Intestinal Ultrasound: What It Shows and How It Is Performed

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound, sonography) is a non-invasive method of visualizing internal organs using ultrasound waves. In an abdominal examination, the transducer is placed on the skin of the abdomen, and the reflected signals form an image of the organs. The method does not use ionizing radiation, unlike X-ray and computed tomography.

What Intestinal Ultrasound Is

The intestines are examined as part of an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs. Such an examination is used to assess the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys, as well as the major abdominal vessels. To examine the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space, a frequency of 2.5–3.5 MHz is used. The resolution of modern machines reaches fractions of a millimeter, but the boundary between tissue and air reflects almost all waves.

What Intestinal Ultrasound Shows

Abdominal ultrasound helps find the cause of abdominal pain, assess organ enlargement, suspect appendicitis, an abscess, bile duct obstruction, gallstones or kidney stones, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), as well as tumors and pancreatic inflammation. The result is described by the sonographer: normal means that the examined organs appear usual, and the interpretation of abnormalities depends on the specific organ and the nature of the problem.

How the Examination Is Performed

Preparation is prescribed by the facility where the scan is performed. According to recommendations, shortly before the procedure you may be asked to drink several glasses of water and not visit the toilet in order to fill the bladder, and also to remove jewelry and piercings from the scan area. For an abdominal examination, you are often asked not to eat or drink for several hours. The procedure itself looks like this:

• the patient lies on the couch next to the machine;
• conductive gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen;
• the transducer is moved across the abdomen, and sometimes you are asked to change position or hold your breath;
• the doctor makes notes and measurements on the screen;
• after the procedure, the gel is removed with a paper tissue.

External scanning usually takes from 10 to 45 minutes; an abdominal examination more often lasts less than 30 minutes. The gel may feel cold, and pressure from the transducer may be uncomfortable in a painful area. The result is sent to the doctor who referred you for the examination; the timing depends on the reason for the scan.

When Intestinal Ultrasound Is Ordered

A referral is given for abdominal pain of unclear origin, suspected stones, tumor, pancreatic inflammation, abnormal blood test results, after abdominal trauma, and to monitor an already known condition. Ultrasound is also used as navigation during some procedures.

Other Diagnostic Methods: MRI, Colonoscopy, Biopsy

Ultrasound is not the only way to examine the intestines. An ultrasound transducer can be attached to an endoscope — this gives the doctor a clearer picture. CT and X-ray use radiation, while ultrasound does not. The choice of method is determined by the doctor based on symptoms and data from previous examinations.

Limitations of the Method and When to Consult a Doctor

Ultrasound is safe: there are no known risks, and no radiation is used. If you are uncomfortable during the procedure, you can tell the specialist. If questions remain after the examination or the result is unclear, contact the doctor who referred you for the scan.

Ultrasound alone is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition (for example, signs of stroke or heart attack) or a serious condition after trauma.

This material is for reference and does not replace consultation with a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer