Visceral (Non-Obstetric US)

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow to and within organs.

What to expect with your procedure

The patient is positioned on an examination table and a clear gel is applied to the body part to be examined in order to help the transducer make secure contact with the skin. The sound waves produced by the transducer cannot penetrate air, so the gel helps to eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The sonographer or radiologist  then presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest.

 When the examination is complete the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed, either on film or on a monitor. Often though, the sonographer or radiologist is able to review the ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired and the patient can be released immediately.

Preparing for your procedure

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.