An ultrasound of the abdomen uses sound waves to show a picture your internal organs that are within the abdomen. These organs include the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen. An ultrasound of the abdomen can also check if blood is flowing properly to these organs. Compared to other tests, it doesn’t involve any radiation. Often, this relatively quick test is ordered if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or bloating.
How does an ultrasound help diagnose gastrointestinal problems?
An ultrasound can show bile leaks (collections of bile leaking out of the liver) and gallstones. In addition, an ultrasound is one of several tests performed to determine if you may have stomach cancer. Ultrasounds can detect cysts, tumors, abscesses, obstructions, fluid collection, blockages in blood vessels, and infection within the abdomen. Ultrasounds can also diagnose conditions like kidney stones, cholecystitis, kidney cancer, gallstones, liver disease, fatty liver disease, pancreatitis and enlarged spleen.
References:
Mayo Clinic. 2022. Abdominal Ultrasound. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/abdominal-ultrasound/about/pac-20392738
Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Abdominal Ultrasound. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4994-abdominal-ultrasound
