Ultrasonography (ultrasound) is a commonly used, non-invasive and painless method of imaging diagnostics using the phenomenon of reflection of ultrasound waves from the examined structures. As a widely available, affordable and safe method, ultrasound plays a leading role in the diagnosis of acute and chronic diseases of the abdominal cavity, genitourinary system and soft tissues, neck and joints. Additional advantages of ultrasound are
- Possibility of imaging the examined structures in real time, which is commonly used during invasive procedures such as biopsy and puncture.
- In justified cases, it is possible to repeat the test several times at short intervals.
- Possibility to supplement the test with an assessment of blood flow through the examined organs using the Doppler technique.
What are the most common indications for ultrasound examination?
- acute and chronic abdominal pain
- a perceptible tumor in the abdomen
- chronic diarrhoea
- increasing abdominal circumference
- abnormalities in laboratory tests results (hepatic and pancreatic enzymes, blood morphology, cancer markers)
- jaundice
- proteinuria, hematuria, hematocyturia
- hypertension
- recurrent urinary tract infections
- thyroid diseases
- enlarged lymph nodes
- soft tissue tumors
- diseases of the salivary glands
- nipple nodules
- hernias
- post-traumatic and inflammatory changes in joints
- assessment of visceral and peripheral vessels
- anus conditions
- testicular assessment
- gynaecological diseases
- prostate diseases
- evaluation of transplanted organs
- post-surgical controls
- observation of benign tumors
- and many others.
Ultrasound is a safe and well tolerated method. Due to the non-ionizing character of the ultrasound wave, ultrasound examination does not have a harmful effect on the body and can be used in the diagnosis of pregnant women. During the examination you may feel slight discomfort associated with compression of the head and in the case of TRUS (transrectal examination) and TV (transvaginal examination) you may experience unpleasant sensations associated with the nature of the examination. The ultrasound examination can be painful when evaluating the structures changed by disease, e.g. the assessment of abscess or cancer infiltration. Intravascular prostheses and heart stimulation systems are not contraindications for testing.
Abdominal and retroperitoneal space ultrasound (including Doppler examination of intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal vessels):
- An easily digestible diet for 2 days before the planned test (avoid gas-forming products such as legumes, raw fruits and vegetables, dark breads and carbonated drinks).
- In patients with flatulence tendencies, 3×2 capsules of Espumisan should be taken on the eve of the day before.
- For 6 hours before the examination, meals and fluids must not be consumed (except for permanent medication, which should be taken).
- Refrain from smoking and chewing gum 6 hours before the examination.
- You can drink still water.
Urinary tract ultrasound:
- The diet should be easily digestible for 2 days before the planned test (gas-forming products such as legumes, raw fruits and vegetables, dark bread and carbonated drinks should be avoided).
- Patients with flatulence tendencies should be tested the day before with 3×2 capsules of Espumisan.
- For 6 hours before the examination no meals may be taken (except for permanent medication, which should be taken with still water).
- 1 hour before the test, drink 1-1. 5 litres of still water and do not urinate for the test (the test is performed with a full bladder).
- Do not smoke cigarettes six hours before the examination.
- Chewing gum is not recommended 6 hours before the examination.
Transrectal ultrasound is an imaging examination enabling diagnosis of pathologies of the rectal canal, rectal and pelvic floor structures. It consists in the introduction through the rectum of a special ultrasound probe enabling the assessment not only of muscle structures or pathological fluid reservoirs in this area, but also of layered anatomy of the anus and rectum mucosa. Sometimes the examination requires supplementation with transcutaneous ultrasound of the perineum. The basic indications for its implementation are:
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suspicion of an anal abscess
-
suspicion of an anal fistula
-
diagnosis of rectal cancer
-
diagnosis of rectum cancer
-
incontinence of stool and gases
-
rectal pains of unclear cause
-
rectal and anal inflammatory diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease)
In some clinical situations (e. g. rectal abscess diagnostics), rectal examination may be very painful, in which case it may be performed under general anaesthesia (analgosedation).
It should be remembered that rectal ultrasound examination should be preceded by a full proctological examination (including per rectum examination).
PREPARATION FOR TRANSRECTAL EXAMINATION
- Please purchase 2 rectal infusions (e. g. enema, rectanal or similar) from a pharmacy without a prescription.
- The first ingot should be done 4 hours before the test.
- Approximately 2 hours before the test, a second ingot should be done.
- On the day of the examination, you can eat and drink normally.
- You should take your medications unless the doctor referring you to the examination recommends otherwise
General description of the examination
Ultrasonography (ultrasound) is a commonly used, non-invasive and painless method of imaging diagnostics using the phenomenon of reflection of ultrasound waves from the examined structures. As a widely available, affordable and safe method, ultrasound plays a leading role in the diagnosis of acute and chronic diseases of the abdominal cavity, genitourinary system and soft tissues, neck and joints.
VOLUSON S6
High-class ultrasound device designed mainly for gynaecologists-obstetricians, but it is also used by other specialties. Using the latest technologies with advanced digital ultrasonic beamforming and RAW DATA technology, which enables recording of the received data immediately after digitization, allows the user to perform the highest quality tests:
- prenatal,
- obstetric,
- gynaecological
- but also the thyroid gland,
- breasts,
- of the abdominal cavity,
- vascular or cardiac tests.
The camera has 3D/4D technology and a number of innovative solutions that is why it is one of the most frequently chosen systems by institutions that apply for grants in EU and Norwegian programs and many others.
The device is equipped with a monitor of the quality equal to the standards of clinical equipment, which makes it unrivalled in ultrasound diagnostics among the devices of this class. In addition, the equipment is enriched with the latest version of the software for dimensioning, analysis and description of genetic tests of the fetus – of the American company General Electric – ViewPoint.
LOGIQ F8
LOGIQ F8 is a comprehensive ultrasound system that provides excellent imaging quality. It is designed to improve workflow, ensure trouble-free use and provide better care for patients. This unique combination of features will help take patient care to the next level.
The excellent image quality of the LOGIQ F8 helps in making the right diagnosis. The clarity of the image makes it possible to detect anomalies and even small pathological changes.
Increased image contrast makes it possible to distinguish between different tissue types. . Excellent penetration ensures that both shallow and deeper anatomical structures can be reproduced and reliably depicted.
By combining the best of GE’s ultrasound systems, the LOGIQ F8 delivers the benefits of advanced, highly effective ultrasound imaging at an affordable price. Advanced software and a wide range of diagnostic tools make it possible to perform the following tests, among other things::
- of the abdominal cavity,
- obstetrics and gynaecology,
- small structures,
- of the musculoskeletal system,
- of vessels and peripheral vessels,
- urological,
- pediatricians,
- transcranial,
- of the heart.