Is it possible to drink water or tea before an ultrasound scan of the abdominal cavity or kidneys?

Preparing for an abdominal ultrasound (ultrasound examination) is an important step, and to ensure it is correct, find out whether drinking is allowed before an abdominal ultrasound.
Almost everyone sometimes needs to undergo this examination.

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Only proper preparation will make subsequent diagnostics more accurate and truthful.

Conditions that are indications for performing an ultrasound examination of the uterus

Already during a bimanual examination of a woman on a gynecological chair, the gynecologist can suggest a diagnosis, but to clarify the gynecological status and further diagnosis, the woman is sent for an ultrasound scan of the uterus and appendages.

When to undergo a gynecological ultrasound:

• Failure of the menstrual cycle. • Discharge of blood from the uterus between menstruation. • Changes in the nature of menstrual flow. • Infertility. • Pain in the lower abdomen. • Increased vaginal discharge. • Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. • Ultrasound diagnostics (screening) during pregnancy. • To control uterine contractility during the postpartum period. • For the purpose of dynamic monitoring of gynecological diseases: uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cysts, etc. • Painful menstruation. • Examination after miscarriage. • Dysfunctional uterine bleeding during menopause. • Pain during sexual intercourse.

From the listed indications, we see that ultrasound of the uterus is prescribed not only for confirmed diseases, but also for the purpose of prevention.

Information on how a patient should prepare before an ultrasound scan

If the doctor has prescribed this diagnostic method, then it is necessary to carry out a set of preparatory actions without fail. After all, if a large amount of gas accumulates in the intestines, the doctor will not consider everything that is required. The procedure is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach.

The recommended preparation time for ultrasound examinations is 3–4 days before the start of diagnosis. In a few days, nutrition is normalized and the intestines are cleansed. If there is constipation, then a separate diet is drawn up, medical records and documents are prepared.

What are the types of gynecological ultrasounds?

Depending on your goals, the doctor will recommend one of the following types of ultrasound examination of the uterus:

During this study, a special sensor is inserted into the woman’s vagina, on which a disposable condom is placed for endoscopic manipulation.

The procedure is painless, no more painful than an examination on the mirrors in a gynecological chair. If the patient has increased sensitivity to pain, then you can use a special gel with an anesthetic.

Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus is a highly informative procedure, since visualization in this case is better.

Transrectal ultrasound of the uterus

Used in girls who are not sexually active. Quite an informative method. The sensor is smaller and is inserted into the rectum.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the uterus

Used as a screening examination. Access is through the anterior abdominal wall.

Ultrasound of the uterus using a probe

The method is rarely used. Visualization is carried out using a special probe inserted into the uterine cavity. It is used when all other ultrasound diagnostic methods were uninformative in complex cases.

During this type of research, iatrogenic damage is possible.

Sonohysterography is an invasive diagnostic method, since special substances are introduced into the uterine cavity: contrast or isotonic solution. After filling, a sensor is inserted into the vagina and a diagnostic examination takes place, i.e. transvaginal ultrasound examination.

Let us examine in detail how to prepare for an ultrasound of the uterus.

Transabdominal method

This is the most common method of ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. It can be used in women of almost all ages and sizes. A relative obstacle to transabdominal ultrasound is severe obesity, since due to the thick layer of subcutaneous fat, the signal can be distorted or completely interrupted. Sonography through the anterior abdominal wall is especially widely used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy.

How to prepare for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs “through the abdomen”? 3-4 days before sonography, exclude baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, beer, kvass, and legumes from the menu. All these foods and drinks cause fermentation and increased gas formation in the digestive tract. You should not eat a lot of meat products, due to possible putrefactive processes in the intestines, which are also accompanied by increased gas formation.

Due to excess gases in the intestines, the intestinal loops swell, push the bladder and uterus down, and distort the sonographic picture. The flip side of indigestion - constipation - also does not contribute to the correct interpretation of ultrasound results. Feces in the intestinal lumen do not allow ultrasound to pass through and “obscure” the deeper organs.

Therefore, the diet before the ultrasound should be balanced; if necessary, in the evening before the examination you can take mild laxatives (Lactulose, Forlact, Regulax) after consulting with your doctor.

Immediately before the procedure, it is recommended not to urinate for 3-4 hours. If you cannot stand it, then you can drink liquids immediately before the sonography (no later than 1 hour before it). How much water should you drink? On average, 1 – 1.5 liters of water for adults; before the examination, small children are given any non-carbonated liquid to drink, as much as the child can drink.

Preparing for an ultrasound of the uterus

Different ultrasound diagnostic methods require different preparation.

During a transvaginal examination, normal hygiene procedures are sufficient, and in order to eliminate discomfort from the intestines, it is better to stop eating gas-forming products for three days: milk, sauerkraut, black bread, legumes.

There is no need to fill the bladder before a transvaginal ultrasound.

Abdominal ultrasound of the uterus requires special preparation. To prepare for an ultrasound of the uterus, it is necessary to get rid of any manifestations of intestinal flatulence. To do this, in the evening and in the morning, on the eve of the procedure, a cleansing enema is given. An hour before the examination, so that the bladder is full, start drinking water.

Preparation for transrectal ultrasound and sonohysterography (SHS) is similar to preparation for transabdominal ultrasound examination, only without filling the bladder.

Combined method

Combined ultrasound examination is essentially a combination of two methods: transabdominal and transvaginal or transabdominal and transrectal. There is no need for any special preparation for this ultrasound method. Most often, the combined method is auxiliary so that the doctor can more carefully examine the organ being examined.

Video: how to prepare for the procedure, what is needed? How much water to drink or just go for a full bladder test? on what day of the cycle (after menstruation) can a pelvic ultrasound be performed for women?

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On what day of the cycle should I do an ultrasound of the uterus?

There are certain rules to get a reliable picture of women's health.

Ultrasound examination should be performed 3-5 days after the end of menstrual flow. This is explained by the fact that at the beginning of the cycle, due to the characteristics of the endometrium, all neoplasms are clearly visualized.

Although all studies are carried out at the discretion of the treating doctor. There are conditions in which a series of gynecological ultrasounds are performed over time in 1 cycle on days 7, 15, 23.

Transvaginal method

During transvaginal sonography, a special probe is inserted into the vagina. Before use, a condom is put on it; most often, ultrasound rooms have special condoms for ultrasound, but you can bring your own to the study. Condoms suitable for sonography are: unflavored, untextured, and neutrally lubricated.

Transvaginal ultrasound cannot be used in girls or women who are not sexually active. In this study, the sensor is not inserted deep into the vagina, literally a few centimeters, so transvaginal sonography does not cause virtually any discomfort.

