually applies to malignant tumors or mechanical complications of tumors. Pain appears when the tumor compresses the lumen of the bile ducts or ureters. Ultrasound can detect these abnormalities, but the priority test for diagnosing tumors is MRI or CT.
• Disease of the spine and muscles. If all listed reasons have been excluded, it is suspected that the pain is caused by inflammation of the spinal nerves or muscles.

Indications for ultrasound of the abdominal organs for pregnant women

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is indicated for pregnant women in the following cases:

• presence of pain in the upper abdomen;
• symptoms of intoxication ( nausea, vomiting, weakness) after the third month of pregnancy;
• yellowness or paleness of the skin;
• changes in blood tests;

Is it harmful to have an abdominal ultrasound? How often can an abdominal ultrasound be done?

Abdominal ultrasound can be performed an unlimited number of times due to its safety. For preventive purposes, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is recommended to be performed once every 3 years, and for chronic diseases of the abdominal organs, ultrasound is performed more often ( about once every six months) to monitor changes in organs. During treatment acute diseases Ultrasound can be performed several times during the course to monitor the dynamics of recovery.

Contraindications to abdominal ultrasound

Difficulties for ultrasound examination arise when there is overweight and thick subcutaneous fat. In this case, it is necessary to use special sensors with an increased depth of investigation. If there are wounds or abrasions on the skin, this place is isolated using medical latex. After this, it can be carefully examined using an ultrasound probe. Thus, abdominal ultrasound can be successfully performed in different situations thanks to the simplicity and convenience of this procedure.

Is it possible to do an abdominal ultrasound during menstruation?

How long are abdominal ultrasound results valid?

Technique for performing ultrasound of the abdominal cavity

The technique for performing abdominal ultrasound may vary depending on which organs are suspected of having pathological changes. The scanning plane depends on this. Detection of abnormalities on ultrasound may require a more thorough and lengthy examination. However, in the longest case, an ultrasound of the abdominal organs without additional techniques takes 30 minutes.

How to get a referral for an abdominal ultrasound?

A referral for an abdominal ultrasound may also indicate surgeon ( sign up) . Ultrasound examination is required by surgeons when treating hernias, tumors, appendicitis and other diseases. Surgery may be required if acute abdominal pain occurs. In this case, an abdominal ultrasound is performed on an emergency basis in the emergency department.

Which doctor performs abdominal ultrasound?

If necessary and equipment is available, ultrasound examination can be performed by the attending physician himself. For example, it is sometimes better for surgeons to perform an abdominal ultrasound themselves before surgery to clarify some of the anatomical features of a given patient. This helps surgeons navigate during abdominal surgery.

Ultrasound diagnostic room equipment

The ultrasound room contains:

• ultrasound machine;
• couch;
• doctor's workplace ( desk, chair);
• hanger;
• sink;
• first aid kit.

The ultrasound room should have good lighting. Light should come from windows, but it should not be too bright as it interferes with viewing the image on the monitor. The office should have a hanger or wardrobe so that the patient can undress comfortably before the examination. The office should have a source of drinking water and a sink at which the patient can clean himself up after the examination.

Ultrasound diagnostic device

The components of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus are:

• Power unit. Serves to convert the current from a standard electrical network into the current necessary for the correct operation of the device.
• Ultrasonic sensor. The sensor is both a source and receiver of ultrasonic waves. These two processes alternate very often, about 1000 times per second.
• Ultrasonic pulse converter. Serves to represent the ultrasonic pulse from the sensor in the form of an electrical signal.
• CPU. Processes all signals coming from the sensor. Allows you to correct the image, eliminate defects, measure linear parameters, and configure scanning.
• Monitor. Serves to display and present scan results in a form convenient for the doctor to understand.
• Data input devices ( keyboard). Input devices are used when storing a patient's card in the device's memory.
• Disk for storing data. Stores data about all studies performed.
• A printer. After the examination, the ultrasound technician often prints out the most representative static image obtained during the examination.

