An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive ultrasound examination that assesses the size and structure of the abdominal organs and any changes in them. Depending on the scope of the examination, the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and other structures may be examined. At Baltic American Clinic, abdominal ultrasound is used to diagnose various diseases of the abdominal organs, to clarify the results of other tests and to monitor changes found previously.
The abdominal organs are assessed with ultrasound, without breaking the skin.
Depending on the scope, the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and other structures are examined.
Ultrasound can be used to follow up growths or other changes found previously.
If needed, further tests are carried out and a doctor of the relevant speciality is consulted.
When is an abdominal ultrasound recommended?
An abdominal ultrasound may be recommended if you have:
- Recurrent or persistent abdominal pain. Possible changes in the abdominal organs need to be assessed.
- Discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen. Especially when the symptoms persist.
- Nausea and digestive problems. The doctor suspects a possible disease of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or other organs.
- Abnormal liver enzymes or other laboratory results. The structure of the organs needs to be assessed.
- Suspected gallstones or kidney stones. The examination helps detect stones visible on ultrasound and some related changes.
- Cysts or other growths found previously. They need to be assessed again.
- Suspected fatty liver. Ultrasound can show signs typical of this condition.
- A recommendation from your doctor for further examination. The diagnosis needs to be clarified or the course of treatment monitored.
An ultrasound can also be performed as a preventive check when there are individual risk factors or the doctor recommends assessing the condition of specific organs.
Important. Sudden severe abdominal pain, fever with marked abdominal pain, jaundice with a seriously unwell general condition or other acute symptoms may require urgent medical care. In such cases do not wait for a planned examination. In a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
Which organs are examined during an abdominal ultrasound?
Liver ultrasound
Ultrasound assesses the size, shape and structure of the liver and any visible changes.
The examination can help detect:
- signs typical of fatty liver;
- liver cysts and other growths;
- some structural changes typical of chronic liver diseases;
- an enlarged liver.
Ultrasound does not always make it possible to determine the exact cause of a liver disease or assess its severity. Additional tests are ordered if needed.
Gallbladder and bile duct ultrasound
Ultrasound is one of the main tests for detecting gallstones.
The examination may assess:
- gallstones;
- changes in the gallbladder wall;
- gallbladder polyps;
- dilatation of the bile ducts;
- some signs typical of inflammation.
Not all bile duct stones or other changes are visible on ultrasound, so additional tests are sometimes needed.
Pancreas ultrasound
The size and structure of the pancreas visible on ultrasound and any possible changes are assessed.
In some cases, gas in the bowel or anatomical features make it difficult to see the pancreas.
Spleen ultrasound
The examination assesses the size and structure of the spleen and any visible focal changes.
An enlarged spleen may be associated with various diseases, so further examination is carried out if needed.
Kidney ultrasound
Ultrasound assesses the size, shape and structure of the kidneys and possible signs of impaired urine drainage.
The following may be found:
- kidney cysts;
- some kidney stones;
- dilatation of the renal pelvis;
- structural changes of the kidneys;
- growths visible on ultrasound.
An abdominal ultrasound does not always include a detailed assessment of the bladder or other structures of the urinary system. This depends on the scope of the examination ordered.
What can an abdominal ultrasound detect?
An ultrasound examination can help detect various structural changes:
- Stones. Gallstones and some kidney stones.
- Cysts. Fluid-filled growths in the liver, kidneys or other organs.
- Enlarged organs. Changes in the size of the liver, spleen or other organs.
- Fatty liver. Ultrasound signs typical of fat build-up in the liver.
- Inflammatory changes. Changes in organ structure typical of certain diseases.
- Growths. Focal changes visible on ultrasound that may need further examination.
- Fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). Build-up of free fluid in the abdomen.
Ultrasound alone is not always enough to make a final diagnosis. Laboratory tests, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other diagnostic methods may be needed to clarify some changes.
How is an abdominal ultrasound performed?
Preparation
Before the examination the doctor may ask about your symptoms, previously diagnosed conditions and any test results you have.
