Centres/Radiology/Ultrasound/Abdominal ultrasound

Abdominal and abdominopelvic ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Abdominal ultrasound in Tunis: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen examined with sound waves, without X-rays or injection.

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What is it?

An abdominal ultrasound examines the organs of the abdomen: the liver, the gallbladder and bile ducts, the pancreas, the spleen, the kidneys and the large blood vessels. It uses ultrasound waves, without X-rays or injection, and gives live images. It is often the first test requested for abdominal pain, abnormal liver blood tests or suspected gallstones. When the lower abdomen (bladder, uterus and ovaries or prostate) is also examined, it is called an abdominopelvic ultrasound: you then need to come with a full bladder. Depending on your doctor's request, two regions can be examined during the same session, whether they are next to each other (for example the abdomen and pelvis) or further apart.

When is it indicated?

Abdominal pain

It looks for a visible cause: a stone, an inflamed gallbladder, an abnormal organ or fluid.

Gallstones

Ultrasound is the simplest test to see gallstones and any inflammation of the gallbladder.

Abnormal liver tests

It examines the appearance of the liver (fatty liver, nodule) and the bile ducts.

Kidney and spleen assessment

It measures these organs and looks for a cyst, a stone or dilatation.

Monitoring a known condition

Without X-rays, it can be repeated to follow a lesion or an organ over time.

Preparation

1Do not eat for about 6 hours beforehand (no meals, sugary drinks, smoking or chewing gum); still water and your usual medicines are generally allowed

2If the pelvis is also examined, come with a full bladder (drink about one litre of water in the hour before, without passing urine)

3A light diet the day before (avoiding fizzy drinks and foods that cause wind) can improve image quality

4Wear clothes that are easy to remove or lift over the area to be examined

5Bring your referral, previous imaging (ultrasound, X-rays, CT scan, MRI) and any relevant reports

Procedure

You lie on your back with your abdomen uncovered

A slightly cold gel is applied to the skin so that the ultrasound waves pass through well

The doctor moves a probe over the skin, pressing lightly; the images appear live on the screen

You may be asked to breathe in deeply, hold your breath for a few seconds or turn onto your side

The gel is wiped off; you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 15 to 30 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by the doctor performing the examination, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the relevant images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.