Specialised examinations
Select an examination from the sidebar to view detailed information about the procedure, indications and preparation.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Comprehensive real-time evaluation of abdominal organs
Abdominal ultrasound is the most important imaging examination for assessing abdominal organs. Without radiation and without contrast injections, it provides immediate, high-resolution images enabling early detection of pathological conditions.
What we examine
- Liver — parenchymal structure, cysts, lesions
- Gallbladder & bile ducts
- Pancreas — parenchyma, vessels
- Spleen — size, structure
- Kidneys & adrenal glands
- Aorta & inferior vena cava
- Retroperitoneal lymph nodes
- Bowel loops — free fluid
Examination indications
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Suspected cholelithiasis or nephrolithiasis
- Digestive disorders — cause investigation
- Annual preventive check
- Monitoring of hepatic disease
- Investigation of anaemia or lymphadenopathy
Abdominal Ultrasound
What is Abdominal Ultrasound?
Abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of organs and structures within the upper abdomen. A small probe called a transducer emits ultrasound waves that pass through tissues and bounce back depending on their structure. A computer converts these echoes into real-time images — capturing the structure and movement of internal organs, as well as blood flow through vessels. No radiation or contrast agents are used.
Clinical Uses
What is it used for?
- Kidneys — kidney stones, cysts, parenchymal pathology
- Liver — structure assessment, fatty infiltration, lesions, cirrhosis
- Gallbladder & bile ducts — gallstones, cholecystitis
- Pancreas — parenchyma, vessels, pseudocysts
- Spleen — size, structure, splenomegaly
- Abdominal aorta — aneurysm, stenosis, atherosclerotic disease
- Abdominal pain or bloating — cause investigation
- Abnormal liver function or elevated liver enzymes
- Abdominal vessel Doppler — blood flow assessment
- Guidance for biopsy or fluid aspiration
Preparation
How to Prepare
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewellery from the area to be examined. Specific preparation depends on which organs are being evaluated:
- Liver, gallbladder, spleen & pancreas: fat-free meal the evening before — fast 8–12 hours prior to the exam
- Kidneys: drink 4–6 glasses of water about 1 hour before to fill the bladder — fasting for 8–12 hours also recommended
- Abdominal aorta: fast for 8–12 hours before the exam
Procedure
How is the Examination Performed?
You will lie on your back on an examination table. The radiologist applies water-based gel to the area — the gel eliminates air pockets between the transducer and skin, ensuring optimal transmission of sound waves. The transducer is moved slowly over the abdomen until all necessary images are captured. The examination is painless; you may feel mild pressure if the area is tender. The gel is wiped off afterwards and does not stain clothing. You can resume normal activities immediately.
Benefits & Safety
Benefits of the Examination
- Completely noninvasive — no needles, no contrast agents
- No ionising radiation — safe for all ages
- Real-time imaging — structure, movement and blood flow simultaneously
- Excellent soft-tissue visualisation, superior to X-ray
- Widely available and relatively low cost
- Ideal tool for guiding biopsy or fluid aspiration
- No known harmful effects on humans
Limitations
Limitations of the Method
- Intestinal gas disrupts ultrasound wave transmission
- Cannot penetrate bone — limited imaging of adjacent structures
- Image quality is reduced in obese patients
- Deep structures may require CT or MRI for more accurate evaluation
- Not suitable for air-filled organs (lungs)