Abdominal Ultrasound: Fast and Painless Diagnostics

Abdominal ultrasound is one of the most common and important diagnostic examinations, enabling a fast, painless and safe assessment of abdominal organ condition. No radiation, no pain and with an immediate report.

Which organs does abdominal ultrasound examine?

Abdominal ultrasound enables a comprehensive examination of the following organs:

• Liver: Assessment of size, structure and possible changes (fatty liver, cysts, tumours).
• Gallbladder: Detection of gallstones, polyps and gallbladder inflammation.
• Pancreas: Examination of structure and detection of possible changes.
• Spleen: Assessment of spleen size and structure.
• Kidneys: Detection of kidney stones, cysts and other changes.
• Abdominal aorta: Examination for possible aortic aneurysm.

When is abdominal ultrasound recommended?

Abdominal ultrasound is recommended in the following cases:

• Abdominal pain: Unexplained pain in the upper or lower abdomen requires an ultrasound examination.
• Digestive problems: Bloating, nausea, vomiting or appetite changes.
• Elevated liver values: Abnormalities in laboratory results indicating liver problems.
• Suspected gallstones: Pain under the right rib cage, especially after a fatty meal.
• Suspected kidney stones: Pain in the lumbar region, blood in urine or frequent urinary tract infections.
• Preventive examination: For regular monitoring of abdominal organ health, especially in individuals with risk factors.

How to prepare for abdominal ultrasound?

Fast for 6 hours before the examination. This means no food or liquids (except a small sip of water for medications). Fasting is necessary because:

• Food in the stomach and intestines causes gas formation, which obstructs ultrasound waves.
• The gallbladder contracts after a meal, making its assessment impossible.
• An empty stomach provides better visibility of abdominal organs.

Tip: The day before the examination, avoid foods that cause bloating (beans, cabbage, fizzy drinks). For more detailed instructions, read our guide to ultrasound preparation.

How is the examination performed?

Abdominal ultrasound is simple, painless and takes 15–20 minutes:

1. You lie on your back on the examination table.
2. The doctor applies a clear water-based gel to the skin of the abdomen.
3. Using an ultrasound probe, they systematically examine all abdominal organs.
4. During the examination, you may be asked to hold your breath for better visibility.
5. Immediately after the examination, the findings are explained and a report is issued.

Advantages of abdominal ultrasound

• Painless: The examination causes no pain or discomfort.
• No radiation: Unlike CT examinations, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation. Completely safe for all ages.
• Immediate result: You receive the report immediately after the examination – no waiting.
• Comprehensive examination: In a single examination, we assess the condition of all key abdominal organs.
• Repeatable: The examination can be safely repeated for monitoring purposes.

For more information, visit the abdominal ultrasound page or call us at 01 777 42 55.