No specific preparation is needed before transvaginal ultrasound. Since ultrasound does not need to overcome obstacles in the form of intestinal loops on its way to the organs being examined, there are no restrictions on diet, and there is no need to drink water before the study. Transvaginal sonography cannot be performed during menstruation due to the low information content of the study.

With a standard diagnostic search, the optimal moment for the procedure is the first phase of the cycle, 4-5 days after the end of menstruation. If the purpose of the study is to track the maturation of the follicle (folliculometry) and record the moment of ovulation, then the timing of the ultrasound is shifted. In any case, the attending physician always indicates how many days after the start of the cycle it is better to perform sonography.

Interpretation of ultrasound results

Ultrasound examination evaluates the following parameters:

• Position. In most women, the uterus is slightly tilted forward; posterior deviation is not a pathology, but can complicate conception and the natural process of childbirth.

• Dimensions Length 7 cm, width 6 cm, anteroposterior 4.2 cm. If the size is smaller, underdevelopment is possible; enlargement may mean pregnancy, oncological processes.

• The walls of the organ are normally homogeneous, heterogeneous foci - an oncological process, polyp, endometriosis cannot be excluded.

• Structure and thickness depend on the menstrual cycle. About 4 days is the recovery period. From 5 to 15 days - an increase in the thickness of the endometrium, increased blood supply. Mucous layer up to 15 mm. From day 15 - the second half of the cycle, further growth of the endometrium. Before the onset of menstruation it can reach 20 mm.

• If pregnancy occurs, then the germination of endometrial vessels increases, massive development, the uterus prepares to feed and bear the fetus.

• Cervix. Length - up to 4 cm. Antero-posterior size - 3 cm.

• Channel. Diameter up to 3 mm, if the parameter is increased, this may indicate an inflammatory process, cancer, endometriosis, etc.

During an ultrasound of the uterus, it is important to assess the retrouterine space, namely, the amount of fluid. A small amount of free fluid is allowed only after the ovulation process, in the middle of the cycle. At other times, this may be due to inflammation or other pathological processes.

The fallopian tubes in a healthy woman are not visualized, with the exception of acute inflammatory processes and pregnancy.

Ultrasound during pregnancy determines the timing, location of the fertilized egg, and pathological conditions (frozen pregnancy, hydatidiform mole, ectopic pregnancy). There are certain periods when the fetus is examined for the presence of developmental defects.

How can H2O affect the examination?

So, now you know a lot about whether you can drink water during an ultrasound of the stomach or other organ of the gastrointestinal tract. Compliance with the drinking regime is extremely important for normal research.

But why is it strongly not recommended to drink water immediately before the test, even in small quantities? You will find the answer to this question in the list below:

1. The echogenicity of water is quite low; accordingly, it cannot transmit ultrasound normally and practically does not reflect it, which does not allow us to examine certain areas of the diseased organ and find various neoplasms or inflammations.
2. The entry of liquid into the stomach will immediately begin the digestive process and also activate the work of internal organs.
3. When water enters the gastrointestinal tract, a process of increased gas formation occurs in the intestines, and gas, as is known, has a fairly high technogenicity.
4. In some cases, taking liquid leads to intestinal spasms, which also complicates the research process and leads to unpleasant symptoms.

It is for these reasons that most doctors strongly recommend against drinking almost any liquid before an ultrasound examination. Otherwise, the water or gas generated may prevent the specialist from conducting a normal diagnosis. Therefore, try to refrain from drinking liquids for an hour and a half before visiting the clinic.

What do various pathologies look like on an ultrasound scan of the uterus?

A polyp in the uterus is focal endometrial hyperplasia in the form of a neoplasm, usually of benign origin. On ultrasound, a uterine polyp looks like a round formation with smooth contours, without deformation of the shape of the uterus. It can be single, but multiple formations also occur. The polyp grows into the lumen of the organ. It has no special clinical manifestations. When infected, a clinic of inflammation appears.

Transrectal ultrasound

At the moment, this method is used quite rarely, in certain specific cases, for example, in little girls or in patients with malformations of the external genitalia (atresia, agenesis, etc.).

For 3-4 days before the examination, you must adhere to a diet approximately the same as during transabdominal ultrasound.

In the evening before sonography, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines - take a laxative (Forlakt, Duphalac, Bisacodyl) or perform a cleansing enema; there is no need to drink liquid specifically before the examination. It is not recommended to perform an ultrasound after gastroscopy (FGDS) or colonoscopy. In order to straighten the folds of the intestinal wall, during these studies air is artificially pumped into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, which distorts the ultrasound.

Methods of performing ultrasound

Ultrasound examination is carried out in several ways. The main ones are listed in the table.

The method is selected individually by a specialist.

The most common method is transabdominal ultrasound.

Features of the procedure

The procedure for conducting an ultrasound examination of a single organ (liver, spleen, kidneys and others) has its own characteristics. The patient should pay attention to them so that the doctor can do his job without any problems and identify pathology, if any.

Ultrasound in the field of gynecology (pelvic organs) is carried out in two ways:

1. Abdominal (through the abdominal cavity);
2. Transvaginal sensor.

Depending on this, the preparation will differ. In the first case, if the uterus of a non-pregnant woman is being examined, a full bladder will be required (unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor).

To do this, drink about a liter of still water 1-1.5 hours before the procedure.

Before taking it, they try to retain the water in themselves. If you can’t stand it, you can urinate a little and drink again.

In the second case, when the probe is inserted through the vagina, no preparation is required - an ultrasound is performed on an empty bladder. If a pregnant woman undergoes ultrasound diagnostics, then the urinary bladder should be moderately filled (1 hour before the examination, drink 2-2.5 glasses of clean water).

Stomach

The examination of the insides of the stomach using an ultrasound machine is carried out on an empty stomach.

Already 7-8 hours before the procedure you cannot eat anything, and refuse to drink 2 hours before. The patient takes water with him.

First, the diagnostician will examine the empty organ. Then he will ask the subject to drink and repeat the actions.

In this way, he will be able to track the movement of water through the esophagus into the stomach. In this case, it is possible to assess the functionality of the lower digestive tract.

On a note! An empty stomach and intestines are not examined using ultrasound. From the technical side, this is real, but the clinical picture will not be reliable. Since in this way it is possible to see only the walls of the organ and very large tumors. And to identify obvious pathologies, colonoscopy is used for the intestines and gastroscopy for the stomach.

Prostate

Ultrasound of the prostate gland can be done:

1. Transrectally - the sensor probe is inserted directly into the rectum;
2. Transabdominal – the examination is carried out superficially, along the skin of the abdomen.

The first method is more informative, due to the close contact of the sensor with the prostate. This allows for better tissue diagnostics.

For such an ultrasound, it is necessary to do a cleansing enema on the day of the ultrasound. An hour before the procedure, drink about a liter of water, since the study is carried out with a full bladder.

