Everything you wanted to know about stomach ultrasound. How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound (ABP): do you need a diet, can you eat before the study? Ultrasound is done on an empty stomach
Update: October 2018
The possibilities of ultrasound examination are very wide. Especially informative is an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, in which the vital organs of a person are localized - the abdominal aorta, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, etc.
Thanks to the planned preventive examination, recommended once a year, there is a high probability of diagnosing and preventing further development of the disease at an early stage.
As a rule, patients agree to this type of research because it is painless and does not pose any health risks. Ultrasound allows you to determine the size, shape, localization and structure of the abdominal organs, the state of the vessels and ducts with very high accuracy.
Focal lesions are easily visualized by ultrasound, such as liver, tumor metastasis, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, adenomas, calculi. But confirmation of the diagnosis, especially oncopathology, is possible only after histological examination of the tissue. Even small amounts of free fluid (from 100 ml) in the abdominal cavity are diagnosed by ultrasound. About what is included in the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, how to properly prepare for it and how the study is done, we will tell in our article.
Symptoms for which an abdominal ultrasound is indicated
- , hypersalivation
- heaviness in the right hypochondrium
- bursting and pulling pain in the epigastrium after eating
- pain in the abdomen of a different nature
- increased gassing
Diseases for which an ultrasound of the PD is necessary
Ultrasound is indicated in the presence or suspicion of the following diseases:
- pancreatitis
- hepatitis
- cholecystitis
- cysts in BP organs
- kidney and gallbladder stones
- neoplasms of PD organs
If you are prescribed an abdominal ultrasound, the preparation is no less important than the study itself, because it directly affects the information content of the procedure.
3 days before the ultrasound: |
The evening before the ultrasound: |
Ultrasound day: |
| Eating a small amount of food every 3-4 hours, about 4-5 times a day. Drinking liquid about one and a half liters daily. |
A light dinner is allowed, which must be eaten before 20.00. | If the study is done in the morning, breakfast is excluded. |
| Products that increase gas formation are completely excluded from the diet: black bread, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, fatty meat and fish, alcohol, soda, milk, juices, legumes, etc. | Meat and fish products, even dietary ones, should not be included in dinner. | If the study is scheduled after 3 pm, a light breakfast is allowed, which must be eaten before 11 am. |
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2 hours before the ultrasound, take 5-10 tablets of activated charcoal or simethicone (2 capsules or 2 teaspoons of the emulsion) |
| Adsorbents can be prescribed if the patient has a tendency to flatulence: activated carbon, enterosgel, espumisan, etc. | If laxatives are poorly tolerated, it is recommended to introduce a Besacodyl suppository into the rectum (see). | In case of a tendency to flatulence, a cleansing enema may be prescribed in the morning, before the procedure. |
| Enzyme preparations can be prescribed to improve digestion and prevent gas formation: mezim, festal, pancreatin, creon, etc. | If laxatives are ineffective, a cleansing enema is prescribed 12 hours before the ultrasound scan. | Before an ultrasound scan, you can not chew gum, dissolve lozenges, smoke, take antispasmodics. |
Abdominal ultrasound - child preparation
- Babies under 1 year old - it is recommended not to feed for 2-4 hours and not to drink for about 1 hour before the ultrasound.
- Children 1-3 years old - do not feed for 4 hours and do not drink 1 hour before the ultrasound,
- Children over 3 years old - preparation before an ultrasound scan is more stringent, you can not eat for about 6-8 hours and drink liquid 1 hour before the study.
When you shouldn't do an ultrasound
- After fluoroscopy of the gastrointestinal tract using contrast (irrigoscopy, gastrography).
- After endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract (fibrogastroduodenoscopy,).
- After laparoscopy and pneumoperitoneum.
In the first and second cases, a delay of 2 days is made, in the latter - 3-5 days. Preparation of ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in these cases is the same as described above.
