Preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. What is worth eating and what is not? General rules for preparing for ultrasound examination Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, comprehensive preparation

A correct diagnosis is the key to successful treatment, but the doctor is not always able to identify the disease based on an examination of the patient and the collected medical history, especially when there are suspicions of organ diseases abdominal cavity, which have a complex structure and, when pathologies develop, often have similar symptoms.

IN modern world technologies, no area of ​​medicine can do without informative and quality equipment, which allows us to identify the slightest disorders and diseases inside our body. One of the most common and accessible diagnostic methods is ultrasound examination, which helps to make the correct diagnosis for many diseases, especially when it comes to possible disorders in the functioning of the abdominal organs. In order for an ultrasound examination to provide maximum information to the doctor, special preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is required, which consists of several stages, which the doctor must inform about on the eve of the examination.

How does ultrasound work?

Ultrasound examination(ultrasound) is a modern non-invasive diagnostic method that is widely prescribed to patients in various fields of medicine. Ultrasound examinations use high-frequency sound waves to produce 2D or 3D images of internal organs in real time. The special ultrasound sensor of the device has the ability to record all changes, sending their results to the monitor screen. When ultrasound scanning the abdominal organs, a frequency of ultrasonic waves of at least 2.5-3.5 MHz is used, this makes it possible to accurately determine the size, position, structure, deviations and other characteristics of the abdominal organs.

What organs does an abdominal ultrasound examine?

Using ultrasound, you can examine parenchymal organs, as well as those filled with fluid. Basically, an ultrasound specialist examines the liver using ultrasound, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, bile ducts. At the same time, with the help of this examination, it is possible to examine the kidneys, which are located in the retroperitoneal space, but are clearly visible along with other organs. The intestines and stomach can also be examined using ultrasound, but given that there is air in these organs, it is difficult to examine them, and the results obtained may be distorted and not true. Therefore, to examine the stomach and intestines, it is better to undergo a colonoscopy.

When should you do an abdominal ultrasound?

Modern ultrasound examination is carried out using the latest equipment, which makes it possible to accurately identify the slightest pathological processes in the abdominal cavity. The great advantage of this study is its low cost, as well as accessibility and high information content. Moreover, the undeniable advantage ultrasound diagnostics There are no contraindications considered. Both pregnant women and children can undergo this examination. early age, as many times as required by the doctor to make a correct diagnosis or to monitor the progression of the disease. You can undergo an abdominal ultrasound with the direction of your attending physician or independently if you have the following symptoms:

• bitterness in the mouth;
• periodic or constant heaviness in the stomach;
• vomiting, nausea;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• pain in the abdomen, lower back, under the chest and hypochondrium;
• increased gas formation;
• frequent urination, burning, pain during urination;
• suspicion of oncological, infectious, inflammatory diseases.

If a person's medical history includes chronic diseases abdominal organs, then it is recommended to undergo an ultrasound scan at least once every 6 months. As a preventative measure, this examination should be completed once a year. The results of an abdominal ultrasound allow the doctor to draw up a complete picture of the disease, determine the extent of damage to the diseased organ, and identify functional or pathological processes in the abdominal cavity.

Ultrasound examination can detect the following diseases or disorders:

• gallstones;
• changes in the structure of the liver: fatty liver, hepatitis of various etiologies, cirrhosis or other pathological neoplasms of benign or malignant origin;
• enlargement or changes in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity, which often react to pathogenic bacteria or viruses;
• thickening of the walls of the gallbladder;
• disturbances in the structure of the abdominal organs that occurred as a result of mechanical damage;
• inflammation of the pancreas: pancreatitis;
• enlarged spleen.

In addition to the above pathologies, ultrasound examination can identify other disorders and diseases of the abdominal organs. In order for the examination results to be reliable, and for the doctor to be able to properly assess the condition of the internal organs, a person needs proper preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, which consists of simple but very important recommendations.

How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?

