Abdominal Ultrasound: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
When we experience stomach pain, bloating, or unexplained discomfort, we often find ourselves in a dilemma: do I need an ultrasound, or should I get a gastroscopy and colonoscopy? Many of us aren't sure which diagnostic method is right for our stomach issues.
In this blog, we will clarify any uncertainties. We will explore exactly what an abdominal ultrasound is, when it should be done, what it can show us, and how it compares to more invasive endoscopic examinations.
What is an Abdominal Ultrasound and Why is it so Important?
An abdominal ultrasound is a fast, completely non-invasive, and painless diagnostic procedure. This examination is most often performed by a radiology specialist, a gastroenterologist, or a general practitioner with special training in ultrasound diagnostics. Its biggest advantages are the absence of harmful radiation, unlike X-rays or CT scans, its significantly lower cost compared to endoscopic procedures, and its high accessibility.
When is it Done?
As a preventive measure, an ultrasound should be done once a year as part of a regular systematic check-up. If you have symptoms, it is the first-line diagnostic method for various types of pain in the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, urinary bladder, or intestines.
Ultrasound vs. Endoscopy: The Perfect Team
The question often arises as to why an ultrasound cannot replace a gastroscopy or colonoscopy. The answer lies in physics: ultrasound waves have a hard time passing through air and gases, which are abundant in hollow organs like the intestines and stomach. Endoscopy is necessary for a detailed analysis of the actual interior, lumen, and mucous membrane of these organs.
"However, an ultrasound is a crucial first step! Even though it cannot directly diagnose mild gastritis, for example, it can show a thickening of the stomach wall. Such ultrasound results is a clear signal and indication for the doctor to refer the patient for a further, more detailed gastroscopy," explains Dr. Aleksandra Filipović.
What Can a Doctor See on an Ultrasound?
A simple sweep of the ultrasound probe over your stomach gives us incredible insight into the state of your internal organs.
