Professional medical service of Ultrasound Pelvis
What is Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound imaging, also known as ultrasound scanning or sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. This procedure is:
- Safe and painless.
- Noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation (unlike x-rays).
- Real-time, allowing visualization of the movement of internal organs and blood flow through vessels.
The procedure involves a small probe and ultrasound gel applied to the skin to help transmit sound waves.
There are three main types of pelvic ultrasound:
- Abdominal (transabdominal).
- Vaginal (transvaginal/endovaginal) - for women.
- Rectal (transrectal) - for men.
Why is it Performed?
Your physician may recommend a lower gastrointestinal (GI) examination using ultrasound to:
- Detect benign tumors, such as polyps.
- Diagnose cancer or evaluate masses.
- Identify inflammatory conditions such as:
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel diseases).
- Hirschsprung disease in children, which causes a blockage in the large intestine.
Preparation Guidelines
- Medication and Allergy Notification:
- Inform your physician about:
- Medications you are taking.
- Any allergies, especially to barium or iodinated contrast materials.
- Dietary Restrictions:
- On the day before the procedure, you will likely be asked to:
- Avoid eating solid foods.
- Drink only clear liquids such as juice, tea, black coffee, broth, or cola.
- Avoid dairy products.
- After midnight, avoid all food and drink.
- Laxatives:
- You may be asked to take a laxative (pill or liquid form) the night before and possibly a few hours before the procedure.
- Clothing and Accessories:
- Remove some or all of your clothing.
- Remove jewelry, dental appliances, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that could interfere with imaging.
- Pregnancy Precaution:
- Inform your physician and the x-ray technologist if there is any chance you are pregnant.