In the second case, an enema will not be required. And the water preparation is the same - drink 1-1.5 liters of water in advance to feel the urge to urinate.

Abdomen

Drinking before an abdominal ultrasound is prohibited, with the exception of clean water.

If the study is planned for the afternoon, then you are allowed to eat at 10 o'clock, and then not eat anything - the stomach must be empty.

On the day of the examination, you should limit yourself to one glass of water. As for the kidneys, the drinking regimen will vary depending on the age of the patient.

So, there are no restrictions for infants - they can drink as much as they want. Children under 2 years old can also drink as much as they want, but not less than half a glass at a time. Moreover, they are allowed not only water, but any non-carbonated drink.

Children under 7 years old should drink at least 200-250 ml, teenagers - 500 ml, adults - about 1.5 liters of still water. It is advisable to stop drinking an hour before the procedure and try not to urinate.

Preparing children for an ultrasound is the same as for adults. Special mention should be made about babies who are breastfed and bottle-fed. They do not need to change their diet; they simply select the time of the study so that it occurs 2 hours after eating.

Attention! When artificial feeding, this period should be at least 3-3.5 hours, since mixtures take longer to digest. For this reason, it is advisable to abandon fruit and vegetable complementary foods. It is not forbidden to give your baby clean water, but not juices.

Read more about drinking water before an abdominal ultrasound here.

Bladder

In this situation, it is important that the urinary tract is tight. Therefore, you need to drink a lot in advance - about 1 liter 1-1.5 hours before the examination.

If you feel an unbearable urge to urinate, then slightly empty your bladder and drink again. There are no restrictions regarding food, since ultrasound is not done on an empty stomach.

You can read more about drinking water before an ultrasound of the bladder here.

Small pelvis

Drinking preparation for pelvic ultrasound in adults is the same as before examination of the uterus and prostate.

As for children, medical recommendations should be followed.

He usually prescribes a diagnosis after the little patient drinks about 700 ml of unsweetened water. If he is not able to drink so much in one sitting, then he can drink in small portions for an hour and a half before the scheduled appointment.

It would be ideal for the child to feel a strong desire to urinate before the ultrasound.

Infants do not need to follow a specific drinking regime. The baby is allowed to drink some water half an hour before the examination.

Read more about drinking water before a pelvic ultrasound here.

People often ask doctors whether it is possible to drink water before an ultrasound scan of the liver or kidneys, but such questions will not arise for someone who knows about the features of this procedure. For example, diagnosis is carried out exclusively in the supine position, although in some cases the doctor may ask the patient to turn to his side.

Many modern clinics have ultrasound machines that show three- and even four-dimensional images of what is happening to the organs under the layer of soft tissue. Of course, such procedures are more expensive, but they provide a more detailed picture for a correct diagnosis.

What are the general recommendations for preparation?

Each type of research needs to be prepared differently, but there are general recommendations that are common to all methods:

1. Follow the diet for a couple of days.
2. It is recommended to take enzyme preparations 2-3 days in advance to improve digestion. For example: Creon, Pancreatin, Festal, Mezim.
3. For 2 days, you can use drugs that reduce flatulence and gas formation - Espumisan, Trimedat, Motilium.
4. Smoking is prohibited on the eve of the ultrasound.
5. It is not recommended to take any medications on the day of the examination. If the patient is prescribed a course of medications, it is recommended to consult with a specialist before the procedure about stopping the medications for a while.
6. It is forbidden to eat food 10-12 hours before the ultrasound. If a pelvic ultrasound is scheduled for after 2 p.m., you can have a light breakfast no later than 11 a.m.
7. If the patient had an X-ray using barium 2-3 days before the examination, the ultrasound should be postponed, since the substance affects the result.
8. If the patient has an allergic reaction to latex, the doctor must be informed about this before examination through the anus or vagina.
9. Sexual intercourse is not recommended at least 24 hours before the examination.

Nutritional considerations before the study

After the doctor has determined the indications for diagnosis, you need to clarify how to prepare for an ultrasound of the bladder. Preparatory activities begin three days before the examination and consist of following a certain diet.

It involves consuming foods that do not cause increased gas formation. The diet should include the following dishes:

• enveloping porridges on the water;
• boiled lean meat (rabbit, chicken, beef);
• yesterday's white bread;
• boiled or baked lean fish;
• hard boiled eggs.

You should completely avoid:

• dairy products;
• legumes;
• raw vegetables and fruits;
• fatty meats and fish;
• smoked meats;
• desserts and sweet carbonated drinks;
• beer.

Also, 2 days before the planned study you need to take sorbents (Smecta, activated carbon).

These rules apply when the patient does not have a tendency to flatulence or other digestive tract problems. Otherwise, before the ultrasound, the diet should be followed for 1 week.

Also, 24 hours before the procedure, you should completely abstain from any alcoholic beverages and do not smoke for several hours.

How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound

In addition to meeting all the basic requirements, you should not visit the toilet 3-4 hours before the ultrasound. But if a woman cannot endure that much time, in 40 minutes. you can drink 0.5 - 1 liter of liquid. In emergency cases, water can be administered through a catheter. You should also cleanse your intestines of feces.

Before the test, you need to fill your bladder

This method is not prescribed after examining the colon with an endoscope (colonoscopy) or during a visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroscopy). This is due to the formation of air in the intestines after colonoscopy and gastroscopy. In this regard, the ultrasound result will be incorrect.

Why drink water before an ultrasound?

Transabdominal examination is prohibited with an empty bladder. The liquid elevates the intestines and helps you see your organs better. Therefore, the bladder must be full.

Is it possible to drink tea before an ultrasound?

Strong tea can provoke intestinal contractions and the secretion of bile. Accordingly, distort the results when imaging abdominal organs and abdominal tissues.

Tea itself is not prohibited. If you drink a strong hot drink, it has a stressful effect on the digestive organs. Sweet tea causes fermentation processes. This in turn increases gas formation as a result of bacterial activity.

So. Is it possible to drink tea the day before an abdominal ultrasound? You can drink the drink, but it is not strong or sweet. Please note that tea takes a long time to absorb compared to water. Therefore, the day before an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, it is not advisable to drink this drink.

How to prepare for a transvaginal ultrasound

This technique shows more information than others. You don't need to fill your bladder completely for an ultrasound. The transvaginal method can be used after colonoscopy and gastroscopy. The examination method is prohibited when diagnosing tumors in the pelvis, as well as for girls who are not sexually active (virgins). Preparatory measures include genital hygiene immediately before the examination.

If, during transrectal and abdominal ultrasound, sexual intercourse is not recommended for at least a day, then before performing the transvaginal method, you must abstain from sex for 72 hours (3 days).

