Upper and Lower Abdominal Ultrasound is a program often included in annual health check-ups. The problem is choosing which one to select to best meet your needs. Today, we will introduce everyone to health screening using ultrasound for both the upper and lower abdomen, explaining how each type differs and what diseases they can help detect.
Interesting Topics
- What is an abdominal ultrasound?
- Why do an abdominal ultrasound?
- How do upper and lower abdominal ultrasounds differ?
- How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound
- Steps in an abdominal ultrasound examination
What is an abdominal ultrasound?
Ultrasound (Ultrasound or Ultrasound Scanning) is a diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images. It allows viewing of various organs to detect abnormalities, aiding doctors in diagnosis. Generally, abdominal ultrasound does not cause pain because it only involves moving a probe over the external surface of the abdomen. There is no need for anesthesia or injections. The sound waves used are safe and do not cause harm.
Why do an abdominal ultrasound?
- To check general health, examine internal abdominal organs according to age or health check-up programs to detect abnormalities before symptoms appear, such as kidney stones, gallstones, or liver masses.
- To investigate suspected abdominal masses, helping to determine which organ the mass originates from and whether it is a solid mass or a cyst.
- To examine when experiencing regular or chronic abdominal pain, tightness, or fullness, or when there is enlargement of abdominal organs or abnormal liver function test results.
- To guide biopsy procedures for deep tissues to increase accuracy during interventions.
- To perform follow-up scans after treatment of certain abnormalities or to monitor changes in those abnormalities.
How do upper and lower abdominal ultrasounds differ?
Abdominal ultrasound is divided into 2 parts:
- Upper abdominal ultrasound (Ultrasound Upper Abdomen or Upper Abdomen Ultrasonography) examines the upper abdominal organs above the navel level, including the liver, spleen, gallbladder, proximal bile ducts, kidneys, aorta, and pancreas (partially visible in some cases) to check for abnormalities such as abnormal masses, kidney stones, or gallstones. This examination is mostly for patients with chronic abdominal pain or those aged 30 and above, applicable to both men and women.
- Lower abdominal ultrasound (Ultrasound Lower Abdomen or Lower Abdomen Ultrasonography) examines the lower abdominal organs below the navel level, including the uterus, ovaries (in women), prostate size (in men), bladder, appendix, and other lower abdominal areas to check for abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, uterine masses, or prostate abnormalities. Lower abdominal ultrasound is commonly performed in women aged 30 and above or those with regular menstrual pain or irregular menstruation. The examination uses a probe on the abdominal surface. This method requires the bladder to be sufficiently full (patients should drink water and hold their urine) because intestinal gas can obscure the uterus and ovaries in women or the prostate in men, making the organs less visible. When the bladder is full, it expands and helps visualize the prostate, uterus, ovaries, or bladder stones more clearly.
How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound
- For upper abdominal ultrasound: Avoid fatty foods and drinks for at least 6 hours before the examination.
- For lower abdominal ultrasound: Drink water (at least 500 ml) and hold your urine.
Steps in an abdominal ultrasound examination
The abdominal ultrasound is performed by a doctor. The patient lies on a bed, and the doctor applies a cool gel on the skin area to be examined to help transmit sound waves from the probe through the skin to view the organs. During the examination, the doctor gently presses and moves the probe over the area. Both the doctor and patient can see the organ images on the monitor simultaneously. The examination takes about 10-45 minutes, depending on the organ location and abnormalities.
After the abdominal ultrasound, there are usually no side effects, and patients can go home immediately. Patients can drive, drink water, eat, and carry out normal activities. Most ultrasound results are available immediately after the examination, with image analysis sent to the referring doctor. The doctor will then explain or discuss the results on the same day, indicating whether your abdomen is normal or if there are abnormalities in any organs.
