Table of Contents

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound machine | © dkfz.de

The ultrassound exam (US) is a non-invasive and significant exam using sound waves.
Like in computed tomography cross sectional images of the body are obtained.

This imaging method provides us with real-time scans of different abdominal organs such as spleen, liver, pancreas and kidneys.

Imaging of other organs such as thyroid, parathyroid, soft tissues or breast can also be easily obtained without any inconvenience to the patient.

Ultrassound does not use x-rays and can be performed in pregnant patients without any risk.

What is to consider?

Air:
Air containing bowel can interfere the imaging of several organs especially the pancreas. Therefore it is important for abdominal exam not to eat or drink fizzy items before the scheduled appointment.

Ultrasound gel:
In order to obtain artifact free images, it is important to use small amaount of ultrasound gel to reduce reflection of the sound waves.
The use of this water based gel is completely harmless. There are no known allergic reactions.

How is the exam done?

Contrast agent injection:
For some examinations, injection of ultrasound contrast agent is helpful. For this reason a small canula is placed in an arm vein. The contrast is then injected by hand during the exam.


With this contrast agent administration, it is easier to demarcate between blood vessels and organ parenchyma as well as perfusion difference between healthy and diseased areas.

The ultrasound contrast is without any serious side effects. Sometimes there is minor pain at the injection site. However, there are certain contraindications to contrast material injection which include:

- metabolic disorders for example Galactosemia
- cardiac failure
- acute myocardial infarction
- severe obstructive lung disease

What is the examination procedure?

The area being examined is uncovered. The ultrasound room is darkly lit. You will be asked to lay down on the the couch. For some examinations you will be asked to turn on your side. For examination of the neck, it may become necessary to extend the neck a little. Small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the the ultrasound probe and the area of interest is examined. Sometimes it is necessary to press upon the probe to better evaluate the area of interest and this can cause slight discomfort. Certain breathing instructions may be given to you during the examination.

The examination usually takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. After the exam you are told to wait in the patient's waiting area where the canulla will be removed if it was placed initially.


Images / report:
The images will be reviewed by the radiologist and the report is sent to your doctor later on.