Ultrasound scanning modes

Currently, the following ultrasound scanning modes are used in medicine:

• A-mode. The reflected signals are displayed as peaks, between which the distance can be determined. With this scanning method, the organ itself is not imaged, so this technique is gradually being abandoned.
• M-mode. This method is used to study moving organs such as heart valves or the aorta. Created on screen wavy line, displaying the movement of anatomical structures.
• B-mode. Most often used because this method a two-dimensional image of the structures under study is created. It is built in a fan shape, corresponding to the real scale of depth in the human body.
• Doppler scanning. With this method, blood flow is displayed on the screen in the form of a color pattern. The colors correspond to the speed and direction of blood movement relative to a stationary sensor.

Types of sensors used in abdominal ultrasound

The higher the frequency of the sensor, the better the image, but at the same time the possible depth of investigation decreases. Thus, a sensor operating at a frequency of 7.5 MHz has a resolution of 0.5 mm, but the possible depth of its use is only 5 cm. A sensor operating at a frequency of 3.5 MHz allows examining structures at a depth of 16 cm, but its resolution is half that.

The following types of sensors exist:

• Linear. The piezoelements in such a sensor are arranged linearly. Typically, the frequency of a linear transducer is 5 – 10 MHz, which is why it gives a clear image of structures, but at a shallow depth.
• Convex. It is distinguished by a fan-shaped arrangement of piezoelements and a convex surface. The frequency of the convex sensor is in the range of 3 – 7.5 MHz, so it has average image quality and penetration depth.
• Sector. This sensor has compact dimensions and is designed to study deep structures in a narrow sector. The frequency of the sector sensor is in the range of 1.5 - 5 MHz.

For proper operation sensor, special gels are used to ensure the necessary contact of the sensor with the skin. Without this gel, ultrasonic waves would be scattered in the air gap between the skin and the sensor. The gel is transparent and neutral to the skin. It is based on glycerin and also contains water, fats, and disinfectants.

Protocol for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. How is an abdominal ultrasound performed?

During the scan, the doctor moves the ultrasound probe in different planes. In real time, an image appears on the screen of the ultrasound machine, which the doctor examines. At this moment, the patient feels a slight vibration, similar to a massage. Sometimes the doctor asks the patient to change position, lie on his side, sit down, do deep breath. This is done in order to obtain an optimal image of certain organs. The entire examination of the abdominal organs lasts no more than 30 minutes.

To study the abdominal organs, the entire upper abdomen is scanned. The sensor is installed longitudinally, transversely and obliquely. When performing an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity with color Doppler mapping ( CDC) a special sensor is used, which is installed in a certain position and held motionless for a certain time. Carrying out and interpreting the results of Doppler measurements requires a certain amount of experience from the doctor.

Performing an abdominal ultrasound on a child

Ultrasound for children is performed only in the presence of parents, as they help establish positive contact between the doctor and the child during the examination. The child must remain motionless during the examination, he must be absolutely calm. Parents can help with this friendly attitude doctor

How is an abdominal ultrasound performed on pregnant women?

Abdominal scans are performed in upper sections abdomen, so the fetus does not interfere with their examination. For pregnant women, only one position is usually used during an ultrasound - lying on your back, since other positions are difficult for pregnant women to maintain for a long time. If necessary, a bolster is used to support the body in certain positions.

Abdominal ultrasound at home

The examination technique for performing ultrasound at home is the same as for a standard examination. At the same time, there are no restrictions on the organs examined for ultrasound at home. The quality of an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity at home is not inferior to a study carried out in an ultrasound room in a clinic.

Is it possible to perform an abdominal ultrasound under a compulsory health insurance policy ( Compulsory medical insurance)?

Preparing for an abdominal ultrasound

Reminder for the patient before ultrasound. How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound in an adult?