As mentioned above, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity has no contraindications, and the high efficiency of the examination allows us to identify the slightest disturbances in the functioning of the internal organs of the peritoneum. However, as with any medical procedure, preparation for an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is necessary. The doctor should tell you how to properly prepare for this procedure, but many patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to drink water before an ultrasound or whether it is possible to eat before an ultrasound of the abdominal organs?

Before undergoing an ultrasound, you need to stop eating and drinking water 4-5 hours. The only exception is if the doctor needs to examine your kidneys or bladder, then you need to drink at least 1 liter of water before the procedure. Also, if the patient has had his gallbladder removed, then drinking water is not prohibited. Equally important in preparing for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs is the condition of the intestines, which should be empty; this will help the doctor more accurately assess the condition of the internal organs. Therefore, the patient may often be prescribed an enema or bowel cleansing with special medications. Before the study, it is prohibited to consume any alcoholic drinks, and you should also stop smoking. If a person does not adhere to the correct preparation for an ultrasound, this may negatively affect the quality of the examination.

An ultrasound of the abdominal organs is performed in the supine position. For a more accurate examination, the doctor may ask you to turn on your right or left side, take a deep breath and hold your breath. The doctor applies a small amount of contrast agent to the abdominal area and begins to move the sensor. In this way, the internal organs are scanned, and the results of the examination are recorded on the monitor screen.

Many modern clinics perform ultrasound in 3D or 4D images, which allows the examination results to be more accurate and of higher quality. After the ultrasound procedure, the doctor makes a conclusion (transcript) on this examination, which is handed over to the attending physician.

Diet before abdominal ultrasound

An important step in preparing for an abdominal ultrasound is nutrition, which can affect the results of the examination. So, on the eve of an ultrasound diagnosis, a person needs to exclude the following foods from his diet for 2-3 days:

• black bread;
• milk;
• carbonated drinks;
• raw vegetables, fruits, and juices;
• confectionery;
• fried, fatty, spicy foods;
• fatty meats;
• alcohol.

Following a diet will reduce the amount of gases formed in the intestines, thereby allowing the doctor to thoroughly examine internal organs belly. It is recommended to consume the following products:

• boiled, baked or steamed beef, chicken or fish meat;
• no more than 1 hard-boiled chicken egg;
• porridge with water: pearl barley, buckwheat, oatmeal;
• hard cheeses;
• light and non-greasy soups.

Meals should be fractional, every 3 hours. As drinks, you can drink weak and not sweet tea or still water. However, before performing an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, you need to refuse food for 3 to 5 hours. If there is a need or a person has diabetes, then you can drink not too sweet tea or eat 1 lollipop. If the study is scheduled for the afternoon, then a light breakfast is recommended.

It is important to note that if preparation is being made for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs and kidneys, then it should be done in the morning and only on an empty stomach.

Colon cleansing before abdominal ultrasound

To obtain reliable ultrasound results, doctors often recommend bowel cleansing on the eve of the procedure. This procedure can be carried out using an enema, but recently most people prefer an alternative method of cleansing the intestines - taking laxatives medicines: “Senade”, “Senadexin” or the drug “Fortrans”, which should be taken depending on body weight. 1 tablet or one sachet of laxative is designed for 20 kg of human body weight. As a laxative, you can also take drugs such as: “Normaze”, “Dufalak”, “Prelaxan”. Before using any laxative, you should read the instructions for use or consult your doctor.

Ultrasound examination is considered one of the most common methods for diagnosing internal organs. It is especially often prescribed to determine possible pathologies.To obtain more reliable results, it is important to know about preparation for diagnosis.

This research method is prescribed by a specialist for the following patient complaints:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling of bitterness in the mouth
• Pain of varying nature and intensity in the abdominal area
• Increased gas formation
• Increased abdominal volume

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is also prescribed if tumor processes or infectious and inflammatory diseases are suspected.

