Intestinal ultrasound (bowel ultrasound)

What is it?

Intestinal ultrasound is a safe, painless and non-invasive examination that uses ultrasound to assess the walls of the small and large intestine and the surrounding tissues. The examination does not use ionising radiation, so it can be repeated as often as necessary to monitor the course of the condition.

The examination can assess the thickness and structure of the intestinal wall, blood flow, the activity of inflammation, lymph nodes and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. It can also detect potential complications such as narrowing of the bowel (strictures), abscesses or fistulas.

Intestinal ultrasound is particularly valuable for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It helps assess disease activity, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, evaluate healing of the bowel and detect a flare-up at an early stage. In many cases, this examination can reduce the need for endoscopic examinations, although it does not completely replace them when they are required.

How is the examination performed?

• The examination is performed while you are lying on your back.
• A special ultrasound gel is applied to the skin of your abdomen, and the doctor uses a transducer to examine different areas of the abdomen.
• You may sometimes be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath.
• The examination usually takes 15–30 minutes and is painless.

How should I prepare?

• You are advised not to eat for 4–6 hours before the examination to reduce the amount of gas and food contents in the bowel.
• You may drink water and should take any essential medicines as usual.
• On the day before the examination, avoid foods and drinks that may increase gas production, such as pulses, cabbage, onions, carbonated drinks and fresh bread.
• Bowel cleansing, as required before a colonoscopy, is not necessary.
• In urgent cases, the examination may be performed without any special preparation.

After the examination

• You can return to your usual activities and eat and drink immediately after the examination.
• Your doctor will discuss the results with you and, if necessary, recommend further examinations or treatment.