Abdominal sonography is performed by placing and moving a hand-held device (known as a transducer) over the area to be examined. This transducer produces and directs ultrasound waves through the body. Returning wave echoes are sensed by the transducer and then converted to electrical signals for transmission. Resultant images are visible in real time on a viewing monitor, as the transducer is continually transmitting waves and sensing returning echoes. Images may be recorded using any compatible means of image recording, such as video or film.
Sonography employs ultrasound waves directed to the area of the body (being examined). These waves are reflected, absorbed or refracted by tissue inside the body. Resultant, returning echoes convey data concerning the size, relative location and internal organ density variations. This information is displayed as a visual image on a monitor and is called an ultrasound image.
Ultrasound readily passes through fluids and organs, but not through air or bone. Abdominal sonography is therefore facilitated by applying a gel to the abdominal skin. This gel allows for the effective transmission of the ultrasound.
Ultrasound images are visibly reproduced in real time. Therefore blood vessels, blood flow, movement of the bowel and other internal organ movements (caused e.g. by breathing) may be observed.
Advantages offered by sonography:
1) The procedure is totally safe, painless and quick
2) Sonography is widely available
3) No radiation involved
4) Imaging in real time (sonography may thus be used effectively to guide invasive procedures like biopsy, or to view the blood flow or bowel movement).
Performance of the procedure:
1) The patient is required to remove all clothing and to wear a hospital gown
2) The patient is placed on the examination table, lying on the back with the hands above the head. Depending on the area to be examined, the patient may be required to change position- e.g. sit up or lie on the side.
3) Lubricating gel is applied to the abdominal area.
4) A device, known as a transducer, is placed on and moved around over the abdominal area to be examined. This produces visible images in real time. The patient may be required to breathe or hold the breath to instruction from the technician, sonologist or physician.
5) The gel is then cleaned off and the patient can change back into their clothes.
6) Examinations typically take 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
Procedure results:
1) The recorded images (film/video/etc) are interpreted and analyzed by a radiologist (this is a specialist, trained and experienced in ultrasound and radiology examinations)
2) The patient is informed of the results by the personal doctor. This information is then used in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.