Ultrasound
Technique based on the emission of high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs
Principle
Exam
Benefits
Special cases
Principle
The gel that helps to transmit the ultrasound waves is spread on the skin. The probe that is placed on the patient’s body emits ultrasound waves, which are bounced back by the patient’s organs, like an echo. The image is rendered on a screen in real time.
Ultrasound does not emit X-rays and is completely harmless and painless!
Exam
Preparation
• Examination of the lower abdomen (pelvis, prostate, uterus and ovary, appendix, colon, etc.)
⇒ Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before the exam and avoid going to the toilet so that your bladder is full.
• Examination of the upper abdomen (liver, spleen, gallbladder) and doppler of the kidneys
⇒ Your fast should start the evening prior to the exam, so no eating or drinking after midnight.
• Other exams
⇒ No special preparation
Execution
Duration of the exam: 10 to 20 minutes
1. After removing the necessary clothing, the doctor spreads a gel over the site of your body that needs to be examined.
2. The doctor then moves the ultrasound probe over this gel.
REMARKS
– The doctor will regularly ask you to breathe deeply and hold your breath to help visualise certain organs.
– The doctor only records a few images: this is a dynamic exam. The recorded images only give a very partial idea of the exam.
Benefits
+ Non-invasive technique: no irradiation or intravenous injection.
+ Fast and easy test (compared with CT or MRI)
Special cases
(prostate, uterus, ovaries)
Ultrasound of the prostate
Procedure:
1. The first part of the exam is performed abdominally, with the probe placed on the abdomen while the bladder is full.
2. The doctor then sends the patient to the toilet to empty his bladder, after which the doctor checks that the bladder is empty.
3. The doctor then performs an endorectal ultrasound: while the patient is laying on his left side, the radiologist inserts a special ultrasound probe into the anus, protected by a condom.
REMARKS
– This technique facilitates a meticulous examination of the prostate and the detection of very small abnormalities.
– While this exam is unpleasant, it is not painful as long as the patient relaxes!
Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries
Procedure:
1. The first part of the exam is performed abdominally, with the probe placed on the abdomen while the bladder is full.
2. The radiologist decides to also perform an endo-vaginal ultrasound for optimum visualisation of the organs. To do this, a special probe is inserted into the vagina, protected by a condom.
REMARK
This technique facilitates optimum visualisation of the uterus and ovaries!