A memo for the patient before performing an abdominal ultrasound contains the following recommendations:

• 2–3 days in advance it is necessary to follow a special diet that reduces the formation of gases and waste in the intestines;
• for constipation and flatulence, you need to take medications in advance to improve digestion ( activated carbon, espumisan and others);
• the last meal should be 6–8 hours before the test;
• Smoking and drinking alcohol are not allowed before an abdominal ultrasound;
• after FGDS and x-ray of the abdominal organs using contrast agents, at least 24 hours must pass;
• for chronic diseases and constant use medicines their use should be continued despite the upcoming ultrasound examination.

Diet before abdominal ultrasound. What can you eat before the test?

• some vegetables ( cabbage, onions, mushrooms);
• legumes ( beans, peas, soybeans);
• dairy products;
• eggs;
• bread, butter and flour products;
• carbonated drinks;
• alcohol.

Is it possible to drink tea, coffee, water before an abdominal ultrasound?

When performing an abdominal ultrasound with a water-siphon test, the patient drinks water, but does this right in the ultrasound room. In any case, the doctor is interested in what foods the person consumed before the study. If the results of the study are negative, it may be necessary to repeat it, but with stricter adherence to the diet.

Should I take medications? activated carbon, espumizan, fortrans, enterosgel) before an abdominal ultrasound?

Activated carbon is a substance with a high ability to absorb toxins and waste from the gastrointestinal tract. It is taken in the form of tablets of 1 - 2 grams 3 times a day, an hour after meals. It helps with diseases such as diarrhea, flatulence, colitis, increased acidity stomach. It can also be taken the day before an abdominal ultrasound.

Espumisan is a drug with a narrower application than activated carbon. It purposefully reduces the formation of gases in the intestines and helps eliminate them naturally. To prepare for an ultrasound, take 2 capsules 3 times a day before the examination, as well as 2 capsules in the morning on the day of the examination.

Before an abdominal ultrasound, drinking alcohol leads to vasoconstriction. The effect of alcohol as a toxic substance can lead to a slight enlargement of organs and their inflammatory swelling. Gas formation increases in the intestines, making it difficult to visualize the abdominal organs. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes should be stopped not only for the duration of the study, but also on an ongoing basis, since these habits only cause harm to the body.

What does preparing children for an abdominal ultrasound include?

It is very important for children to follow the same rules for preparing for research as for adults. Mom and dad should monitor their children's diet and also give them activated charcoal in appropriate proportions a few days before the ultrasound. The required dose of activated carbon is 0.05 grams per kilogram of the child’s weight three times a day. It is recommended to exclude sweets and carbonated drinks from children's diet a few days before an abdominal ultrasound.

A correct diagnosis is the key to successful treatment, but the doctor is not always able to identify the disease based on an examination of the patient and the collected medical history, especially when there are suspicions of diseases of the abdominal organs, which have a complex structure and often have similar symptoms when pathologies develop.

IN modern world technologies, no area of ​​medicine can do without informative and high-quality equipment that allows us to identify the slightest violations and diseases within our body. One of the most common and accessible diagnostic methods is ultrasound examination, which helps to make the correct diagnosis for many diseases, especially if we're talking about about possible disturbances in the functioning of the abdominal organs. In order for an ultrasound examination to provide maximum information to the doctor, special preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is required, which consists of several stages, which the doctor must inform about on the eve of the examination.

How does ultrasound work?

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is a modern non-invasive diagnostic method that is widely prescribed to patients in various fields of medicine. Ultrasound examinations use high-frequency sound waves to produce 2D or 3D images of internal organs in real time. The special ultrasound sensor of the device has the ability to record all changes, sending their results to the monitor screen. When ultrasound scanning the abdominal organs, a frequency of ultrasonic waves of at least 2.5-3.5 MHz is used, this makes it possible to accurately determine the size, position, structure, deviations and other characteristics of the abdominal organs.

What organs does an abdominal ultrasound examine?

