Abdominal Ultrasound

The abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves  to examine some of the major  internal organs of the abdomen.

This exam will evaluate the:

Liver – which is a dome-shaped organ that lies under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen.  The liver produces bile (a substance that helps digest fat), stores sugars, and breaks down many of the body’s waste products.

Gallbladder – a sac-like organ beneath the liver.  The gallbladder stores bile.  When food is eaten, the gallbladder contracts, sending bile into the intestines to help in digesting food and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

Pancreas – an endocrine gland located in the upper abdomen that produces enzymes that help digest food.  The digestive enzymes are then released into the intestines.  The pancreas also releases insulin into the bloodstream.  Insulin helps the body use sugar for energy.

Kidneys – a pair of bean-shaped organs located behind the upper abdominal cavity.  The kidneys remove waste from the blood and also produce urine.

Spleen – a soft, round organ that helps fight infection and filters old red blood cells.  The spleen is located to the left of the stomach, just behind the lower left ribs.

Abdominal Aorta – a large artery that passes down the back of the chest and abdomen.  The aorta supplies blood to many of the major organs in the abdomen as well as to the lower legs.

The abdominal ultrasound exam is a non-invasive and painless procedure. A small amount of gel is applied to the abdomen and an ultrasound transducer (similar to a microphone) is placed on the abdomen. The transducer is moved to various locations on the abdomen and 2D images of the abdominal structures are acquired.