How is ultrasound performed
Ultrasound of PD, as a rule, includes a mandatory study of the gallbladder, liver, retroperitoneal space, spleen, pancreas and blood vessels. The rest of the organs are optional for research and are examined according to indications.
The standard research protocol includes:
- determination of localization and size of organs
- organ structure study
- determination of free fluid in the abdominal space (more precisely, confirmation of the absence of such)
- exclusion of formations, cysts, calculi, etc.
Description of the procedure
How is abdominal ultrasound done? The procedure itself takes 15-20 minutes on average. An ultrasound scan is performed by an ultrasound doctor, assisted by a nurse, filling out the study protocol. There are no painful or uncomfortable sensations during the procedure. A special conductive gel is applied to the contact probe.
The examination is carried out in a supine position, if necessary, the doctor may ask you to roll over on your side, as well as hold your breath for a few seconds. With the help of a sensor connected to the monitor of the ultrasound machine, the doctor moves along the skin of the anterior abdominal wall, going down and to the sides. During the procedure, the doctor will name numbers, medical terms that the nurse enters into the protocol. Immediately after the ultrasound, you can eat and lead a normal life without restrictions.
What is included in the examination - the organs being examined and the possibilities of ultrasound
- The liver. It is examined first of all. Hepatosis, cirrhosis, cysts, tumors can be diagnosed.
- Gallbladder and ducts... The patency of the ducts, the presence of polyps, stones in the gallbladder, the condition of the organ wall are assessed.
- Stomach. It is examined at the time of exclusion of formations.
- Pancreas... All shares are assessed if possible. Pancreatitis, swelling and pancreatic necrosis can be detected.
- Spleen. The structure, location and size of the organ are evaluated. Neoplasms, cysts, inflammation are excluded.
- Intestines. Most often, only the large intestine is examined. If formations and polyps are found, the patient is sent for a narrow examination.
- Kidneys. Localization and relative position, sizes are assessed. Inflammatory changes, conglomerates, tumors and cysts can be found.
- The bladder. The shape, size, condition of the walls, content are evaluated.
- Vessels. The abdominal aorta and large vessels feeding the organs are necessarily evaluated. The blood flow and the state of the vascular wall are determined.
- The lymph nodes... Their size is assessed (an increase is characteristic of oncopathology).
- The uterus in women and the prostate gland in men. These organs are located in the small pelvis, however, they can be examined. Tumors and inflammation can be detected.
Features of ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in children
Ultrasound in babies is of particular interest, since in children from one year and older, ultrasound does not actually differ from that in adults. Young children are sent for an abdominal ultrasound scan for:
- the presence of congenital pathologies;
- abdominal injuries;
- abdominal pain and fever of unknown origin;
- routine screening, which is mandatory during the neonatal period.
Ultrasound allows you to assess the state of the digestive and excretory systems, namely: liver, bladder and ureters, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, intestines. The retroperitoneal space, adrenal glands, arteries, veins and nerve plexuses must be examined.
The procedure is carried out according to the same principle as the examination of an adult, but in the presence of one of the parents, who helps to keep the baby.
This study is necessary to exclude (or confirm) congenital pathologies, to confirm the normal state and functioning of organs in accordance with age norms.
Ultrasound can reveal:
- congenital organ pathologies
- tumors, cysts and organ polyps
- reactive pancreatitis
- kinks and constrictions of the gallbladder
- hyperplasia, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis
- enlarged spleen
- enlargement of regional lymph nodes
- blood flow disorders
Abdominal ultrasound - how to evaluate the results of the study
As a rule, the ultrasound doctor at the end of the study brings out a short summary that the patient can understand, which may sound like "You are doing well" - the most anticipated and soothing phrase. But there may be another conclusion, for example: "You need to see a gastroenterologist (urologist, etc.) for consultation." But this should not be scary, any, even the most serious pathologies are treatable, the main thing is not to delay it.
A study protocol is issued, in which there are standard columns describing each organ, as well as a doctor's conclusion. In the conclusion, all identified pathologies or suspicions of them are indicated. If the patient is healthy, the conclusion will sound something like this: Abdominal organs are normal.
