Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound imaging
If your abdomen or pelvis will be examined by ultrasound, you must prepare yourself in advance:
- Do not eat for 4–6 hours before the examination of internal organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen) because:
- your full stomach will obscure the pancreas;
- your gallbladder will empty after eating and cannot be evaluated;
- the gases resulting from digestion will obstruct the viewing of organs.
- In case of constipation or abundant intestinal gas, use over-the-counter intestinal gas-reducing agents on the day before the study, if necessary.
- Before the examination of the pelvic organs (kidneys, bladder, uterus, prostate), the bladder must be filled. The filled bladder is higher and allows a better view of the organs. Drink at least 2 glasses of water 1–2 hours before the examination and do not empty your bladder until after the examination. The toilet can be used immediately after the examination.
- For an infant examination, bring along your child’s favourite toy, pacifier, drink or some sweets with you, if necessary.
- You can take your daily medicines prescribed by your physician according to your treatment schedule.Ultrasound imaging is highly informative, easy to perform, painless and safe.
The ultrasound examination will be performed on an examination table, where you will be either sitting or lying down. Clothing, bandages and jewellery must be removed from the area being examined. A special ultrasound gel is applied to the skin, which can be easily removed after the examination. During the examination, your physician will place an ultrasound probe on your body and will slide the probe along the surface of the skin. Ultrasound examination is painless. Follow your physician’s instructions for the examination to be successful.Performing the ultrasound examination: