Abdominal Ultrasound Scans

Abdominal ultrasound scans can be done to look at the organs and blood vessels in the abdomen. The most common reason to have an abdominal ultrasound scan is to find a cause for abdominal pain, however you may have an abdominal ultrasound scan if you have other symptoms or if your doctor is concerned about the results of other tests, for example blood test results. The organs that are included in an abdominal ultrasound scan are:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Pancreas
• Gall Bladder
• Spleen
• Abdominal Aorta

There are many medical problems that can be seen using an ultrasound scan.
These include:

• Gallstones in the gall bladder and the kidneys
• Aneurysm in the aorta (widening of the aortic artery)
• Masses and fat in the liver
• Cysts and tumours in the abdominal organs
• Enlarged organs

How should I prepare?

Preparation for the ultrasound scan varies depending on which organs the Radiologist or Sonographer want to examine. At the time of the booking we will provide you with the correct preparation based on the type of ultrasound scan you need.

What will happen during the examination?

During the ultrasound scan the sonographer will place a warm water-based gel on the area to be examined, and will then press firmly on the skin with an ultrasound probe, moving it around until they have obtained the desired images. The ultrasound scan has no known risks and is usually pain free. When the scan is completed the gel can be wiped off easily using tissue.

Pelvic Ultrasound Scan

The pelvic ultrasound scan looks at organs in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. Female Pelvic Ultrasound (Gynaecological Ultrasound) A pelvic Ultrasound scan is indicated when there is pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and other menstrual problems. During the pelvic ultrasound scan, we will look at the uterus, ovaries and endometrium to help find the cause of these problems. There are many medical problems that can be identified using an ultrasound scan including:

• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovaries
• Ovarian or Uterine Cancer
• Position of a contraceptive coil
• The ultrasound scan can be performed trans-abdominally (externally) but it is often necessary to do an ultrasound scan trans-vaginally (internally)

What will happen during the examination?

During the trans-abdominal (external) ultrasound scan the radiologist or sonographer will place a warm water-based gel on the examination area and then press firmly on the skin using an ultrasound probe to get a good image of the examination area. It is recommended that you have a full bladder during this ultrasound scan as it allows the consultant to see the internal organs. For a trans-vaginal (internal) ultrasound scan you will need to have an empty bladder. The consultant will cover the ultrasound probe with a condom, and then insert it 2 - 3 inches into the vagina. The consultant will then move the probe around to get a good picture of the uterus and ovaries.

Male Pelvic Scan

The scan can help to detect any tumours and can also help to diagnose any urinary problems or kidney stones, as well as a variety of other problems. During a male pelvic ultrasound scan the consultant will examine the organs in the pelvic area to look for any abnormalities. The areas that will be examined include:

• The bladder (before and after urinating)
• Prostate
• Kidneys

How should I prepare?

A full bladder is required for this scan as it allows the consultant to get a better picture of the area to be examined. The radiologist or sonographer may require you to empty your bladder half way through the examination allowing for pre and post micturating volumes of the bladder.

What will happen during the examination?

During the ultrasound scan the radiologist or sonographer will place a warm water-based gel on the area to be examined, and will then press firmly on the skin with an ultrasound probe, moving it around until they have obtained the desired images. The ultrasound scan has no known risks and is usually pain free. When the scan is completed the gel can be wiped off easily using tissue.

Vascular

Vascular ultrasound screening examines the body's circulatory system. Vascular ultrasound provides pictures of the body's veins and arteries. A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a vascular ultrasound examination and evaluates blood velocity as it flows through a blood vessel. There are many medical problems that can be seen using an ultrasound scan. These include:

• Stroke: Carotid arteries are the arteries that supply the blood flow to the brain and if blocked can lead to a Stroke. The ultrasound can detect whether the arteries are narrowed, calcified or have a blood clot.
• Aortic Aneurysm: This is a swelling (dialation) of the aorta. This is a potentially fatal condition for which early medical intervention can be life saving.
• Thrombosis of veins (DVT): This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins, usually in the leg. This can cause pain and swelling.

What will happen during the examination?

During the ultrasound scan the radiologist or sonographer will place a warm water-based gel on the area to be examined, and will then press firmly on the skin with an ultrasound probe, moving it around until they have obtained the desired images. The ultrasound scan has no known risks and is usually pain free. When the scan is completed the gel can be wiped off easily using tissue

Musculoskeletal scan

Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Ultrasound scanning is used because it is an effective diagnostic tool, allowing the Sonographer to look at the internal organs in real time and showing the inflammation, tears and any signs of impingement. Musculoskeletal scans are used primarily to look at soft tissue and joint disease. Some of the problems that can be diagnosed using ultrasound scans include:

• Muscle abnormalities such as soft tissue masses or tears
• Tendon tears, such as the rotator cuff (shoulder) or Achilles tendon (Ankle)
• Soft tissue swellings and bumps
• Foreign objects in the body
• Ligament damage
• Bursitis
• Impingement

How should I prepare?

When preparing for the ultrasound scan you should wear loose fitting clothing around the area that is being examined.

What will happen during the examination?

During the ultrasound scan a warm, water-based gel will be applied to the examination area and the Radiologist or Sonographer will then press the ultrasound probe firmly against the body moving it around allowing them to capture clear images of the examination area. Once the Radiologist or Sonographer has gathered the information they require the gel can be wiped off with tissue. The procedure is non-invasive (not entering the body) and is usually painless. There are no known harmful effects to the body from ultrasound scanning

Renal Ultrasound scan (Kidney and Bladder)

The most common reason for a renal ultrasound scan is loin pain. Renal ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of medical problems including:

• Kidney Stones
• Cysts
• Tumours
• Problems with the prostate gland
• Effects of infection
• Effects of trauma on the kidneys and bladder

How should I prepare?

For this scan you may be asked to attend with a full bladder allowing the consultant to get a better picture.

What will happen during the examination?

A warm, water-based gel will be applied to the examination area and the radiologist or Sonographer will then press the ultrasound probe firmly against the body moving it around allowing them to capture clear images of the examination area. You may also be requested to empty your bladder half way through the ultrasound scan so the amount of urine in the bladder can be measured before and after urination.

The procedure is non-invasive and painless. There are no known harmful effects to the body from ultrasound scanning.