To receive accurate results research, you need to know the features of preparation for diagnosis. To this end, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Do not eat food or drink liquids 4-5 hours before. You can drink water before diagnosis only if the patient needs to have his kidneys examined or if his gallbladder has been removed.
2. To cleanse the intestines, it is advisable to do an enema before undergoing diagnostics. You can also do without an enema - then the specialist will advise you to take medicines, intended for cleaning the organ. These are drugs such as Senadexin, Fortrans, Prelaxan, Senade, Dufalak, Normaze, which have a laxative effect. You can take adsorbents, for example, Espumisan or Activated Carbon, for two days.
3. It is advisable not to drink alcoholic beverages several days before the procedure. It is also not recommended to smoke two hours before the ultrasound.
4. It is best to carry out the procedure on an empty stomach in the morning.
5. A few hours before the test, you should not chew gum or hard candies.
6. Afterwards, an ultrasound examination is recommended to be carried out after three days.
7. If the patient took any painkillers the day before, this must be reported to the specialist.

Before diagnosing the abdominal cavity, it is recommended to follow a diet for three days that excludes the following foods from the diet:

• Carbonated drinks
• Milk
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Fatty meat
• Confectionery
• Fruit juices
• Black bread

In addition, you should not eat fatty, spicy or fried foods these days. Limiting such products helps to significantly reduce gas formation in the intestines, which will allow the specialist to better examine the abdominal cavity.It is advisable that the meals be fractional, every three hours.

Executing the procedure

In order to carry out the diagnosis, the patient is placed in a supine position on his back. The specialist may ask you to take deep breaths or stop breathing and turn to the side for an accurate check.

Apply to the abdominal area special remedy in the form of a gel, which is a contrast agent. The ultrasound probe is then passed over the areas of the abdomen where the internal organs are located.

The study is carried out using ultrasonic waves high frequencies(from 2.5 to 3.5 MHz). They allow you to obtain a three-dimensional or two-dimensional picture of organs.

A special sensor receives readings and sends them to a computer monitor.

During the ultrasound procedure, the following organs located in the abdominal cavity are examined:

Ultrasound examination determines the size and shape of internal organs. They must correspond to the anatomical indicators of the norm. Any deviation indicates pathological changes in the body.

Among other indicators during ultrasound, the following standards are distinguished:

• Smooth contours of organs. In diseases, their indistinctness and blurriness are observed.
• The echo structure should be homogeneous (homogeneous echo structure). The pathological process occurring in the organ is indicated by granularity - heterogeneity of the echostructure.
• Normally, there is no space-occupying formation or calculus. If such structures are observed during decoding, they also indicate possible diseases.

The following are considered normal indicators:

• The size of the left lobe is 7 cm
• Right – 12.5 cm
• Caudate – 3.5 cm

For the gallbladder, the following indicators are normal:

• Size 6 to 10
• Volume – from 30 to 70 cubic millimeters
• Shape – pear-shaped
• Wall thickness – no higher than 0.4 cm

Indicators are normal:

• Organ body – 2.5 cm
• Head – 3.5 cm
• Caudal part – 3 cm

Normal dimensions are 5 cm by 11 cm.

Deviations from the norm: possible pathologies

If the ultrasound result shows an increase in the volume of the liver, then a possible pathology may be. Decreasing size indicates .If there are fatty cysts in the liver, the diagnosis is fatty degeneration. Weak echoes or diffuse enhancement indicate mainly hepatitis or cirrhosis.

When dilatation of the hepatic vessels is observed during decoding, these changes indicate damage to the veins by tuberculosis.When neoplasms are detected, it is prescribed additional methods research to more accurately formulate a diagnosis.Changes in contours are observed as a result of inflammation of the organ. Fine-grained parenchyma indicates initial stage development of cirrhosis or viral hepatitis.

Possible diseases with an increase in organ volume during ultrasound are:

• Cirrhosis
• Liver calcifications
• Hepatitis
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Steatosis
• Hemangioma
• Gallbladder

Using ultrasound, you can determine the following organ diseases:

• Cholesterosis
• Gallstone disease
• Cholecystitis
• Cancer formation

An increase in the size of the gallbladder indicates stagnation of bile processes, which can occur as a result of dyskinesia of the tract or the presence of stones. This can also change the shape of the organ. The walls of the organ become thicker during inflammatory diseases.