Ultrasound signs of certain diseases
Disease |
Ultrasound sign |
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| Cirrhosis of the liver | Direct signs:
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Indirect signs:
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| Congestive circulatory failure of the liver |
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| Focal liver pathologies: | Cysts, abscess, tumor necrotization site, hematoma | A site devoid of echo structure |
| Cancer metastases (low-grade), hepatocellular carcinoma, malignant lymphoma, sarcoma, adenoma, hemangioma, hematoma, abscess | Area with reduced echo structure | |
| Cancer metastases (highly differentiated), adenoma, hepatoma, hemangioma, scars, foci of calcification | Area with enhanced echo structure | |
| Malignant liver tumor | Strengthening the echo structure in the center of the section and reducing the echo structure along the edge of the volumetric formation | |
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is one of the safest, most painless and popular diagnostic methods. With the help of examination by this method, you can get a reliable diagnosis and timely prescribe treatment. To obtain the best visibility of the abdominal organs (kidneys, gallbladder, liver, pancreas), it is necessary that during ultrasound there is no bloating of the intestines and stomach, because the presence of gases will interfere with the passage of the sound signal of the apparatus and, according to the results of the examination, an unreliable clinical picture will be recorded. For this reason, in order to obtain accurate research results, the patient must properly prepare for the examination in advance.
An important stage in preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal organs is the use of products that exclude gas formation. The main point of the diet is to eat light meals.
When to start preparation, what to drink and how to eat before an ultrasound
During the day, you need to carry out frequent meals in the range of 3-4 hours in small portions no larger than your fist. An hour before and an hour after a meal, you can drink weak tea without sugar or still water, but the main thing is not to drink with meals. During the day, you need to drink one and a half liters of any liquid, preferably plain water without gas. It is categorically impossible to drink alcohol even in small doses three days before the procedure, its presence in the body may distort the results of the study.
Dietetic foods that do not affect gas production
- beef;
- chicken or turkey meat;
- low-fat fish;
- a soft-boiled or hard-boiled chicken egg (only one per day);
- oat (buckwheat) porridge, boiled in water without butter;
- low-fat hard cheeses.
Steam or boiled cooking methods are preferred.
Products that increase gas formation and are prohibited before ultrasound
At the time of preparation, it is necessary to exclude the intake of spicy, fried and smoked from the diet. Below is a list of foods that can help you gut:
- peas and other legumes;
- carbonated drinks;
- dairy products;
- sweets and bakery products;
- black and rye bread;
- milk;
- raw vegetables and fruits;
- coffee and other drinks with caffeine;
- alcoholic drinks;
- fish and meat are fatty varieties.
The described diet must be observed for all three days until the evening before the ultrasound of the abdominal organs, if the examination is scheduled for the morning. It is necessary to eat light foods on this day, you cannot completely starve the day before the procedure. If the reception hours are after 15:00 the next day, a small amount of light food is allowed at 8-10 in the morning.
On the day of the study
An abdominal ultrasound is performed on an empty stomach. In the morning you can drink if an ultrasound of the bladder is planned. In other cases, it is better to exclude water intake. In case of preparation for ultrasound of the gallbladder, the doctor may prescribe to eat sour cream on an empty stomach in the morning or drink a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. If flatulence is observed in the morning, it is recommended to make a cleansing enema. It is strictly forbidden to smoke on the day of the examination, because smoke can cause a fuzzy and incorrect picture.
How to prepare a child for an ultrasound scan
For children under the age of 15, it is allowed to exclude the special diet for three days before the procedure.
Infants up to one year
One feeding is allowed before the procedure;
One hour before the examination, exclude the use of water.
Children under 3 years old
No food is allowed 4 hours before the study,
Do not drink water or other liquids one hour before the procedure.
Children from 3 to 14 years old
Lack of meals 6-8 hours before the ultrasound;
Do not drink liquid for at least an hour.