Harm of coffee for ultrasound

What should those who cannot imagine themselves without a cup of morning coffee do before a scheduled echographic examination? Usually such people do not feel well if they are deprived of this opportunity. And yet, you will have to temporarily abstain from coffee, and not only on the day of the study, but for 2-3 days, and here’s why:

• Caffeine, which increases vascular tone, acts on the digestive organs exactly the opposite: it relaxes the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, bile ducts, slows down peristalsis, this can lead to the accumulation of gases;
• Coffee stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, and liquid may appear in the lumen of the stomach and intestines;
• Due to vasoconstriction under the influence of coffee, the absorption of intestinal contents slows down and can interfere with research.

An exception is made for people suffering from hypotension. They are allowed to drink weak coffee, and natural coffee, better prepared in a machine with filters, where it is cleaned of fatty impurities. You should not drink instant coffee; it contains preservatives and dyes that can affect the ultrasound result. But on the day of the study it is still not recommended to drink coffee.

A separate issue is drinks containing alcohol. This applies not only to lovers of regular libations, but also to any person who may have an event on the eve of the study - a corporate party, anniversary, and so on. Some people think that a glass or two of wine can’t hurt, and they are deeply mistaken.

Alcohol is a vascular poison, even in small quantities. First, a spasm of the arteries occurs, and then their tone drops. This leads to impaired blood circulation in the organs, the development of tissue edema, the appearance of areas of infiltration and even hemorrhages.

The stomach also suffers; in response to ethanol burns, it increases the production of mucus, which slows down the digestion process and the intestinal tract may not be cleared before the procedure. Swelling of the wall of the stomach and duodenum also develops. All this creates a certain background behind which a serious pathology may not be noticed. Before an ultrasound, you should completely abstain from alcohol at least 3 days before the examination.

Drinking soda and other drinks with gas is unacceptable before an ultrasound for an obvious reason: the accumulation of gas interferes with the study. The last dose of “fizzy drinks” should be no later than 3 days before the ultrasound.

Now it is clear whether it is possible to drink water before an ultrasound of the stomach, and also how beneficial it is to drink a cup of tea one hour before the examination. However, many people may think that since drinking tea has great benefits, the same applies to coffee, although this is far from the case. It is not recommended to drink this drink for two to three days before the ultrasound procedure. In the following list you will find a detailed description of why this drink is contraindicated:

1. Firstly, caffeine significantly increases the tone of blood vessels, which complicates the procedure. Secondly, coffee relaxes the smooth walls of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to the accumulation of gas.
2. Caffeine promotes the secretion of gastric juice, which interferes with a high-quality diagnosis of the internal organ, especially if the drink was drunk the day before the test.
3. Under the influence of caffeine, the process of absorption of intestinal contents is also significantly complicated, which is why digestion slows down for several hours, or even days.

As you can see, drinking coffee is strictly prohibited for several days before the ultrasound procedure. Even if you really want to drink a cup of an invigorating drink, you should refrain from it, otherwise the doctor will have to schedule a test for you on another day.

Do I need a diet before an ultrasound?

A diet is necessary to reduce gas formation before the examination. For 3-4 days you should not eat:

• bakery products using yeast;
• legumes;
• alcohol;
• carbonated drinks – lemonade, mineral water;
• sweets;
• smoked, spicy, salty, fried foods;
• fatty meats;
• milk and cottage cheese with high fat content;
• porridge with milk;
• fast food (burgers and more);
• strong tea or coffee;
• store-bought juices;
• coarse vegetables and fruits (cabbage, onions, sorrel, turnips, radishes, radishes, gooseberries).

Before an ultrasound, it is important to adjust your diet

Low-fat foods allowed:

• cereals – buckwheat, millet;
• fermented milk products with low fat content;
• chicken;
• vegetable soups;
• tea with chamomile.

The most important thing is to carefully prepare the patient for a pelvic ultrasound. Measures should be started 3 – 4 days before the procedure. If a woman neglects the preparatory actions, even an experienced specialist will not be able to conduct a thorough diagnosis, and the results obtained will be inaccurate.

Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages shows the condition of these organs, their structure, anatomical features and sizes. At certain stages of pregnancy, using an ultrasound of the cervix, you can even find out what the corpus luteum looks like.

Ultrasound of the uterus is also performed during pregnancy and after childbirth, although in these cases there are certain restrictions. Preparing for an ultrasound of the uterus and appendages is quite difficult, given the number of possible methods for performing this diagnosis.

In this article we will talk about how to prepare for an ultrasound of the uterus, how to properly perform an ultrasound of the uterus and appendages, and what this procedure shows. We will also take a detailed look at the description of the pathologies that this study shows.

Why are drinks prohibited?

Preparation for an ultrasound of the abdominal organs is to exclude all factors that can interfere with the correct determination of a person’s condition. Excessive consumption of water, as well as certain foods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol, can cause gas formation inside the intestines, and this is a factor that can interfere with the study.

Before the procedure, the intestines must be empty, therefore, like eating, drinking water is not recommended. It is advisable to refrain from drinking liquids for at least one hour.

This means that you should not drink water before the ultrasound procedure because:

• Increased gas formation may occur;
• Spasms may occur;
• The digestive system perceives what you drink as food and begins to work actively, which interferes with adequate diagnosis.

If the weather is too hot outside, you should refrain from drinking for at least one hour, but instead you can simply blot your skin with a damp cloth.

After the study itself, it is also not advisable to drink a lot of water at once, but it is necessary to consume it gradually and in small sips.

Diagnostic methods

Ultrasound of the cervix and ovaries is done in four different ways :

• transvaginally (through the vagina);
• abdominally (or transabdominally) – through the surface of the abdomen (ultrasound of the pelvis as a whole is also done);
• transrectally (through the rectum, only in virgins);
• using a sterile probe inserted directly into the pelvic cavity (such a study is performed very rarely, usually with fibroids).

In more detail, research using the transvaginal method is carried out using a thin sensor that is inserted into the patient’s vagina. Through the vagina, the ultrasound device has the shortest path to the organs being studied. That is why this transvaginal examination is used for fibroids and suspected cancer.

Transabdominal ultrasound examinations are performed through the lower surface of the abdomen. The sensor always remains outside, so transabdominal examination is indicated for suspicious patients.

However, for this reason, transabdominal ultrasound examination also has disadvantages. Due to the non-penetrating imaging method, the data obtained is much less informative than when using other methods of uterine ultrasound.

The transrectal method is chosen either for diagnosing the pelvis in virgins, or if the patient is menstruating during the procedure. The sensor is pre-isolated with a disposable condom, so there is no need to worry about the sterility of the device.

Internal examination with a sterile probe is carried out only when indicated. These include fibroids, cancer, inflammation of the uterus after childbirth, and ovarian cysts. In this study, the probe is inserted directly into the pelvic cavity.

