The indications for an abdominal ultrasound include any complaints of abdominal pain, stomach heaviness after eating, bitter taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting and excessive gas formation not associated with food products that cause gas.

All organs located below the diaphragm are examined during the procedure, namely the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys with adrenal glands. A doctor also pays attention to the arteries, veins and lymphatic system localized in this area, evaluates them and the blood supply. As for the stomach and intestines, other diagnostic techniques are usually used to examine these organs.

An abdominal ultrasound is a complex procedure that allows evaluating structural changes in the tissues of internal organs, detecting inflammation, various masses and any abnormal changes. Normal echogenicity is observed when there are no abnormalities. If a health professional notices suspicious lesions, the patient may be referred to a related specialist, who will prescribe additional examinations to obtain a complete picture. Only an experienced doctor is able to correctly interpret the test results, make an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment regimen.

How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?

In case of a routine examination, the patient is provided with recommendations for preparation, which include the following: 

• portions should be reduced to the size of a clenched fist and the intervals between meals should not be more than 4 hours. Any products that can cause excessive gas should be excluded from the diet: beans, dairy products, confectionery and bread products, some raw fruits and vegetables, carbonated drinks. Low-fat and light foods that have been boiled, baked or steamed are allowed;
• abdominal ultrasound is done on an empty stomach, so it is better to perform the procedure in the morning to make it easier for the patient to cope with the feeling of hunger. You should not eat 5-6 hours before the procedure and should not smoke, drink liquids, chew gum or suck candy 1.5-2 hours before the procedure;
• taking any medications is also not allowed, but if the patient suffers from excessive gas for several days, it is necessary to take sorbents or enzyme medicines: a health professional will provide appropriate recommendations beforehand;
• the procedure should not be done immediately after gastroscopy, fluoroscopy, lower gastrointestinal series or colonofibroscopy. The ultrasound is postponed to another day in these cases.

The doctors insist on compliance with all the listed items, otherwise it will negatively affect the results, the accuracy of the diagnosis and the effectiveness of further treatment.

Where to get an abdominal ultrasound in Lviv?

Berehynia Medical Center recommend patients to make an appointment with a doctor in advance to save time and avoid queues. You have the opportunity to choose a convenient day and a health professional you want to see. We offer comfortable conditions, polite staff with high qualifications who constantly improve their knowledge and work using modern diagnostic equipment. The expert class medical equipment allows obtaining the examination results quickly and prevents medical errors. The abdominal ultrasound procedure lasts 20-30 minutes, after which the specialist will inform you about your condition and provide the relevant conclusion.