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An abdominal or pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that helps doctors assess organs and structures within the abdomen and pelvis. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, bladder, reproductive organs, and more.
This scan provides real-time images, helping doctors detect abnormalities, monitor existing conditions, or guide certain medical procedures. It is safe, painless, and widely used for accurate diagnosis.
This guide outlines the purpose of these ultrasounds, the conditions they help detect, and how to prepare for the scan.
Vital Organs Covered as Part of an Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds focus on examining the following organs and structures:
- Liver: Assesses liver size, shape, and texture to detect fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or tumors.
- Gallbladder and Bile Ducts: Identifies gallstones, bile duct blockages, or inflammation.
- Pancreas: Detects cysts, pancreatitis, or pancreatic tumors.
- Kidneys and Bladder: Evaluate kidney size, stones, cysts, or bladder abnormalities.
- Spleen: Checks for enlargement, injury, or tumors.
- Uterus and Ovaries (Women): Monitors ovarian cysts, fibroids, or uterine abnormalities.
- Prostate and Seminal Vesicles (Men): Assesses prostate enlargement or other abnormalities.
- Blood Vessels: Examines abdominal aorta and other blood vessels for aneurysms or blockages.
Covering such a broad range of organs, this scan helps diagnose conditions affecting both the upper and lower abdomen as well as the pelvic region.
Also Read: Key Insights on Abdominal and Pelvic USG Scans for Patients
Typical Conditions Identified by Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasounds
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds can detect a variety of conditions, many of which are listed below along with the recommended scan type and any related pathology tests.
1. Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease
Main Condition: Presence of gallstones, inflammation, or bile duct blockage.
USG Scan Suggested: Abdominal ultrasound focusing on the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
2. Kidney Stones
Main Condition: Stones in the kidneys or ureters causing pain or blockages.
USG Scan Suggested: Abdominal scans, with a focus on the urinary tract.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Renal Function Tests (RFT)
- Urine Routine and Microscopy
3. Liver Disease (Fatty Liver, Cirrhosis, or Tumors)
Main Condition: Liver enlargement, scarring, or abnormal growth.
USG Scan Suggested: Abdominal ultrasound targeting the liver.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Viral Hepatitis Profile
4. Ovarian Cysts and Uterine Fibroids (Women)
Main Condition: Non-cancerous growths or fluid-filled sacs in the uterus or ovaries.
USG Scan Suggested: Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal or transvaginal).
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Hormonal Profile (FSH, LH, Estradiol)
- CA-125 (if malignancy is suspected)
5. Prostate Enlargement or Infections (Men)
Main Condition: Enlarged prostate gland, infections, or prostate cancer indications.
USG Scan Suggested: Pelvic ultrasound targeting the prostate.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
- Urine Analysis
6. Pancreatic Conditions (Pancreatitis or Tumors)
Main Condition: Inflammation, cysts, or tumors in the pancreas.
USG Scan Suggested: Abdominal ultrasound focusing on the pancreas.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Amylase and Lipase Levels
- Tumor Marker (CA 19-9)
7. Bladder Abnormalities (Infections, Stones, or Tumors)
Main Condition: Irregularities in the bladder structure, stones, or growths.
USG Scan Suggested: Pelvic ultrasound focusing on the bladder.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Urine Culture and Sensitivity
- Urine Cytology
8. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Main Condition: Bulging or rupture of the abdominal aorta.
USG Scan Suggested: Abdominal ultrasound with Doppler imaging for blood flow.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Lipid Profile
- Coagulation Profile
9. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (Women)
Main Condition: Infection and inflammation of pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
USG Scan Suggested: Pelvic ultrasound with transvaginal imaging.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Vaginal Swab Test
- CBC and C-reactive protein (CRP)
10. Cancer Detection (Liver, Pancreas, Ovaries, Prostate)
Main Condition: Tumors or growths indicating possible malignancies.
USG Scan Suggested: Abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, depending on the suspected organ.
Correlating Pathology Tests:
- Tumor Markers (e.g., AFP for liver, CA-125 for ovaries, PSA for prostate)
- Biopsy (if recommended)
Each condition has specific symptoms and diagnostic protocols, making abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds a cornerstone of modern diagnostic medicine.
Read More: Abdomen and pelvis scan: Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Preparation for an Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound
Proper preparation for USG abdomen and pelvis scan ensures accurate results. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Fasting: For abdominal ultrasounds, fasting for 6-8 hours is often required to reduce gas and improve image clarity.
- Hydration: For pelvic ultrasounds, drink plenty of water beforehand to ensure a full bladder, which provides better visualization of pelvic structures.
- Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for easy access to the abdomen or pelvis.
- Avoid Certain Medications: Inform about any medications you’re taking, as some might interfere with the scan.
- Carry Previous Records: Bring along any prior scan reports or relevant medical history for comparison.
During the Scan
The process of an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is simple, safe, and non-invasive:
- Positioning: You’ll lie down on an examination table, and a gel will be applied to your abdomen or pelvic area.
- Probe Movement: The radiologist will glide the ultrasound probe over the area to capture images.
- Transvaginal Option (Women): For better imaging of pelvic organs, a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed, where a thin probe is inserted into the vagina.
- Duration: The scan typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination.
You can resume normal activities immediately after the scan.