Indications for the procedure

Ultrasound of the uterus is done for numerous symptoms and diseases.

The most notable indications requiring urgent diagnosis :

1. Suspicion of inflammation in the vagina or pelvic area.
2. Pain in the pelvic area.
3. Pain during menstruation.
4. Pain in the uterus after childbirth.
5. Impaired uterine tone and ovarian tone. However, sometimes such a violation is noticeable even in cases where there are no pathologies. This is called an "ultrasound artifact."
6. Lack of blood during menstruation without developing pregnancy.
7. Heavy bleeding outside of menstruation or pathologically heavy discharge during menstruation.
8. Pus or mucus that is not normally present and visible in the vagina.
9. Pain during intercourse (especially if women experience this after childbirth).
10. If you suspect ovarian cancer, cancer of the uterus or other pelvic organs.
11. If you have fibroids and monitor their treatment.
12. In terms of routine and preventive diagnostics after childbirth.

Indications for ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity

Ultrasound is a universal diagnostic method that allows you to accurately determine abnormalities in the structure or size of organs and detect foreign bodies or tumors. An ultrasound is done for pain or discomfort in the abdominal area, nausea or belching; on its basis, a preliminary diagnosis is usually made.

As noted above, indications for ultrasound diagnostics can be any discomfort in the abdominal area. It is carried out if pancreatitis is suspected, the presence of gallstones, malignant or benign tumors, swelling of internal organs, changes in their size and shape. This is often detected by palpation, but in rare cases such changes are visible to the naked eye.

Ultrasound is truly a universal procedure that allows you to find out exactly what changes are occurring in the patient’s body. With this method, any lumps or tumors can be seen. The smallest stones no larger than 0.1 mm in diameter can be fixed.

This is a painless procedure; there is no need for surgical intervention to carry it out, as, for example, with FGDS, which is still considered a full-fledged, albeit uncomplicated, operation.

Preparing for the examination

Preparing for a transabdominal ultrasound of the uterus is the easiest way. The first step is to stick to a diet, excluding legumes, carbonated drinks, bread and cabbage from the diet (but preferably all vegetables). You need to prepare in terms of dietary restrictions three days before the ultrasound of the uterus.

You should also fill your bladder immediately before the procedure. It is enough to drink about a liter of plain water an hour before the ultrasound of the uterus.

No other preparation is required. The procedure itself is carried out on any day of the cycle , even during menstruation.

But you need to prepare differently for a transvaginal ultrasound examination of the pelvis in general, and the uterus in particular. In this case, you need to empty your bladder immediately before the test.

It can be done on any day of the cycle, but not during menstruation. No drug preparation is required, but it is better to take Espumisan the day before the procedure in order to clear the intestines of gases.

There is no need to prepare for intrauterine diagnostics with a sterile sensor. However, it is better to empty your bladder immediately before the procedure. You can undergo this procedure on any day of the cycle except menstruation.

When preparing for a transrectal examination, you should cleanse your intestines the day before the procedure. For this purpose, both classic enemas and medicinal microenemas such as Microlax are used. The procedure can be performed on any day of the cycle, including during menstruation.

Carrying out diagnostics

When a transabdominal ultrasound examination is performed, the patient is asked to undress to the waist or simply expose the abdomen for diagnosis. The woman is then placed on her back. Conductive ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen and the procedure begins.

In the case when a transvaginal diagnosis is performed, the patient is asked to remove her underwear and lie down on the couch. Next, the patient needs to bend her knees, after which an ultrasound sensor, pre-packaged in a disposable condom, is inserted into the vagina.

When performing a transrectal method of diagnosing the uterus, doctors use a thinner ultrasound sensor than for the transvaginal method. The patient is asked to remove her underwear and lie on the couch on her left side. A disposable condom is put on the sensor, lubricated with wire gel and the procedure begins.

Intrauterine diagnostics are carried out in exactly the same way as transvaginal diagnostics. However, in this case, the ultrasound sensor is inserted deeper, which, however, does not cause any pain.

Normal results

Ultrasound examination of the uterus. Normal results :

• sizes for women 15-40 years old: from 4.5 to 6.7 cm in length, from 4.6 to 6.4 cm in width and from 3 to 4 cm in thickness;
• dimensions 20 years after the onset of menopause: 4.2 cm length, 4.4 cm width and 3 cm thickness;
• echogenicity of the walls: homogeneous;
• cervical canal size: 2-3 mm;
• there is mucus in the cervical canal;
• tone: normal;
• the results of the M-ECHO study (size of the mucosa) are assessed based on the day of the cycle when the diagnosis was made.

Ultrasound examination of the ovaries. Normal results:

• the sizes of the right and left ovaries are normally equal;
• the exact dimensions of the ovaries are normal: length from 3 to 4.1 cm; width from 2 to 3.1 cm; thickness from 14 to 22 mm;
• ovarian volume: from 2 to 8 cm 3 for each;
• echostructure of the ovaries: homogeneous;
• organ density is not increased;
• tone: normal;
• on the average day of the cycle, a follicle should appear in one of the ovaries, the size of which is from 18 to 23 mm (dominant) and several small follicles up to 6 mm.

Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages (video)

Is it allowed to drink water before the ultrasound procedure?

You should not drink water immediately before the ultrasound examination. It enters the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, passes it from beginning to end, participates in digestion and is completely absorbed only in the lower parts of the colon. This process takes an average of 1.5 hours, after which the digestive tract is free of liquid, and it does not interfere with the study.

If you do not drink water for 1.5 hours, or at least at least 1 hour, then the results of the organ examination will be the most reliable. Therefore, preparation for an ultrasound includes refusing to drink liquids 1-1.5 hours before the examination.

An exception is cases when it is necessary to examine a hollow organ - the stomach, the bladder, in which the doctor may ask the patient to drink a certain amount of water immediately before the examination. By filling the organ, water helps to better visualize its configuration and the condition of the wall. In all other cases, limiting the drinking regime is mandatory.

Contraindications and recommendations

There are several requirements common to all groups of patients and any research methods:

1. Ultrasound of the prostate should not be performed on wounds on the abdomen, both open and covered with bandages.
2. Before the procedure, you need to stop smoking (at least, reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke).
3. It is best to examine the prostate on an empty stomach.
4. If a colonoscopy, gastroscopy of the gastrointestinal tract or x-ray was performed in the coming days, then an ultrasound cannot be prescribed.
5. A few days before the examination, you need to start following a diet that will help avoid gas formation.

It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Transrectal research method

The method is called TRUS for short and is most often used when examining men. When performing TRUS, the doctor places a special narrow probe directly into the rectum. In men, the prostate gland is usually immediately checked in this way. During the procedure, the man lies on his side, with his back to the doctor, pulling his knees towards his chest.