For certain diagnoses, doctors need to obtain images of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity by means of an ultrasound examination. It is important to understand how to properly carry out an abdominal ultrasound scan - on an empty stomach or not, and also to figure out in what cases it is necessary.
Indications for research
Ultrasound of the Abdominal cavity is used to assess the condition of such organs:
- spleen;
- kidney;
- liver;
- the abdominal aorta and other vessels of the abdominal cavity;
- gallbladder;
- pancreas.
A similar check is done if a person has the following symptoms:
- appendicitis;
- formations in the cavity or organs;
- aortic aneurysms;
- gallstone and kidney stone disease;
- abdominal pain;
- organs increase in size;
- during a needle biopsy of the kidneys or liver, due to abdominal trauma, examination is necessary for control.
In combination with Doppler ultrasound is used during:
- Vascular thrombosis in the organs of the cavity.
- In the process of assessing congenital vessels of the arteriovenous shunt.
- Vasoconstriction.
- During the diagnosis of neoplasms.
Training
For the reliability of the results of the study, in the end, you should adhere to simple recommendations when preparing for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity:
- The main question that arises for many before the study is how to do ultrasound on an empty stomach or not. Indeed, to improve the quality of the study, it is better not to eat food before it at least 6-7 hours before it.
- With frequent increases in gas formation, doctors advise to use 5-6 tablets of activated carbon the night before. It is allowed to take 2-3 measuring spoons of the drug "Espumisan" instead.
To reduce gas formation in the intestines, doctors recommend adhering to a diet three days before the ultrasound:
- Allowed the use of such food products: cereals, poultry or beef, lean fish in baked or boiled form, one soft-boiled egg per day, cheese with a low percentage of fat.
- Fractional nutrition - every 4 hours throughout the day.
- Take the liquid in the form of water and weak tea in a volume of one and a half liters per day.
Attention! Analyzing the issue, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is done on an empty stomach or not, doctors allow, in addition to the morning hours of conducting a study on an empty stomach, also after 15 hours. In this case, breakfast should be at 8-10 am, after which food and liquids are prohibited.
Exclusion of products: raw vegetables and fruits, legumes, bread, milk, fatty meat and fish, sweets, strong coffee and juices, alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
With frequent constipation on the eve of the morning ultrasound scan, about 16 hours, use a herbal laxative.
Ultrasound of the kidneys and thyroid gland
Many are interested in how an ultrasound of the kidneys is performed on an empty stomach or not. You need to understand that if there is air exchange and gases in the abdominal cavity, the study will be extremely difficult. Ultrasonic waves can pass through liquid without problem, but not through gases and air.
Preparation before the study is not difficult to do on your own due to proper nutrition and fluid intake. All of the above instructions must be followed.
Kidney ultrasound is often done at the same time as examinations of organs such as the bladder and abdomen. In such cases, an ultrasound of the kidneys is performed on an empty stomach according to the dietary instructions of doctors only early in the morning.
No special training is required to diagnose thyroid disease. Whether an ultrasound of the thyroid gland is performed on an empty stomach or not depends solely on the age of the patient. On an empty stomach, such a procedure is recommended only for the elderly and children, in order to avoid the possibility of gag reflexes. It takes about 25 minutes.
Liquid in the stomach
For the stomach, the norm is a small amount of mucus and fluid, which will not interfere with the study of the relief of the mucous membrane. The liquid is expressed by the presence of a horizontal level, which manifests itself against the background of gas bubbles and characteristic deposition of contrast agents in the form of flakes.
When mixing a liquid with a contrast agent, the clarity of the relief image is distorted. Mucous lumps simulate filling defects. The presence of fluid is often accompanied by violations of evacuation functions, decreased tone, lowering of the stomach, changes in the relief of the mucous membrane.
Note! Often, at the beginning of the diagnosis, mucus and liquid are not observed, after that, when examining a barium suspension, a layer of liquid appears, one side of which is delimited by a gas bubble of the stomach, the other by a contrast suspension.
