Abdominal ultrasound – an ultrasound examination

Abdominal Ultrasound – Examination Description

Abdominal ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive imaging examination that uses ultrasound waves to assess internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, and intestines. Thanks to abdominal ultrasound, it is possible to:

• detect pathological changes such as cysts, tumors, appendicitis, aneurysms (including abdominal aortic aneurysm), gallbladder and kidney stones;
• assess the size and structure of organs;
• detect the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
• evaluate the condition of organs after injuries or accidents.

Abdominal Ultrasound – Important Information Before the Examination

Examination duration: 15-20 minutes.

Do I need to fast? YES, it is recommended not to eat, smoke, or chew gum for 6-8 hours before the examination.

Examination hours: The examination can be performed at any time, maintaining a 6-8 hour fasting period.

Do I need to stop taking medications before the examination? NO – unless otherwise advised by the doctor. Inform the staff about all medications you are taking.

The Day Before the Examination:

• Follow a light diet, excluding vegetables, fruits, dark bread, carbonated and sweetened drinks (you can drink still water).
• You may take a medication to remove excess air from the digestive tract, e.g., Espumisan (2 capsules 3 times a day).

Additional Information:

• The examination is intended for individuals over 16 years of age.
• At Medicover Hospital, the examination is performed exclusively for adults (18 years and older).

Filling the Bladder Before Abdominal Ultrasound

Filling the bladder is necessary for a proper evaluation of the urinary system.

1-2 hours before the examination, you should drink approximately 1.5 liters of still water and refrain from urinating. Water should be drunk in small sips to avoid swallowing air, which may affect the results of the examination.

For abdominal ultrasound, specifically of the liver, pancreas, stomach, and intestines, there is no need to drink large amounts of water before the examination. It is important to remain fasting for at least 6 hours to obtain an accurate image of the organs and avoid interference caused by the presence of gas in the digestive tract.

Remember to adjust the preparation to the scope of the examination – if in doubt, consult with your doctor or medical facility via the helpline.

How Does Abdominal Ultrasound Work?

The patient assumes a lying position, and then the doctor applies a special gel to the abdomen, which allows for a high-quality image. The application of the gel may cause some discomfort (cold, sticky feeling), but this will disappear immediately after the examination is completed and the area is wiped clean.

During the examination, the doctor may ask the patient to change positions to obtain a better view of the organs.

Indications for Abdominal Ultrasound

The examination is recommended if the following symptoms occur:

• Chronic or intermittent abdominal and lower abdominal pain;
• Enlarged abdomen (not related to diet);
• Long-lasting constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, vomiting;
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes);
• Retention of stool or urine;
• Bleeding from the digestive tract or urinary system;
• Palpable changes during physical examination;
• Suspected gallbladder or kidney stones;
• Abdominal injuries.

Do not ignore symptoms – schedule an abdominal ultrasound privately and take advantage of quick diagnostics without waiting in line!

Abdominal Ultrasound Results

Waiting time for results: available immediately after the examination.

The patient receives the results in the form of a medical description with an attached image. All documentation is printed on-site and provided directly after the examination. Depending on the facility, the result description may also be available online.

Take care of your child’s health – check the abdominal ultrasound offer for children!

Where to Have an Abdominal Ultrasound Privately?

You can have the examination privately, without waiting in line, at many facilities throughout Poland, including:

• Abdominal ultrasound in Warsaw  
• Abdominal ultrasound in Kraków  
• Abdominal ultrasound in Wrocław  
• Abdominal ultrasound in Poznań  
• Abdominal ultrasound in Gdańsk  
• Abdominal ultrasound in Lublin  
• Abdominal ultrasound in Kielce  

Choose a city, then a facility, and pay for the examination online.

Abdominal Ultrasound – Examination Price

How much does an abdominal ultrasound cost? The examination price ranges from 160 to 350 PLN, depending on the medical facility and location.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which organs are assessed in abdominal ultrasound?
   The examination includes ultrasound of the liver, pancreas, kidneys and adrenal glands, spleen, gallbladder, uterus and ovaries, as well as prostate ultrasound for men.

2. How long does an abdominal ultrasound take?
   The examination lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.

3. Do I need to fast before an abdominal ultrasound?
   Yes, it is recommended not to eat for at least 6 hours before the examination.

4. Do I need to drink water before an abdominal ultrasound?
   Yes, for the assessment of pelvic organs (urinary bladder, female reproductive organs, prostate in men), you should drink 1-2 liters of water and avoid urinating before the examination. If the examination primarily concerns the digestive system (liver, pancreas, or intestines), drinking large amounts of water is not necessary.