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Abdominal ultrasound

Objectifs 

This exam uses high-frequency sound waves to analyze the abdominal cavity organs, such as the spleen, kidneys, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and bladder. Particular attention is also paid to the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava. However, this method cannot be used to examine the digestive system (stomach, intestines, rectum, etc.).

Duration 

30 minutes

Preparation 
  • Patients must be in a fasting state. You must therefore refrain from eating or drinking from midnight the night before if the exam is in the morning. If your appointment is in the afternoon, we ask that you be in a fasting state for 6 hours before the exam. Avoid candies, lozenges or gum.
  • No matter what time your appointment is, you may take your medication as you normally would and drink a moderate amount of water.
Steps 

Go to the reception desk of the imaging department, where you will be asked to put on a hospital gown.

Once in the exam room, you will be asked to lie down on your back. The medical imaging technologist starts by applying ultrasound gel, which is a water-based gel that conducts ultrasound waves through the skin. Next, using an ultrasound probe (a small device that looks like a microphone), the technologist will examine your abdomen. During the exam, you will be asked to take a number of deep breaths so that the technologist can get a better view of your organs.

Follow-up and side effects 
  • There are no side effects. After the exam, you may get dressed and leave. You may also eat as you normally would.
  • We will send the report from the exam to your doctor.
Contact 
Medical Imaging Department