Abdominal Pelvic Ultrasound

This part of the ultrasound focuses on the upper abdominal region, providing images of key organs such as:

• Liver: Assessing for conditions like fatty liver, cirrhosis, tumors, and cysts.
• Gallbladder: Checking for gallstones, inflammation, or other issues that may cause pain or digestive problems.
• Pancreas: Evaluating for signs of pancreatitis, tumors, or other abnormalities.
• Kidneys: Detecting kidney stones, infections, cysts, or abnormalities in kidney size or structure.
• Spleen: Checking for enlargement, rupture, or other issues.
• Abdominal Aorta: Screening for aneurysms or blockages in this major blood vessel.

An abdominal ultrasound is often used to help diagnose symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, swelling, or abnormal liver function tests.

The pelvic portion of the ultrasound focuses on structures in the pelvic region. For women, this includes the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. For men, the bladder and prostate are evaluated. Key uses of pelvic ultrasound include:

• Reproductive Health in Women: Examining the uterus and ovaries to check for fibroids, ovarian cysts, or other reproductive issues. It is also used to investigate abnormal bleeding, pain, or issues with fertility.
• Bladder Health: Checking for bladder stones, tumors, or other abnormalities that may affect urination.
• Prostate Health in Men: Evaluating prostate size and checking for signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or tumors.

A pelvic ultrasound is particularly useful for diagnosing gynecological issues, monitoring pregnancy in early stages, and detecting urinary system disorders.

A combined abdominal and pelvic ultrasound offers a comprehensive view of both the abdominal and pelvic regions. This combined approach is useful when investigating more complex symptoms that may involve multiple organs, such as:

• Unexplained Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: The scan can help pinpoint the exact cause of discomfort, whether it’s due to gastrointestinal issues, urinary problems, or reproductive system disorders.
• Masses or Tumors: It can help locate and assess the size and nature of any masses in the abdomen or pelvis, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or tumors in the liver, kidneys, or other organs.
• Urinary Tract Issues: This type of ultrasound can detect kidney stones, bladder stones, or infections in the urinary tract.
• Reproductive Health Monitoring: It is useful for assessing conditions related to reproductive health, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or infertility concerns.

In some cases, Doppler Ultrasound may be included in abdominal or pelvic imaging to assess blood flow in blood vessels, such as the aorta or pelvic veins. This helps detect conditions like:

• Aneurysms: Checking for bulges or weaknesses in blood vessel walls.
• Blood Clots or Blockages: Identifying any obstructions in blood flow that could lead to serious complications.

Patients undergoing an abdominal-pelvic ultrasound at Wendani Outpatient Medical Centre may be asked to:

• Abstain from Eating: In preparation for an abdominal ultrasound, patients may need to fast for a few hours to ensure clear images.
• Full Bladder: For pelvic ultrasounds, patients are usually asked to drink water and arrive with a full bladder, which helps provide clearer images of the pelvic organs.

The procedure is quick, taking approximately 20 to 45 minutes. A trained sonographer will apply a special gel to the skin to help the transducer (ultrasound device) move smoothly across the area being examined. The transducer emits sound waves, which bounce off internal structures to create images on a monitor. The process is painless and non-invasive.

Benefits of Abdominal Pelvic Ultrasound at Wendani Outpatient Medical Centre include:

• Safe and Non-Invasive: Ultrasound imaging does not use radiation, making it safe for all patients, including pregnant women and children.
• Real-Time Imaging: The ultrasound provides real-time visualizations of the internal organs, helping healthcare providers diagnose and assess conditions immediately.
• Comprehensive Examination: By combining abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds, doctors can get a complete view of internal structures, which is helpful in diagnosing complex or interconnected conditions.
• Quick and Convenient: Ultrasound procedures are fast and can usually be performed in a single visit, offering convenience for patients.

Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed or monitored with an abdominal-pelvic ultrasound include:

• Gallstones, kidney stones, and liver disease.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Tumors, cysts, or other growths in abdominal or pelvic organs.
• Reproductive health issues such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis.
• Bladder abnormalities or prostate enlargement.