Using ultrasound, you can examine parenchymal organs, as well as those filled with fluid. Basically, with the help of ultrasound, the ultrasound specialist examines the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, bile ducts. At the same time, with the help of this examination, it is possible to examine the kidneys, which are located in the retroperitoneal space, but are clearly visible along with other organs. The intestines and stomach can also be examined using ultrasound, but given that there is air in these organs, it is difficult to examine them, and the results obtained may be distorted and not true. Therefore, to examine the stomach and intestines, it is better to undergo a colonoscopy.

When should you do an abdominal ultrasound?

Modern ultrasound examination is carried out using the latest equipment, which makes it possible to accurately identify the slightest pathological processes in the abdominal cavity. The great advantage of this study is its low cost, as well as accessibility and high information content. In addition, an undeniable advantage of ultrasound diagnostics is the absence of contraindications. Both pregnant women and children can undergo this examination. early age, as many times as required by the doctor to make a correct diagnosis or to monitor the progression of the disease. You can undergo an abdominal ultrasound with the direction of your attending physician or independently if you have the following symptoms:

• bitterness in the mouth;
• periodic or constant heaviness in the stomach;
• vomiting, nausea;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• pain in the abdomen, lower back, under the chest and hypochondrium;
• increased gas formation;
• frequent urination, burning, pain during urination;
• suspicion of oncological, infectious, inflammatory diseases.

If a person's medical history includes chronic diseases abdominal organs, then it is recommended to undergo an ultrasound scan at least once every 6 months. As a preventative measure, this examination should be completed once a year. The results of an abdominal ultrasound allow the doctor to draw up full picture diseases, determine the degree of damage to the diseased organ, identify functional or pathological processes in the abdominal cavity.

Ultrasound examination can detect the following diseases or disorders:

• gallstones;
• changes in the structure of the liver: fatty liver, hepatitis of various etiologies, cirrhosis or others pathological neoplasms benign or malignant origin;
• enlargement or changes in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity, which often react to pathogenic bacteria or viruses;
• thickening of the walls of the gallbladder;
• disturbances in the structure of the abdominal organs that occurred as a result of mechanical damage;
• inflammation of the pancreas: pancreatitis;
• enlarged spleen.

In addition to the above pathologies, ultrasound can identify other disorders and diseases of the abdominal organs. In order for the examination results to be reliable, and for the doctor to be able to properly assess the condition of the internal organs, a person needs proper preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, which consists of simple but very important recommendations.

How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?

As mentioned above, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity has no contraindications, and the high efficiency of the examination allows us to identify the slightest disturbances in the functioning of the internal organs of the peritoneum. However, as with any medical procedure preparation for ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is required. The doctor should tell you how to properly prepare for this procedure, but many patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to drink water before an ultrasound or whether it is possible to eat before an ultrasound of the abdominal organs?

Before undergoing an ultrasound, you need to stop eating and drinking water 4-5 hours. The only exception is that if the doctor needs to examine the kidneys or bladder, then you need to drink at least 1 liter of water before the procedure. Also, if the patient has had his gallbladder removed, then drinking water is not prohibited. Equally important in preparing for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs is the condition of the intestines, which should be empty; this will help the doctor more accurately assess the condition of the internal organs. Therefore, the patient may often be prescribed an enema or bowel cleansing with special medications. Before the study, it is prohibited to consume any alcoholic drinks, and you should also stop smoking. If a person does not adhere to the correct preparation for an ultrasound, this may negatively affect the quality of the examination.

An ultrasound of the abdominal organs is performed in the supine position. For more accurate examination The doctor may ask you to turn on your right or left side, take a deep breath and hold your breath. The doctor applies a small amount of contrast agent to the abdominal area and begins to move the sensor. In this way, the internal organs are scanned, and the results of the examination are recorded on the monitor screen.

Many modern clinics They perform ultrasound in 3D or 4D images, which allows you to obtain more accurate and high-quality examination results. After the ultrasound procedure, the doctor makes a conclusion (deciphering) this survey, which is handed over to the attending physician.

