All you need to know about the Ultrazvuk abdomena (ultrasound of the abdomen).

Ultrasounds are sound waves generated by machines that enter the body and reflect back to produce an image of the internal organs on the screen. Unlike in the case of X-rays or CT scans there is no danger of the person being exposed to ionizing radiations from this test hence no risks are involved with the ultrazvuk abdomena. One has to lie down on the bed for the procedure. A gel, clear and water-based in consistency is rubbed onto the skin over the abdominal region. This gel is applied to enhance the transmission of sound waves. An instrument known as the transducer is moved over the abdominal region where the gel is applied. The transducer is a small device that looks like a microphone which is attached to the scanner by a cord.

Often the patient is asked to change positions so the radiologist can examine different areas. An ultrazvuk abdomena is performed to check the organs and structures in the upper abdomen. The ultrazvuk abdomena usually takes less than 30 minutes and may require from the patient to hold his/her breath for short periods of time. Usually the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything for up to eight hours prior to the performance of the test. However the exact preparation for this test depends on the nature of the illness. For a study of the liver, spleen, gallbladder and pancreas, the patient is asked to eat a fat-free meal in the evening before the test is to be performed and to avoid eating for eight to twelve hours before the test.

Ultrazvuk abdomena of the kidneys would need a preparation in which drinking up to four to six glasses of water about an hour before the test starts, to fill up the bladder. Fasting for twelve hours is recommended to avoid gas build up in the intestines. Ultrasound of the aorta might need a fasting period of eight to twelve hours before the start of the test. Ultrazvuk abdomena is usually performed if the patient complains of abdominal pain, swelling of an abdominal organ or to check for presence of stones in the kidney or gall bladder. A slight discomfort is felt when the gel is applied which may feel cold and wet or when pressure is applied to the abdominal region by the transducer to check the organs.

In normal condition all the organs inside will appear normal. In abnormal results however, many possible conditions could be revealed, such as spleen enlargement, kidney stones, gallstones, cholecystitis, hydronephrosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, etc. Another ultrasound technique related to the ultrazvuk abdomena is the Doppler ultra sound. This is a special procedure designed to check the velocity of the blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. This is used to check for blockages in the blood flow (for example clots), narrowing of blood vessels and tumors and congenital malformation.