Other specialties
Through the use of ultrasound waves, abdominal ultrasound is a test that allows us to observe the organs and structures of the abdomen and even to perform abscess drains or biopsy takes. The abdominal ultrasound is a diagnostic test that, through the use of ultrasound waves, allows us to observe the organs and structures within the abdominal cavity. In addition, it allows for the simultaneous performance of interventions such as abscess drainage or biopsies, since it makes it possible to safely direct punctures at the precise areas. It also makes it possible to examine the flow within the blood vessels through a special ultrasound called Doppler ultrasound.
The device used to perform ultrasounds is called a sonogram and emits ultrasound waves that are not detectable by the human ear. These waves are introduced into the body through a probe called a transducer, which moves over the organ we are interested in studying. The waves are transmitted inside the body and when they bounce back they create waves that are different according to the density of the tissue they pass through, such as different fluids, bone or fat. These waves are collected by the transducer and, through a computer, images of the organ we are studying are generated.
The abdominal ultrasound allows us to observe the abdominal organs such as the liver, the gallbladder, the pancreas, the spleen, the kidneys and the urinary bladder. It also allows us to see the abdominal aorta and detect the presence of fluid between the different organs. In women, it allows the ovaries and uterus to be seen, and in men, the prostate; however, these organs are best seen by performing a vaginal ultrasound in women or a transrectal ultrasound in men. Tumors can be detected in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and even inside the abdomen.
