Ultrasound Therapy 

 

Abdominal ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of structures and blood flow in the abdomen. These ultrasound images are a useful way of examining organs, tissues, blood vessels, and other structures within the abdomen.

Ultrasound imaging involves sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. These waves reflect off of organs and other structures inside the body. A receiver then picks up these response signals.

It is possible to create images by analyzing the data that these signals create.

The abdomen contains many important body parts that often require monitoring. Ultrasound imaging is important for helping doctors identify problems in the abdomen, such as appendicitis or kidney stones.

Purpose

A doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain.

There are several major organs in the abdomen. Using an abdominal ultrasound, it is possible to create images of these organs. This can help identify abdominal problems that may be causing symptoms.

Major organs in the abdomen include the:

• appendix

• large and small intestine

• stomach

• gallbladder

• liver

• pancreas

• bladder

• spleen

As well as the organs, it is possible to use ultrasound to image other important structures in the abdomen, such as tissues, blood vessels, and abnormal growths.

For example, a doctor may wish to inspect the abdominal aorta, which carries blood between the heart and abdominal organs.

In some cases, it may be necessary to use a Doppler ultrasound. This type of ultrasound can detect changes in blood flow through the abdomen.

Because the abdomen contains many important body parts, several problems can occur there. Such problems could range from inflammation to abnormal hormonal responses, and they can sometimes indicate the presence of another condition.

A doctor may use an ultrasound to diagnose conditions such as:

• abdominal pain

• liver disease

• kidney stones

• gallstones

• inflammatory conditions, such as appendicitis or pancreatitis

• abdominal aortic aneurysm

• abdominal growths, such as tumors

• pyloric stenosis

• hernia

• cancer