If an adult has accumulated fluid in the stomach on an empty stomach, the reasons may be different:
- Oncological diseases (malignant formations) are present.
- Liver cirrhosis, which is quite common in humans.
- Insufficiency of cardiac activity.
- Tuberculosis disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver pressure is elevated.
- Pancreatitis
- Female gynecological reasons.
Ultrasound for a child
Attention! A newborn baby may suffer from ascites due to congenital edema. More often the cause is mother's illness during pregnancy and her bad habits.
Before an ultrasound of the stomach, preparation is carried out:
- Before starting the study, it is recommended to take 0.5-1 liters of juice of any fruit.
- Intravenous administration of a special pharmacological preparation in the required dosage. This is necessary to increase the contractile activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Those who are interested in how an ultrasound scan is done correctly on an empty stomach or not - necessarily on an empty stomach.
The preparatory stage before conducting an ultrasound examination for a child is similar. Only the dose of the drug and the amount of liquid drunk should correspond to the age norm. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain the most reliable diagnostic result.
Doctors have always tried to get the most complete picture of the body's performance. Today they manage to achieve this. After all, ultrasound has come to the aid of doctors for the correct diagnosis of diseases. It is no secret that the success of treatment depends on the correctly identified pathology. Ultrasound is used to diagnose many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. What is the advantage of such a survey? How to properly prepare for it? And what will ultrasound of the stomach show?
Indications for the appointment of a survey
To understand what will show, you need to figure out under what conditions of the body it is prescribed. The examination is recommended for patients who have:
- ulcer;
- chronic gastritis;
- painful discomfort in the upper abdomen;
- frequent belching or heartburn;
- indigestion;
- frequent vomiting.
With recurrent bronchitis, bronchial asthma, profuse regurgitation, babies are also prescribed ultrasound. Such an examination will provide the doctor with a complete picture of the pathology. It allows you to identify the presence of a deviation in the size of the organ from the permissible norm. In addition, ultrasound shows the presence of foreign formations, tumors.
Benefits of ultrasound
Some patients have many questions. What will ultrasound of the stomach show? Why is such research preferable?
The widespread popularity of this survey is due to the following factors:
- it is completely safe;
- the ultrasound results are completely reliable;
- the examination is very convenient;
- Ultrasound does not require careful and lengthy preparation;
- does not apply to expensive procedures.
The study uses ultrasonic waves. They are completely safe for humans. The procedure itself takes about fifteen minutes. Therefore, she cannot negatively affect the patient.
There are simple rules to remember. Despite the fact that the patient does not need careful preparation for the examination, on the eve of the ultrasound, some recommendations must be followed. By adhering to them, the patient will make it possible to more effectively diagnose the body.
So how to prepare for a stomach ultrasound? This is easy enough. For three days before the scheduled ultrasound, the patient must follow a special diet. Such nutrition is aimed at eliminating excess. The diet involves the use of liquid (1.5 liters) during the day, fractional food intake. In this case, you need to eat in small portions.
Excluded Products
Refuse food that is capable of stomach ultrasound. Preparation involves excluding the following products:
- peas, beans;
- raw fruits, vegetables;
- pastry, black bread;
- various sweets;
- fatty meat and fish products;
- carbonated drinks;
- dairy products;
- juices, coffee;
- alcohol.
Patients should understand what smoking causes as a result, the patient may be misdiagnosed.
Consumed products
- fish (boiled or steamed);
- scrambled eggs;
- chicken or beef;
- low-fat cheese;
- cereal porridge cooked in water.
Medicines and procedures
Preparing the body for an ultrasound scan may include taking certain medications:
- Preparations that reduce gas formation. This is activated carbon, the "Simethicone" agent. If the choice fell on the last drug, then it should be taken the day before the ultrasound. And always in the morning before the examination.
