What is an echo exam of abdomen?

An abdominal echocardiography is a diagnostic procedure that allows a physician to see the organs and other structures in the abdomen. It is used to diagnose abnormalities in various internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta.

What does an upper abdominal ultrasound show?

Ultrasound imaging of the abdomen uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures within the upper abdomen. It is used to help diagnose pain or distention (enlargement) and evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta.

Can you drink water before abdominal ultrasound?

You typically need to avoid food and drinks (fast) for eight to 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. Food and liquids in your stomach (and urine in your bladder) can make it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture of the structures in your abdomen.

Can abdominal ultrasound detect bowel problems?

Over the past few years, thanks to technological progress in ultrasonography, followed by increasing experience of physicians, intestinal ultrasound has become an important diagnostic tool in the detection of bowel diseases.

Why would a doctor order a pelvic ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound may be used to diagnose and assist in the treatment of the following conditions: Abnormalities in the anatomic structure of the uterus, including endometrial conditions. Fibroid tumors (benign growths), masses, cysts, and other types of tumors within the pelvis.

Can abdominal ultrasound detect tumors?

Ultrasound cannot tell whether a tumor is cancer. Its use is also limited in some parts of the body because the sound waves can’t go through air (such as in the lungs) or through bone.

Can abdominal ultrasound show inflammation?

This type of ultrasound can detect changes in blood flow through the abdomen. Because the abdomen contains many important body parts, several problems can occur there. Such problems could range from inflammation to abnormal hormonal responses, and they can sometimes indicate the presence of another condition.