A clearer picture for patients
When patients are referred for an abdominal ultrasound, many expect a general check of the entire abdomen. In reality, this examination is highly targeted. When used appropriately, it provides clear, reliable information about specific organs and helps clinicians make confident diagnostic decisions.
At LSDC Healthcare, abdominal ultrasound is often the first step in investigating abdominal pain, bloating, abnormal blood tests, or suspected organ disease.
How abdominal ultrasound works
Abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the organs inside the abdomen. It is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and is well tolerated by most patients.
The scan is particularly effective at visualising solid organs, fluid-filled structures, and major blood vessels, making it a valuable diagnostic tool in both routine and urgent assessments.
Organs commonly assessed during the scan
The liver is examined for size, contour, and internal texture. Ultrasound can identify fatty liver disease, scarring consistent with cirrhosis, dilated bile ducts, and focal abnormalities such as cysts or solid lesions. It is frequently used to investigate abnormal liver function tests.
The gallbladder is one of the clearest structures on ultrasound. The scan is highly sensitive for detecting gallstones, biliary sludge, gallbladder wall thickening, and features of inflammation. For suspected gallbladder disease, ultrasound is usually the preferred investigation.
The kidneys are assessed for size, shape, and drainage. Ultrasound can demonstrate hydronephrosis, kidney cysts, and larger renal stones. It is commonly used in patients with flank pain, recurrent infections, or impaired kidney function.
The spleen is measured accurately, and enlargement may point towards liver disease, blood disorders, or chronic infection.
Blood vessels and blood flow
With Doppler ultrasound, clinicians can assess blood flow within major abdominal vessels such as the abdominal aorta, portal vein, and renal vessels. This allows detection of abnormal flow patterns, vessel enlargement, or narrowing that may have clinical significance.
Detection of fluid and abnormal collections
Ultrasound is extremely sensitive to fluid. It can detect ascites, abscesses, and both simple and complex cysts, even when present in relatively small amounts. This is particularly useful in patients with suspected infection, inflammation, or advanced liver disease.
Visualisation of the pancreas
The pancreas may be partially or fully visualised, depending on bowel gas and body habitus. When visible, ultrasound can identify enlargement, obvious masses, or signs of acute pancreatitis. Findings are interpreted alongside blood tests and clinical symptoms.
How results are used in clinical decision making
Abdominal ultrasound often provides immediate answers, confirming conditions such as gallstones or fatty liver disease. In other cases, a normal scan is equally valuable, helping clinicians decide whether further investigations such as CT, MRI, or endoscopy are necessary.
At LSDC Clinic, ultrasound findings are reviewed by experienced consultants and integrated with the patient’s history and examination to ensure an accurate and efficient diagnostic pathway.
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If you have been referred for an abdominal ultrasound or continue to experience unexplained abdominal symptoms, our specialists are available to review your results and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
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