- Medicines that improve the digestive process. Preparations "Festal", "Mezim".
- Laxatives. People suffering from constipation should take the herbal preparation "Senade" the day before the procedure.
The procedure for preparing for the study is quite simple. However, it does not apply to mandatory recommendations. However, compliance with it allows you to more accurately diagnose the state of the organ.
Survey
The procedure is usually appointed in the morning. An ultrasound of the stomach is performed on an empty stomach. The patient should have with him still water (1 liter) or juice. Your doctor may recommend drinking a liquid before the ultrasound. This will stretch the stomach so that the doctor can better see the condition of the walls, shape, functioning and pathological changes.
The patient is advised to lie on a couch. A water gel is applied to the abdomen. This expels any remaining air between the sensor and the skin. The examination begins. The doctor drives the sensor over the abdomen, pressing it at a variety of angles.
After a while, it is recommended to drink water through a straw. This procedure allows you to consider the flow of fluid into the stomach from the esophagus. In addition, the lower esophagus is more clearly visualized. The procedure itself takes about half an hour.
The patient receives the results of ultrasound immediately after the examination. The conclusion is printed on letterhead. It is signed by a doctor and stamped by the institution. In addition, the results are recorded on a CD. This measure allows the attending physician to see all the described changes. Recording is also useful in the case of repeated ultrasound. The doctor will be able to better assess all the changes that have occurred during the course of the disease.
- FGDS;
- colonoscopy;
- gastrography;
- irrigoscopy.
Research results
Ultrasound of the stomach cannot replace endoscopic or X-ray examination. However, it gives an idea of \u200b\u200bthe state of the walls of the organ, its outer contours, helps to control regression or relapse of the pathological process.
So, what will a stomach ultrasound show? It fully examines functions and reveals reflexivity. Ultrasound will provide information on the thickness of the stomach walls, inflammatory processes, tumors. The study will reliably clarify the localization of the pathology, allow to study the blood flow, and distinguish between small structures. Such a survey provides answers to many questions.
Ultrasound of the stomach can detect the following conditions:
- neoplastic diffuse wall thickening;
- hypertrophic congenital pyloric stenosis;
- swelling of the walls;
- varicose veins;
- tumor aberrant vessels;
- acquired pyloric stenosis;
- tumors;
- no delimitation of the walls;
- carcinoma of the stomach;
- mesenchymal tumor;
- lymphoma of the stomach.
Opinions of patients and doctors
Most people consider an ultrasound of the stomach to be effective. Patient reviews indicate that many people do not understand the features of this examination. When faced with it for the first time, people ask many different questions, including asking about what the ultrasound of the stomach will show.
Patients who have undergone this examination are surprised to note that it is very easy and simple to detect a variety of conditions. Doctors agree with this opinion. After all, ultrasound allows you to identify quite serious pathologies in the early stages. At the same time, the simplicity of the method and harmlessness allow examining almost all patients.
Content
Just a few decades ago, doctors did not know about ultrasound, but today they send almost every patient for analysis to clarify the diagnosis. The patient can only follow the recommendations of the physician and carefully prepare. How to help the doctor to visualize the picture on the monitor as accurately as possible will be discussed below.
How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound
There is an opinion that the accuracy of ultrasound depends only on the qualifications of the medical staff and the novelty of the equipment. To a large extent, the statement is correct, but often difficulties in interpreting the results can arise when examining overweight patients or due to the patient's ignorance. Yes, an important part before an abdominal ultrasound is patient preparation.
The doctor's requirements will be determined by which organ needs to be enlightened on the equipment screen:
- When examining the pancreas or stomach, it is necessary to refuse food products that cause fermentation in the intestines.
- When a doctor wants to look at the bladder, prostate, gallbladder or genitals of a woman, you need to drink up to half a liter of water 60-120 minutes before taking.
- It is possible to assess the health of the mammary glands only 1-2 weeks after the start of the menstrual cycle.
- There is no need to prepare for examination of the lymph nodes, heart, liver, kidneys, thyroid gland.
