Name of the Procedure:

Ultrasound, abdominal, real-time with image documentation; limited (e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up)

Summary

An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the organs and structures inside the abdomen. This specific limited ultrasound focuses on a single organ or a particular area for follow-up evaluations or targeted diagnostics.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Identifies abnormalities in a specific organ or diagnosis of conditions such as gallstones, liver disease, or kidney problems.
• Goals: Provides precise imaging to aid in diagnosis, monitor the progress of treatments, and help plan further medical interventions.

Indications

• Symptoms: Right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, palpable mass, or unexplained abdominal pain.
• Criteria: Patients presenting with specific symptoms or requiring follow-up imaging to monitor known conditions.

Preparation

• Instructions: Often includes fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure to reduce gas in the stomach and intestines, which can obscure the images.
• Pre-tests: No specific diagnostic tests are usually necessary before an abdominal ultrasound.

Procedure Description

1. Patient Positioning: The patient lies on an examination table, typically on their back.
2. Application of Gel: A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area to be imaged to ensure good contact between the skin and the ultrasound transducer.
3. Imaging: The sonographer moves the transducer over the targeted area, capturing real-time images that are displayed on a monitor.
4. Documentation: Images are saved for documentation and further evaluation by a physician.
   • Equipment: Ultrasound machine with a transducer attached.
   • Anesthesia: None required.

Duration

Typically takes about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital radiology department, outpatient clinic, or specialized imaging center.

Personnel

• Primary: Sonographer (trained ultrasound technician)
• Secondary: Radiologist or other specialist may review the images and provide a diagnosis.

Risks and Complications

Ultrasound is a very safe procedure with no known risks associated with its standard use. There are no radiation risks, and complications are extremely rare.

Benefits

• Timely and Accurate Diagnostics: Provides immediate imaging, which helps in diagnosing or monitoring medical conditions.
• Non-invasive: Painless and does not require incision or needles.
• Quick Results: Often, results are available immediately or within a short period following the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: No special care needed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the ultrasound.
• Recovery Time: None, as this is a non-invasive procedure.
• Follow-up: May require follow-up visits based on findings.

Alternatives

• MRI or CT Scan: More detailed, potentially more expensive, and involves radiation for a CT scan.
• Pros and Cons: Ultrasound is quick, non-invasive, and inexpensive compared to MRI or CT but may not provide as detailed images as MRI.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patients usually feel only the slight pressure of the transducer and the coolness of the gel.
• After Procedure: No discomfort, able to resume daily activities immediately. Pain management is not necessary for this procedure.