Private Abdominal Ultrasound

What is abdominal ultrasound Imaging

Abdominal ultrasounds are one of the most common ultrasound diagnostic examinations.  Main reasons for this medical test is abdominal pain. This imaging test, therefore, provides information about what is going on inside your abdomen (often referred to as your stomach or belly). The abdomen is the part of your body that contains your stomach, large and small intestines, pancreas, liver, kidneys, spleen and gallbladder.

It contains blood vessels, including the main artery that supplies blood from your heart (aorta), the large vein that carries blood to your heart (inferior vena cava) and all of its branches, as well as muscles, and your spine.

 What can be seen with the abdominal Ultrasound?

This abdominal test evaluates the following major organs within the abdomen:

• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Biliary system
• Pancreas
• Kidneys
• Spleen

What are the most common reasons for the procedure?

Abdominal ultrasounds performed on people of all ages  and the most common reasons for this procedure are summarized below:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Abnormal liver function tests,
• Fatty liver
• Follow up on previous findings such as cysts, gallstones, polyps, kidney stones
• Abnormal Blood Tests
• Tumours & Cancers
• Vomiting
• Discomfort
• Gallstones
• Liver Cirrhosis
• Yellow Skin (Jaundice)
• Inflammation
• Polyps
• Cysts

How should I prepare?

For this private abdominal ultrasound scan you are required to fast for at least 4 hours (if you are diabetic you may have a sugary supplement if needed). Clear fluids, for example, water are allowed. To find out why you need to prepare for an ultrasound scan visit this page on our blog.

What should I expect during the private abdominal scan?

Before the abdominal ultrasound, our sonographer will discuss the reasons for your scan and will explain the examination procedure.

The room will be dimly lit as to aid visual assessment of the monitor.

You will be asked to lie on the examination couch exposed part of your abdomen. A small amount of gel will be applied on your skin and a small ultrasound probe will be used to obtain images of your internal organs. You may be asked to roll onto your side, sit or even stand during the examination.  During and after the examination our sonographer will explain the findings and an ultrasound report will be issued to take to your doctor.

What does the equipment look like?

Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to do the scanning. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. Some exams may use different transducers (with different capabilities) during a single exam. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves (that the human ear cannot hear) into the body and then listens for the returning echoes from the tissues in the body. The principles are similar to sonar used by boats and submarines.

 The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a video display screen that looks like a computer or television monitor.

When will I get the results?

After the scan, the images will be examined further by the sonographer, who will then prepare a written report with any recommended actions. The report will be sent to you so that you can discuss the findings with your doctor if required.

What are the risks of an abdominal ultrasound?

There are no risks associated with the abdominal ultrasound examination.  Ultrasounds do not use any radiation, which is why doctors prefer to use them to check on developing babies in pregnant women.

Price of the Abdominal Scan: £164.00

Click here for other types of ultrasound scanning for men.

Who interprets the results of the scan?

What if the results are abnormal

The sonographer will discuss the abnormal finding and will advise you as to the best course of action.

An abdominal ultrasound can indicate conditions such as:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abscess
Appendicitis
Cholecystitis - Inflammation of the gallbladder
Gallstones
Hydronephrosis - when the kidney does not drain properly
Kidney stones
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Splenomegaly - Spleen enlargement 
Portal hypertension
Liver tumours
Obstruction of bile ducts
Cirrhosis
 

Abdominal Ultrasound FAQ's

To see all our frequently asked questions visit our the abdominal ultrasound Faq's page.

References and more information:

NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ultrasound-scan/

Diagnosis - Liver Cancer - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/diagnosis/

Having an Upper Abdominal Ultrasound Scan - the IOW NHS - http://www.iow.nhs.uk/Downloads/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Diagnostic%20Imaging%20-%20Having%20an%20Upper%20Abdominal%20Ultrasound%20Scan%20v4.pdf

BMUS - ABDOMINAL / RENAL ULTRASOUND - https://www.bmus.org/abdominal-renal/

BMUS - GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL ULTRASOUND PRACTICE - https://www.bmus.org/policies-statements-guidelines/professional-guidance/guidelines-for-professional-ultrasound-practice/

SoR - Guidelines For Professional Ultrasound Practice - https://www.sor.org/sites/default/files/document-versions/ultrasound_guidance.pdf

-- Consultant Ultrasound Practitioner  Daniela Stan,  MSc Medical Ultrasound.

Specialities: MSK, Breast,  Abdomen, Small Parts, Gynaecology/Obstetrics and Vascular..
Daniela Stan is a London based NHS and Private Consultant Sonographer, with more than 20 years’ experience in Healthcare. She holds a degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davilla, Bucharest, Romania and a Medical Doctor Licence in Family Medicine. After graduating from the Medical School Program in 1997 ..  Read More