Diet before abdominal ultrasound

An important step in preparing for an abdominal ultrasound is nutrition, which can affect the results of the examination. So, on the eve of an ultrasound diagnosis, a person needs to exclude the following foods from his diet for 2-3 days:

• black bread;
• milk;
• carbonated drinks;
• raw vegetables, fruits, and juices;
• confectionery;
• fried, fatty, spicy foods;
• fatty meats;
• alcohol.

Following a diet will reduce the amount of gases formed in the intestines, thereby allowing the doctor to thoroughly examine the internal organs of the abdomen. It is recommended to consume the following products:

• boiled, baked or steamed beef, chicken or fish meat;
• no more than 1 chicken egg hard-boiled;
• porridge with water: pearl barley, buckwheat, oatmeal;
• hard cheeses;
• light and non-greasy soups.

Meals should be fractional, every 3 hours. You can use weak and non-strong drinks as drinks. sweet tea or still water. However, before performing an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, you need to refuse food for 3 to 5 hours. If there is a need or a person is sick diabetes mellitus, then you can drink not too sweet tea or eat 1 lollipop. If the study is scheduled for the afternoon, then a light breakfast is recommended.

It is important to note that if preparation is being made for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs and kidneys, then it should be done in the morning and only on an empty stomach.

Colon cleansing before abdominal ultrasound

To obtain reliable ultrasound results, doctors often recommend bowel cleansing on the eve of the procedure. This procedure can be carried out using an enema, but in Lately Most people prefer an alternative method of cleansing the intestines - taking laxative medications: “Senade”, “Senadexin” or the drug “Fortrans”, which should be taken depending on body weight. 1 tablet or one sachet of laxative is designed for 20 kg of human body weight. As a laxative, you can also take drugs such as: “Normaze”, “Dufalak”, “Prelaxan”. Before using any laxative, you should read the instructions for use or consult your doctor.

Factors that distort abdominal ultrasound

In order for preparation for an abdominal ultrasound to be successful and not affect the results of the examination, a person must strictly adhere to the above recommendations. If all the recommendations were followed correctly, but the doctor has suspicions that the results are not entirely reliable, you may not have taken into account some points that may lead to distortion of the diagnostic results:

1. Smoking is prohibited 2 hours before the ultrasound examination.
2. You should not chew lollipops or gum 2 hours before the procedure.
3. If an X-ray examination was carried out the day before, you need to inform the doctor and wait 2-3 days, and only then do an ultrasound examination of the abdominal area.
4. There is no need to take antispasmodics on the eve of the procedure: “No-shpa”, “Spazmalgon”, “Papaverine”, “Dibazol”, “Papazol”. If there is a need to take them, be sure to inform your doctor.
5. If there is a desire or need to examine the kidneys, then the bladder should be full.
6. Obesity makes diagnosis difficult.

Failure to comply with the above points may lead to distorted results. Therefore, if you want to get accurate results diagnostics and not to undergo the examination procedure again, you must prepare properly for the procedure, and if questions arise, you should definitely ask your doctor, who will give useful recommendations and help you prepare for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Preparing for an abdominal ultrasound

The main obstacle to performing an abdominal ultrasound is the presence of air. Therefore, the main task of preparing for an ultrasound examination is to remove all excess air from the intestines.

2 days before the study, foods that cause gas formation should be excluded from the menu: raw fruits and vegetables, brown bread, milk, sparkling water, marinades and home-canned food, high-calorie confectionery - pastries, cakes.

If the study is planned in the morning, then it is necessary to exclude breakfast (do not eat or drink)

If the study is scheduled after 13.00, a light breakfast is allowed 6 hours before the study, excluding the above products.

Preparation for abdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs:

For a high-quality transabdominal examination of the pelvic organs, it is necessary to fill the bladder. Against the background of a full bladder, it is possible to clearly see the internal genital organs. In this case, you need to drink 300-500 ml of water in 30-45 minutes. before the study.

Ultrasound to determine the sex of the child is performed at 15-16 weeks

Preparation for transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs:

Transvaginal ultrasound is performed on an empty bladder