More information about preparing for an abdominal ultrasound can be found in the video:

Ultrasound examination of the kidneys can reveal deviations from the norm in the following pathologies:

• Kidney stones
• Inflammation of the ureters or kidneys
• Kidney parenchyma disease
• Tumor processes
• Spleen and pancreas

Examination of the spleen will make it possible to diagnose diseases such as cysts and abscesses, developmental defects, organ infarction, splenomegaly and tumors. If ultrasound changes the size and structure of the spleen, then this state may indicate infections (mononucleosis, typhus, hepatitis). Enlargement of the organ occurs with hemolytic anemia.

Possible diseases of the pancreas when deciphered, in which pathological processes and various changes in the structure are observed, are:

• Fatty infiltration
• Pancreatitis
• Tumor

When inflamed, the organ increases in size. Its reduced size may indicate the presence of fibrosis. This pathology is also indicated by the heterogeneity of the structure.

When ultrasound is contraindicated

Ultrasound examination is considered a safe diagnosis and therefore has no restrictions.

However, it is better not to diagnose in the following cases:

• If the rules for preparing for the procedure are violated. Violation of recommendations may distort the results of the study.
• In the presence of extensive burns, dermatological diseases in the abdominal area. Such lesions interfere with close contact of the sensor with the skin and cause painful sensations to the patient.
• It is not recommended to do this if the patient has an accumulation of gases in the intestines. This factor affects the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Ultrasound has many advantages over other diagnostic methods. These advantages are:

• Public availability of the procedure
• Non-invasive research
• Accuracy and reliability of results
• Quick and painless procedures
• Receive a transcript in a short time
• Method safety
• Ease of preparation
• Affordable price

Another advantage is the ability to examine almost all organs.In addition, a correctly established diagnosis will help you select appropriate and effective treatment tactics, which allows you to avoid undesirable consequences.

Ultrasound diagnostic method Due to its high information content, speed of execution, the possibility of repeated repetition without harm to health and not requiring complex preparation from the patient, it occupies one of the leading places among other research methods. It is undoubtedly considered a search method and quite often the method of choice in diagnosing diseases.

It is necessary to have the results of previous ultrasounds with you (to assess the dynamics), if any.

Preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal organs and visceral vessels.

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to properly prepare for the study.

2-3 days before the study, you need to change your diet. Foods that cause increased gas formation (raw vegetables and fruits, legumes, brown bread, dairy products, carbonated drinks) are excluded from the diet. If you are prone to flatulence, the doctor may prescribe espumisan or activated charcoal, 2 tablets each. 3 times a day 2 days before the test, and in order to improve digestion - enzyme preparations.


If you are prone to constipation, the doctor may prescribe a laxative or a cleansing enema, which is performed two days (not one day or the day before, but two days) before the ultrasound.


On the eve of the procedure, you can have dinner no later than 20:00; the evening meal should be light.


The study is carried out on an empty stomach.


If the ultrasound is scheduled for the second half of the day (after 14:00), then calculate so that the last meal is six hours before the ultrasound (a light breakfast is allowed until 11 am)


To determine the contractile function of the gallbladder, gallbladder functional test, which complements the main examination of the abdominal organs, i.e. after the main study, a choleretic breakfast is taken: sour cream 20%, full-fat yogurt, and the gallbladder is examined again for 30-40 minutes (sometimes additional examination is required).


Smoking - can distort the results of a gallbladder study; nicotine leads to its contraction

Kidney ultrasound

It is not carried out on an empty stomach. You may take food and liquids on the day of the test. If the patient has increased gas formation And overweight 3 days before the test, exclude brown bread, whole milk, raw fruits and vegetables from the diet. If necessary, during these days, take medications that improve digestion (mezim, festal) and reduce gas formation (activated carbon, espumizan) according to the regimen included with the medications.

