Ultrasound upper abdomen

Course of the examination

An upper abdominal ultrasound takes about 15 minutes and is not painful.

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that are undetectable to the human ear. The sound waves are sent into the body through a small probe (a transducer) that we place directly on the skin. To receive the sound properly, a gel is applied on the skin. The transmitted sound is reflected (echoed) back to the transducer by the organs in the body. The received signal is converted into an electrical signal by a computer. This signal forms a grayscale image that is visible on the screen. The examination is painless and no X-rays are used.

The radiologist makes an initial interpretation of the images during the examination. After the final interpretation, he/she sends a report to the doctor who requested the examination. Only this doctor can discuss the results with you.

An ultrasound is only possible by appointment. Please always bring your identity card and the request from your doctor.

You must register in advance at the registration desk in the central entrance hall.

Preparation

You must be sober for at least 4 hours before the examination. This is very important, because after eating food you get a contraction of the gallbladder, which makes it more difficult to assess gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. In addition, because of the food, more disturbing intestinal gases are present which greatly limits the visualization of the various organs.

Aftercare

No specific aftercare is required.