How does an ultrasound examination work?
March 3, 2023 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Fanni Raab
Dear Radiologist,
My name is Roberta Büchner and I am contacting you with a question regarding an ultrasound examination. Lately, I have been experiencing increased discomfort in my abdominal area and my primary care physician has recommended that I undergo an ultrasound examination. However, since I have never had such a procedure before, I am somewhat worried and would like to learn more about it.
I am wondering how exactly an ultrasound examination works and what happens during the procedure. How is the examination conducted and do I need to prepare for it? Are there any specific risks or side effects to consider? Can all organs in the abdominal area be seen during an ultrasound examination or are there certain limitations?
Additionally, I am concerned about whether an ultrasound examination could potentially be painful and whether it provides accurate results. Can all possible abdominal diseases be detected with an ultrasound examination or are there cases where further investigations are necessary?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer these questions to alleviate my concerns and fears regarding the ultrasound examination. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Roberta Büchner
Dear Mrs. Büchner,
Thank you for your trust and your questions regarding the ultrasound examination. I understand that this is a new and unfamiliar situation for you and that you are concerned. I would like to answer these questions in detail to provide you with more clarity and alleviate your worries.
An ultrasound examination, also known as sonography, is an imaging method in which sound waves are used to make structures in the body visible. A ultrasound probe is applied to the skin, which emits sound waves that are reflected in the body and converted into an image by a computer. These images allow the radiologist to assess the organs in the abdominal cavity.
Ultrasound examination is a non-invasive and painless method that is generally well tolerated. There are no special preparations required, such as fasting or contrast agent administration. So you can attend your appointment as usual. There are no specific risks or side effects associated with an ultrasound examination, as no ionizing radiation is used.
In general, many organs in the abdominal cavity can be assessed during an ultrasound examination, such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and intestines. However, there are certain limitations, such as air in the intestines, which can affect the visibility of the organs. In some cases, it may also be necessary to perform additional examinations such as an MRI or CT scan to assess certain structures more accurately.
Ultrasound examination can detect various diseases in the abdominal cavity, such as gallstones, liver changes, kidney stones, or tumors. However, there may also be cases where further examinations are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound examination generally provides meaningful results that provide important information to the treating physician.
I hope that I have been able to answer your questions in detail and provide you with more confidence regarding the ultrasound examination. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Fanni Raab