Preparation for ultrasound examination of the bladder and pelvic ultrasound with an abdominal probe in men and women.

1.5-2 hours before the test, drink 800 ml -1 liter of any liquid (tea, water, fruit drink) and with full bladder arrive at the appointed examination time. If it is impossible to tolerate and strong urge before urination, it is permissible to empty the bladder a little to relieve tension and drink a little liquid again to achieve complete filling of the bladder by the time of the examination.

TRUSI prostate gland refers to those diagnostic methods that require special training:

You must have a bowel movement no later than 4 hours before the test. If the study is scheduled for the first half of the day, then you can have a bowel movement the night before; if in the afternoon or evening, you can have a bowel movement early in the morning on the day of the test.

The stool can be independent, or you can use a cleansing enema in a volume of 500 ml of water at room temperature. If this is difficult, you can use microenemas such as “Norgalax” or “Microlax”: insert the contents of a small tube in a lying position into the rectum (best on the right side). After a short time, go to the toilet. A glycerin suppository is inserted through the anus while lying on your side or back; when the urge occurs, go to the toilet.

To examine the bladder and determine residual urine, it is necessary to fill the bladder. Recommended 1-1.5 hours in advance. Before the examination, drink 4 glasses of non-carbonated water, after which you do not urinate until the examination.

Examination of the pelvic organs in women is carried out transvaginally. This procedure does not require any preliminary preparation.

To obtain accurate diagnostic results, it is advisable to undergo examination within a certain time frame. Thus, in women of reproductive age, pelvic ultrasound is performed on the 5-7th day of the cycle (counting from the first day of menstruation) - precisely during this period clinical picture appears most clearly.

In the morning, if necessary, empty your bowels. Empty your bladder before the test. On the day of the examination, you can take food and liquid; the examination is not carried out on an empty stomach.

Preparation for ultrasound of the mammary glands in women and mammary glands in men is not required:

It is advisable to carry out examination of the mammary glands in women of reproductive age in the first 6-11 days menstrual cycle(1st phase of the cycle).

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland:

Echocardiography of the heart

No special preparation is required. Bring with you a recent ECG (no more than 1 month old) and the results of previous EchoCGs (if performed).

Duplex examination of the vessels of the neck, head, upper and lower extremities.

These studies do not require special preparation.

Modern ultrasound examination is a simple procedure that allows you to assess the health of the patient’s internal organs, determine their size, identify tumors and determine other important aspects. In order for the doctor to qualitatively examine the vessels and organs located in the examined space, it is first necessary to prepare for the procedure. Proper preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal organs guarantees the reliability of the diagnosis. Every time you suspect any disease, you should undergo this type of examination of the body.

How to prepare for an ultrasound of the abdomen and kidneys

If a person needs to undergo an ultrasound, a mandatory step is comprehensive preparation for the procedure. The doctor will not be able to accurately determine the cause of the deterioration in your health if, during an examination of the abdominal cavity, there are gases or large accumulations of air in the intestines. In this case, the beam of the device simply will not be able to penetrate to the required depth, so it is extremely important to follow a diet and cleanse the intestines before diagnosis. Below are specific tips on how to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound.

Diet

It is recommended to start preparing for the examination of the peritoneum 3-4 days in advance, but it is better to change your diet earlier. A diet before an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is mandatory to reduce the volume of gases produced in the intestines. Only in this way will the doctor be able to examine the patient’s internal organs in detail. What can you eat before an abdominal ultrasound:

• dietary meat, boiled or baked;
• chicken egg;
• lean fish (boiled, steamed);
• porridge (oatmeal, buckwheat, barley);
• hard low-fat cheese.

Doctors' recommendation is to eat often, but in small portions. It is good if the patient’s daily diet includes 4-6 meals. Drinking liquid is not allowed during meals and immediately after them. Patients can consume still water and unsweetened tea before and an hour after eating the main meal. It is necessary to drink liquid in a minimum volume of 1.5-2 liters per day. This diet is followed until the evening before the ultrasound (if the examination will be carried out in the morning). Even girls with early pregnancy. The study takes place on an empty stomach.

