Abdominal Ultrasound (Ultrasound Examination)

What is an abdominal ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, painless and non-invasive examination that uses ultrasound to assess the abdominal organs, including the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and major abdominal blood vessels. Other organs in the abdominal cavity may also be examined where necessary. The examination does not use ionising radiation, so it is safe and can be repeated as often as required.

This examination can help detect fatty liver, signs of cirrhosis, gallstones, kidney stones, cysts, various masses, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity and other abnormalities. However, it is important to understand that ultrasound cannot always provide an accurate assessment of conditions affecting the stomach, bowel or their lining. Other examinations may therefore be required.

How should you prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?

• Do not eat for 6–8 hours before the examination. The gallbladder should be full, and there should be as little gas as possible in the bowel.
• For 1–2 days before the examination, avoid foods that may increase gas production, including pulses, cabbage, onions, fizzy drinks, fresh bread and large amounts of dairy products.
• You may drink small amounts of water.
• Take any essential medicines as usual with a small amount of water.
• If you frequently experience abdominal bloating, your doctor may recommend taking simeticone on the day before the examination.
• If your kidneys or bladder will also be examined, you may be asked to arrive with a moderately full bladder. You will be informed about this when the examination is booked.

How is an abdominal ultrasound performed?

• The examination is performed while you are lying on your back or side.
• A special gel is applied to the skin of your abdomen to improve the transmission of the ultrasound waves.
• The doctor moves an ultrasound probe over the surface of your abdomen and assesses the internal organs on a monitor in real time.
• You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or turn onto your side so that the organs can be seen more clearly.
• The examination usually takes 15–30 minutes.

After the Abdominal Ultrasound

• No special precautions are required. You can eat, drink and resume your usual activities immediately.
• The doctor may discuss the results with you immediately, or they may be provided according to the healthcare facility’s usual procedure. If any abnormalities are identified, further laboratory tests or medical imaging may be recommended.