The examination
You lie on an examination couch. A special gel that helps transmit the ultrasound waves is applied to the skin of your abdomen.
Assessing the organs
The doctor examines the abdominal organs with an ultrasound probe, watches the images on a screen and assesses any visible changes. At certain moments you may be asked to breathe in deeply, hold your breath or change position.
Results
A report is prepared after the examination. If changes are found, additional tests or a specialist consultation may be recommended.
An ultrasound usually takes about 15–30 minutes, but the duration depends on the scope of the examination.
Is an abdominal ultrasound painful?
The examination is non-invasive and usually painless. The skin is not broken, and no needles or surgical instruments are used.
If the abdomen is tender or painful, you may feel temporary discomfort when the ultrasound probe is pressed on it.
Ultrasound uses no ionising radiation.
How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound
Preparation is important because food and gas in the bowel can make it harder to see some organs.
Eating before the examination
For an abdominal ultrasound, you are often advised not to eat for about 6–8 hours, especially when the gallbladder is being assessed. However, the exact preparation depends on the scope of the examination and the clinic’s instructions.
Fluids
Whether you may drink water, and how much, depends on the area being examined. If the bladder is also to be examined, a full bladder may be needed.
Medicines
You usually continue taking your medicines, but if you have diabetes or another condition in which not eating may affect how you feel, discuss the preparation in advance.
Earlier tests
If you have results of earlier ultrasounds, CT, MRI or laboratory tests, bring them with you.
Exact preparation instructions. When booking, check whether you need to fast and whether the bladder will be examined.
When may an ultrasound not be enough?
Ultrasound does not always allow all abdominal organs to be assessed in detail. Gas in the bowel, body build, the position of the organs or very small changes can limit what the examination can show.
Ultrasound is not intended for diagnosing all diseases of the lining of the stomach and bowel.
A gastroscopy may be recommended when the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum needs to be examined directly, for example when ulcers or other changes in the lining are suspected.
A colonoscopy may be recommended when the lining of the large bowel needs to be examined to detect inflammatory or other changes.
If the ultrasound shows unclear changes, the doctor may order additional laboratory or imaging tests.
What should you know after the ultrasound?
No recovery period is needed after a routine abdominal ultrasound. You can return to your daily activities.
If changes are found during the examination, the doctor explains whether a consultation, further diagnostics, treatment or a repeat ultrasound is needed.
If the changes found concern the digestive organs, a gastroenterologist consultation may be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat before an abdominal ultrasound?
You are usually advised not to eat for some time, but the exact preparation depends on the organs being examined. Follow the instructions given by the clinic.
Does an abdominal ultrasound show gallstones?
Yes. Ultrasound is one of the main tests for detecting gallstones.
Can an ultrasound detect fatty liver?
The examination can show signs typical of fatty liver, but it does not always allow its degree or other liver diseases to be determined.
Does an abdominal ultrasound show a stomach ulcer?
No. Stomach ulcers and many other diseases of the lining are usually diagnosed with a gastroscopy.
Can an ultrasound detect cancer?
The examination can show suspicious growths, but additional tests are often needed to determine their nature. A normal ultrasound result does not rule out all cancers.
Is an abdominal ultrasound the same as an abdominal echoscopy?
Yes. Both names are often used for the same ultrasound examination.
Is an ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
Diagnostic ultrasound uses no ionising radiation and, when performed for medical reasons, is considered safe during pregnancy.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for an ultrasound?
You can ask the clinic’s reception about booking without a referral and the terms of the specific examination.
Does an ultrasound show diseases of the pancreas?
Some changes of the pancreas may be visible, but bowel gas often makes it difficult to see. If needed, the doctor recommends further examination.
Abdominal ultrasound price
The price of an abdominal ultrasound is set by the Baltic American Clinic price list in force at the time.
If a doctor’s consultation or additional laboratory, instrumental or other tests are needed, their price is set by the price list in force.
The need for further examination and the expected costs are discussed with the patient.