• carbonated drinks, alcohol;
• sweets, including baked goods;
• bakery products;
• legumes;
• raw fruits, vegetables;
• fermented milk products;
• drinks containing caffeine;
• fatty fish and meat.

Purgation

A mandatory step in preparation for examining the peritoneal organs is bowel cleansing. It is carried out the evening before the examination (no later than 18:00). For this, an Esmarch bowl filled with one and a half liters of raw cool water is used. After mechanical cleansing of the intestines, sorbent preparations such as activated carbon etc. An alternative to an enema is to take laxatives and laxative teas to prepare for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Taking medications

Patients can take the following medications before examining the peritoneum: Espumisan, Infacol, Kuplaton, Bobotik. They are drunk before the examination for three days, and the dosage is calculated depending on the age of the patient. If such simethicone preparations are poorly tolerated by you or do not show the expected effect, use sorbents (Smecta, Sorbex). The evening before and in the morning before the ultrasound, you should take an age-specific dose of the drug.

Additional features of preparation for the study

• Smoking is prohibited for at least 2-3 hours before the test.
• You should not chew gum or suck on hard candies before the procedure.
• Diabetics should not be hungry for a long time, so you should warn your doctor about this in advance.
• If you have undergone radiography or irrigoscopy, at least 2 days must pass after the procedures.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking antispasmodics, for example, No-shpu, Papaverine, etc.
• Is it possible to drink water before an abdominal ultrasound? If you are having an ultrasound examination of your kidneys, take a liter and a half of water 60-90 minutes before the procedure. In other cases, drinking water before the examination is prohibited; the procedure is carried out on an empty stomach.

How to properly prepare a child for an ultrasound

Getting rid of gases that tend to accumulate in the intestines is considered the main goal of preparing for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. It becomes obvious that it is necessary to remove certain foods from the child’s diet that contribute to active gas formation at least 4 days before the examination. Before an abdominal ultrasound, it is necessary to exclude the following foods:

• fresh fruits (fruits and vegetables);
• Borodino bread;
• milk;
• beans;
• sweets;
• carbonated drinks.

If the child’s body has a tendency to form strong gases, it is recommended to start taking enzyme agents and enterosorbents (for example, Festal, Espumisan, charcoal) 2-4 days before the ultrasound examination. On the eve of the examination, it is prohibited to undergo a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. If your baby is taking any medications at this time, you should definitely notify your doctor. Ultrasound for children, like adults, is performed on an empty stomach. It is considered normal to eat no later than 9 hours before the procedure, after which you should refuse water and food.

Features of preparing young children for ultrasound:

• For babies under 12 months, do not give water 60 minutes before the procedure and do not feed for 2.5-3 hours.
• Children aged 1-3 years should not be allowed to eat for 4 hours or drink for an hour before the ultrasound.
• Children over 3 years old should not be fed 7-8 hours before and should not be given water for an hour before the examination.

Where to do it and how much does the procedure cost in Moscow

The cost of ultrasound of the peritoneum depends on the volume of research. The price of a comprehensive examination will be an order of magnitude higher than an examination of one specific organ. Public and private clinics have their advantages: the former provide ultrasound for free, the latter for a fee, but some often work around the clock and provide a transcript of the examination (doctor’s report) faster. You can choose a suitable clinic by opening one of the many online directories of medical institutions in Moscow, which provide addresses, photos and prices for services.

Cost of a comprehensive abdominal examination in Moscow clinics:

Video: algorithm for preparing a patient for abdominal ultrasound

Comprehensive preparation for the procedure requires knowledge of what is included in an abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound examination of the peritoneum is effective for assessing the condition of the liver, stomach, gall bladder, spleen, retroperitoneal space, blood vessels, and pancreas. Premature bowel cleansing and a balanced diet are of great importance for future ultrasound results, since they directly affect the quality of the resulting image. After watching the video, you will learn how to prepare for the procedure.