There are several ways to prepare for TRUS:

• give a microenema using, for example, the drug “Microlax”;
• insert a glycerin suppository through the anus the evening before TRUS (it will gently irritate the intestinal mucosa and cause its contraction);
• take a laxative (“Fitolax”, “Senade”, “Mukofalk” or “Agiolax”), these herbal medicines will begin to act 6-12 hours after administration, so it is better to drink them in the evening, on the eve of visiting a TRUS specialist;
• if there is little time before TRUS, it is possible to choose a laxative that will have an effect in 15-20 minutes (“Magnesium sulfate” or “Prelax”).

When should you do a kidney ultrasound?

The basis of kidney ultrasound is the use of a high-frequency sound signal, which helps to clearly visualize the organ. The examination does not cause any pain and is completely safe. The correctness of the conclusions about the results obtained depends on the experience and level of professionalism of the doctor, so it is better to undergo the procedure in trusted medical institutions.

Ultrasound is performed for various diseases of the urinary system, in the presence of oncological processes, after kidney organ transplantation. Doctors recommend that healthy people undergo an ultrasound examination once a year for prevention. Main indications for kidney ultrasound:

• infectious diseases (cystitis, pyelonephritis);
• poor urine test;
• enuresis;
• renal colic;
• sharp pain in the lower back.

Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder in children

Using this study, the structure, size and anatomy of the organs of the children's urinary system are assessed. Kidney ultrasound in children reveals diseases such as:

• congenital anomalies of the urinary system and the vessels supplying it;
• sand, stones;
• abscesses;
• cysts;
• tumors;
• enlargement of the renal pelvis;
• various inflammations.

Pediatricians prescribe an ultrasound for a child if a urine test reveals a large amount of urates or oxalates, if there is discomfort and pain during urination, or if blood is found in the urine. The procedure is prescribed for a newborn child if a neoplasm or compaction is felt in the retroperitoneal space, and there is a suspicion of an anomaly in the development of internal organs. Doctors often advise performing an ultrasound on a child if there are pathologies of the urinary organs in his close relatives.

Ultrasound of the kidneys during pregnancy

Ultrasound examination is not mandatory for women while pregnant, but is done frequently. During pregnancy, kidney pathologies are common, because the urinary organs work more intensely, the load increases, which provokes inflammation and exacerbation of chronic pathologies. Ultrasound of the kidneys in pregnant women is indicated in the following cases:

• abnormal urine test;
• the presence of any renal pathologies;
• back injuries;
• endocrine diseases;
• increased blood pressure;
• blood or unusual color of urine;
• violation of the act of urination;
• lower back pain.

What not to do before a pelvic ultrasound

The examination has no contraindications. However, there are some restrictions that must be observed before medical manipulation:

1. If an X-ray examination of the patient using barium was performed within 2-3 days, then the ultrasound should be postponed. Otherwise, the contrast agent can distort the results of the study.
2. Before a transvaginal examination, you should not drink (except pregnant women).
3. You should stop taking medications before the procedure.
4. You should not eat in the morning before the procedure.
5. Diagnosis is prohibited if the patient has jewelry on the examined area (piercing).

Pelvic ultrasound is a painless diagnostic method that requires special training. Experts advise adhering to a diet and carrying out the procedure on an empty stomach. This will increase the information content of the scan. During a transabdominal examination, it is recommended to take a pack of tissues with you to thoroughly wipe your stomach.

Disadvantages of diagnostic examination using an ultrasound machine

Reasons why experts do not recommend drinking water immediately before ultrasound diagnostics:

• Water has reduced echogenicity, and therefore is unable to transmit and reflect ultrasonic waves. Because of this, it is problematic to examine the organ thoroughly and detect any abnormalities.
• When the stomach is filled with liquid, the digestive process instantly starts and the internal organs are activated.
• Water can cause gas formation in the intestines, since air is also swallowed at the same time. And this will lead to distortion of ultrasonic flows. Sometimes water leads to intestinal spasms.

If you are very thirsty, and the examination is due to take place soon, then it is permissible to take an ice cube in your mouth.

Although ultrasound examination of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity has established itself as one of the best, it still has significant drawbacks. The issue is especially acute when it is necessary to examine some serious pathologies that are localized in hard-to-reach places that are difficult to view with an ultrasound sensor. Therefore, for a detailed study, a combined diagnosis, including several methods, is often prescribed.

It is imperative to prepare for the examination in advance, otherwise the chance of error will increase. They also distort the viewing result:

• severe obesity in the abdominal area;
• bloating;
• skin damage on the abdomen;
• frequent movements of the patient during the procedure.

To examine serious pathologies, you need to adhere to nutritional rules several days before the examination. The attending physician must be notified of the required recommendations.

Algorithm of actions

An approximate scheme of preparation for ultrasound of the abdominal organs and kidneys:

1. Dieting.
2. Comparison of timing with other abdominal examinations.
3. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are currently taking.
4. Notifying the doctor about the presence of bad habits.

A sound test may be distorted for the following reasons:

1. The appearance of spasm of intestinal smooth muscles due to examination or against the background of bad habits.
2. Presence of gases in the intestines.
3. After an x-ray, a contrast agent may remain, which also interferes with the operation of the ultrasound.
4. Extra pounds that prevent deep penetration of the ultrasonic beam.
5. The presence of a wound in the place where the sensor should be installed.
6. The patient's motor activity during the procedure.

Of course, not all of the listed obstacles can be overcome on your own, but some of them can be overcome. This is why preliminary preparation of the patient for an ultrasound is important.

Progress of the procedure

Transabdominal ultrasound is performed with a special sensor. The man lies down on the couch. The specialist applies a special gel to the front wall of the peritoneum and the ultrasound scanner, making it easier for the sensor to slide over the skin and eliminating the air gap. The latter can distort the resulting image and affect the decoding in the future. How a prostate ultrasound is performed in men is of interest to many.

Scanning is carried out in the transverse and longitudinal planes. If it is necessary to examine certain areas of the organ in more detail, the specialist can arbitrarily move the scanner. At the same time, a bladder analysis is performed, as well as an ultrasound examination through the perineum.

The procedure lasts on average about ten minutes. To determine residual urine, the man will be asked to go to the toilet and repeat the ultrasound. This technique allows you to determine how much urine remains in the bladder after it has been emptied. The norm for this indicator is 50 ml.

Typically, test results are given to the patient immediately. In addition to information about the prostate, the specialist can also provide photographs of the gland for a more accurate study.

The procedure can only be performed by a specially trained doctor. Only competent specialists can decipher its results. Some information will be provided by the sonologist during or after the procedure, and more complete information and interpretation will be provided by the urologist. If any deviations are observed in the results, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy.