Remember that before you start preparing for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. it is imperative to notify the doctor about the presence of serious chronic diseases and taking medications, including oral contraceptives. Most drugs will have to be discarded. The only exceptions are "heart" medicines. In this case, you can simply warn the diagnostician.
Preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in adults
In addition to the main medical aspects, before undergoing an analysis with ultrasound on any internal organ, it is necessary:
- Quit tobacco at least 2 hours before the procedure, including smoking electronic cigarettes.
- If you have been diagnosed with diabetes before the study, ask your doctor to schedule an analysis in the morning. Patients with such problems should not deny themselves food for too long.
- Tell the sonologist if a chest and rectal x-ray has been taken. In this case, some time should pass before passing other tests.
- In adults, preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity also implies the rejection of antispasmodics. To do this, it is best to ask your doctor for advice in advance.
How to prepare for a woman's abdominal ultrasound
An ordinary woman does not have to make any preparations. A slightly different preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity in women in an "interesting" position, and only from 1 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. It involves adherence to a certain diet for at least 2 days. It is advisable to exclude gas-forming products from your menu:
- legumes;
- cabbage;
- dairy products;
- baked goods;
- carbonated drinks.
Starting from the 14th week of pregnancy and until the very birth, before preparing for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs (even if the purpose of the study is to examine the liver and kidneys), it is supposed not to eat in the morning and in the evening the day before. Otherwise, food debris in the intestines can distort the overall picture. This point is especially important when the sonologist wants to look at the biliary tract.
Abdominal ultrasound for a child - preparation
If everything is clear with adults, then how to prepare a child for an abdominal ultrasound is a mystery for many parents. In fact, even for the smallest, diagnostic scientists have developed several rules:
- Babies are allowed to the procedure on an empty stomach, that is, mommy should skip one breastfeeding.
- For older children, this interval is increased to 4 hours. You cannot drink 60-80 minutes before a doctor's examination.
- The main rule on how to prepare for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs for a child under 14 years old is: no food for 8 hours and a complete ban on drinks before an appointment with a diagnostician.
What can you eat before an abdominal ultrasound
To avoid errors in interpretation, the doctor will prescribe a special diet to the patient a few days before the analysis. A sample menu will consist of the following list of products:
- boiled beef;
- skinless chicken;
- steamed fish of low-fat varieties;
- boiled egg;
- oatmeal, pearl barley or buckwheat porridge.
Strict preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal organs also considers the fact that you need to eat in small portions with an interval of 2-3 hours. Drinks are allowed only after an hour from a meal. At the same time, it is categorically forbidden to drink sweet soda, kvass, coffee or tea with sugar, kefir or yogurt, other dairy products. Better to drink a mug of warm water.
Regarding whether it is possible to eat before an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, each qualified specialist will tell you that the study should be done on an empty stomach. Otherwise, the stomach simply will not have time to digest food, the image on the monitor will be distorted, and the result will be inaccurate. The only exception is the case when the analysis will be carried out in the afternoon: a light breakfast is allowed.
Can I drink water before an abdominal ultrasound?
Drinking fluids before the procedure is another controversial point of preparation. To answer unequivocally that it is impossible to drink - tea or water - without knowing the situation, no self-respecting doctor will be able to. Much will depend on the purpose of the study and the selected organ, for example:
- If you need to see the condition of the bladder, female genital organs, prostate and kidney, you should drink about 3 glasses of non-carbonated drink before the procedure.
- When looking at the heart, liver, arteries and lymph nodes, there is no need to drink fluids.
- The same rule applies to the female breast, digestive tract organs.
Can children drink before an abdominal ultrasound? Teenagers and preschoolers can take a few glasses of water before going to the hospital. Babies who suffer from constipation are given a couple of tablespoons of dill water for four days. For adults, a glass of honey water with lemon will help cleanse the intestines. It must be taken within 2 days prior to the expected date.