Source prostatitnik.ru

The prostate gland is a “weak spot” in the body of every man, especially those over 40 years of age. The prostate is very sensitive to many factors: from the regularity of sexual activity to hypothermia, infections and neoplasms. Proper preparation for examination (ultrasound) of the prostate gland is mandatory, because this will ensure that the procedure is informative.

To assess the condition of the gland, the doctor carefully palpates it, and often recommends undergoing such an effective, reliable and convenient procedure as an ultrasound examination.

How is a pelvic ultrasound done?

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs can be performed in three different ways - depending on the diagnosis, health status, sexual activity and stage of pregnancy.

This method is used most often - it is the most informative for any diseases of the female reproductive system, as well as in the early stages of pregnancy. The scan is carried out using a sensor, onto which a special condom is placed and inserted into the vagina.

However, in some cases such an ultrasound cannot be performed - in case of uterine bleeding and when examining virgins.

This procedure is done through the outer abdominal wall and is the most comfortable for patients. This is an ideal examination option for women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. In other cases, it turns out to be a slightly less effective diagnostic method than the vaginal one. Used when internal scanning is not possible.

The rectal OMT examination of the pelvis is almost as accurate as the vaginal one, but may cause slight discomfort to the patient. It is prescribed to virgins and for uterine bleeding, when the most detailed diagnosis is required.

Transabdominal research method

This study is suitable for children, women and men. Preparing for an ultrasound of the bladder using this method requires cleansing the intestines. To do this, for one, or better yet, two days before the procedure, you cannot eat whatever you want (especially for children) - you must follow a special diet. It consists of eliminating certain foods from the diet that can fill the intestines with excess gas.

This is especially true for those who suffer from constipation or flatulence. While preparing for the examination, you should not eat fresh vegetables and fruits; it is better to refrain from cottage cheese and cheese, buns, as well as beans, beans and peas. You do not need to drink coffee, milk, any carbonated drinks, or alcohol.

In the evening before the ultrasound, it is recommended to do a cleansing enema; you can use a glycerin suppository transrectally. Among the medications, Enzistal or Activated Carbon can help relieve the intestines from gases (it is better not to use these products for children). Menstruation is not an obstacle to this type of research.

To conduct an ultrasound of the pelvic or abdominal organs using the transabdominal method, preparation is required aimed at maximizing the release of the intestines.
It includes a special diet and a cleansing enema on the eve of the study. The bladder must be full. It can be filled naturally. For kidney problems, it is recommended to take diuretic medications. For example, to stimulate urine formation, you can take a Furosemide tablet 30-60 minutes before an ultrasound. However, doctors rarely prescribe diuretics before an ultrasound examination of the bladder, because most patients have contraindications for such medications.

To sufficiently fill the bladder, an adult needs to drink 1.5 - 2 liters of fluid when preparing for an examination. How much fluid children need to drink depends on age:

• for children from one to 2 years old - no less than half a glass;
• for children aged 2 to 7 years - a full glass of liquid;
• children 7 - 11 years old should drink at least one and a half glasses;
• Children aged 11 to 15 years old should drink half a liter of liquid before the examination.

There is also the following formula for children: before the examination, you need to consume 5-10 ml. liquid per kilogram of the child's weight.

The liquid travels from the stomach to the bladder in at least an hour, or even an hour and a half. This must be taken into account when preparing for the examination. What you are allowed to drink:

• water without gas;
• compote or fruit drink;
• any herbal teas.

In order for the internal organs to be clearly visible during an ultrasound examination, it is necessary to fill the bladder before the examination.
To do this, it is best to drink a few glasses of plain clean water without carbon. Let us remind you that milk and carbonated drinks are not recommended. If your turn for an ultrasound has not yet come, but your bladder is full and you really want to go to the toilet, you may not completely empty your bladder. Only then should you be sure to replenish your “internal reserves” with two more glasses of liquid.

Which organs need training?

Diagnosis using ultrasound allows a specialist to carefully examine all abdominal organs (abdominal organs) - liver, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, circulatory and genitourinary systems. It is also possible to study the condition of the kidneys, adrenal glands and retroperitoneal space. A successful ultrasound examination can reveal many pathologies or abnormalities in the development of the above organs.

• assess the condition and structure of the liver and kidneys;
• examine the gallbladder and its ducts;
• study the pancreas;
• identify inflammatory processes and ascites (fluid accumulation in organs).

The procedure makes it possible to determine the presence of calculi (stones) in the ureters, bladder, kidneys, gallbladder and its ducts, and to thoroughly examine the aorta, the largest vessel in the abdominal space. For children, ultrasound is one of the fastest and most painless ways to quickly detect appendicitis, which allows you to take the necessary measures as soon as possible. Also, during the diagnostic process, violations of the integrity of organs due to injury or other damage are quite easily determined.

All of the above research opportunities provide identification of the causes of unexplained pain in the abdominal region and various dysfunctions of its organs and systems. In some cases, ultrasound is used for monitoring after taking a biopsy or for preparation for surgical operations.

How to fill your bladder

A specialist will tell you how to fill your bladder and what you should drink before the ultrasound. As a rule, you need to start drinking fluids no later than an hour or two before the procedure so that the organ is filled to capacity.

The average volume of water drunk should not be less than one liter; if desired, a larger amount is allowed. If after some time, about an hour, a person does not feel the characteristic sensation of filling the organ, then it is necessary to drink approximately another 500 milliliters of water.

If the urinary organs are too active, you can partially empty the bladder, but only on the condition that the patient does not stop drinking water until the appointed time, so as not to repeat the examination due to its unreliability.

If the patient knows how his bladder works, he can simply not empty it four to six hours before the ultrasound examination.

The doctor will also advise you on how to quickly fill your bladder before the ultrasound. To do this, you need to know your body and how quickly the liquid you drink leaves the stomach and enters the bladder.

Sometimes in emergency cases it is necessary to take diuretics to fill the organ in a short time, but this method is not suitable for everyone. It is prohibited for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system or kidney pathologies.

If there are stones in the urinary system, the use of such drugs can provoke renal colic and blockage of the urinary tract.

If the patient suffers from urinary incontinence, then a procedure is performed to catheterize the bladder, and then fill it with saline solution.

To determine residual urine after the first stage of the study, the patient empties the bladder and goes for a repeat ultrasound examination. If the amount of liquid that remains after urination exceeds the permissible values, then this is a sign of the presence of a disease.

For women and men

Since the physiology of men and women is significantly different, the volume of fluid will accordingly be different. For ultrasound, the stronger sex is advised to drink at least a liter of water (up to one and a half liters) and no later than two hours before the procedure. An important aspect is that you should not empty your bladder under any circumstances.

In women, this organ is smaller in size, which means that for them the recommended dose of fluid will be no more than a liter of water. Despite the difference in the volume of fluid consumed, the weaker sex is also prohibited from emptying the bladder before the procedure begins.

Many women are interested in whether it is possible to conduct an examination during menstruation. Doctors do not consider menstruation a reason to cancel the procedure. It does not have any effect on the accuracy of ultrasound results or on the preparation process, and, therefore, the rules for filling the bladder remain the same.

An important condition for adults is to completely abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages a week before the diagnosis. In addition, the doctor should be aware of what medications the patient took during preparation for the ultrasound.

Carrying out this procedure in children is practically no different from the algorithm for adults. How much a child needs to drink before a bladder ultrasound depends on his age.

On average, the required volume of water is from 0.5 to 0.7 liters. Since the size of a child’s bladder is much smaller than that of an adult, the fluid requirement will accordingly be less. The urinary organ in children fills up in about an hour and a half; this should be taken into account in order to start feeding the child in a timely manner.

It is important not to let your child empty the bladder prematurely, as this will lead to an unreliable test result. If the child cannot bear it, he is given liquid again.

An important condition for children is the ban on drinking sweet juices and carbonated drinks the day before the ultrasound.

Pregnant

Pregnant women must follow a diet for 2 days before the procedure. It involves giving up sweets, flour, spicy, fried and fatty foods. In the first two trimesters, you should drink half a liter of liquid at least two hours before the ultrasound, but in the third trimester you do not need to drink liquid, so as not to increase the load on the uterus and organs of the urinary system.

The main requirement is to conduct the examination on an empty stomach.

Preparatory activities

How to properly prepare for an ultrasound? Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity has no contraindications, and a detailed examination allows us to identify the disease in its infancy. Your attending physician will tell you important aspects of preparing for the examination. Sometimes there are questions that are not answered, the patient forgets to ask, etc. For example, can you drink at this time, what can you eat before the examination, and others.

Before an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, it is necessary to abstain from eating and drinking liquids, including water, for 5-6 hours, that is, the study should be carried out on an empty stomach. The exceptions are the kidneys and bladder, in which case you must drink at least 1 liter of water before undergoing an ultrasound. It is also not prohibited to drink water if a person has had their gallbladder removed.

At the time of the ultrasound examination, the patient’s intestines should be empty, this allows for a better view of the internal organs, so in some cases a cleansing enema or taking appropriate medications is recommended.

Speaking about bad habits, more precisely about alcohol and cigarettes - of course, they are prohibited.

The examination is carried out lying on your back. The doctor may ask the patient to lie on his right or left side and hold his breath. A contrast agent is applied to the abdomen, then the sensor is moved across the abdomen. The organs are scanned and recorded on the monitor screen.

Currently, there are ultrasounds in 3D or 4D images, which more accurately determine the functioning of internal organs. After the procedure, the doctor writes a transcript of the study results, which is sent to your attending physician.

Who needs analysis? It is not necessary for everyone to have an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and kidneys, but there are categories of diseases for which this examination is very important:

1. Inflammatory process in the vermiform appendix of the cecum.
2. When you experience dull or cutting pain in the abdomen.
3. With aortic aneurysm.
4. With large organ sizes.
5. When neoplasms appear in the abdominal cavity.
6. In the presence of cholelithiasis.
7. With enlarged liver and spleen.
8. If pain or discomfort occurs in the kidney area, etc.

Transurethral research method

With this method of examination, anesthesia (local) is always used. It is important that the person being examined is not allergic to painkillers.

Transurethral ultrasound involves inserting a probe through the urinary canal
. Preparation recommendations:

• on the day of the examination, eat only a light breakfast, do not eat too much;
• To prevent the anesthetic from “reacting” to alcohol, you should not drink alcohol a day before the examination procedure;
• You should refrain from smoking for two hours before the examination (tobacco increases the formation of gastric juice, which can lead to nausea);
• It is also necessary to take a shower before the examination.

There are things that you need to tell the specialist about before he begins the transurethral examination procedure:

• whether you are allergic to any medications;
• the presence of diseases of the respiratory system;
• presence of cardiovascular diseases;
• do you have kidney or liver pathologies;
• are you currently taking any medications;
• Do you abuse alcohol?

How much water should you drink before an ultrasound?

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Patients often ask doctors this question. Many people know that you will definitely need to drink water before an ultrasound, but how much exactly? Should the bladder be filled to capacity, or is it enough to just have a little liquid in it? How will it be correct for the results of the study to truly reflect the real picture of the condition of the organs and allow doctors, if necessary, to prescribe the correct treatment methods?

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It all depends on how the ultrasound examination will be carried out, on the condition of the body, as well as on the age of the patient. If an ultrasound is scheduled for a child under 2 years old, then he needs to drink about half a glass of water. Children under 7 years old – one glass. Up to 11 years of age - about one and a half glasses, and up to 15 years - about 0.5 liters. As for adults, the amount of water that needs to be drunk to carry out this diagnostic method depends on which organs need to be examined and by what method this will be carried out.

The physical side of the operation of an ultrasound machine

Although this technique experiences certain difficulties when examining organs containing air, with proper preparation it is possible to obtain certain information about the state of the same abdominal organs.

But we should not forget that despite the fairly high information content, in some cases additional instrumental studies are still necessary to confirm the preliminary diagnosis.

When conducting an abdominal ultrasound, preparation for the examination is important, as it allows you to get a more detailed picture, reducing the influence of the gas contained in the intestines.

The main physical basis on which ultrasound diagnostic devices operate is the piezoelectric effect. Some crystals of a number of chemical substances have an interesting property. When ultrasonic radiation hits them, they are deformed, and electrical charges appear on their surface, by reading which one can obtain information about the characteristics of the medium through which this radiation passed.

The same crystal, when alternating current is applied to it, begins to emit ultrasonic waves, which allows it to be used both for receiving and generating radiation. Typically, the sensor is also equipped with a sound-absorbing layer, the main task of which is to filter sound waves, as well as a so-called acoustic lens, which serves to focus on the required wave.

Moreover, the higher the parameter such as the wave frequency, the higher the resolution (which in the case of the most modern devices can reach tenths of a millimeter).

Depending on the density, the speed of wave propagation also changes, and at the junction of areas with different acoustic densities, the following happens: part of the ultrasonic waves is reflected from this transition, while the other part continues to propagate in the same direction. Moreover, the greater the difference in density, the more waves will be reflected, and, therefore, the lighter this area will appear on the display of an ultrasound diagnostic device.

When preparing for an examination using abdominal ultrasound, you can reduce the amount of gas in the intestines, thereby improving the quality of the resulting image and the depth to which the ultrasound waves can penetrate.