Abdominal or abdominopelvic ultrasound, with Doppler depending on the indication
Abdominal and abdominopelvic ultrasound in Casablanca
This ultrasound uses sound waves, without X-rays, to examine the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and aorta. Its abdominopelvic version adds the bladder and, depending on the case, the uterus and ovaries or the prostate. Depending on the indication, Doppler also provides information on blood flow in the vessels of the liver or in the aorta. Solid organs and fluids show up well, for example a gallstone or a cyst. However, the stomach and bowel, which are filled with air, are poorly seen with ultrasound.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
An abdominal ultrasound usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Abdominal pain, especially under the ribs on the right side.
- Looking for stones in the gallbladder.
- Abnormal liver blood tests.
- Monitoring of a cyst, a nodule or a dilated aorta.
- Swollen abdomen or suspected fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
- Lower abdominal pain or urinary problems, for the abdominopelvic version.
How the exam is done
Before starting, tell the doctor if you were not able to follow the fasting requested for the gallbladder or to fill your bladder. You lie on your back with your abdomen uncovered, and you feel a cool gel on your skin. The doctor moves the probe over your abdomen and often asks you to breathe in deeply and then hold your breath, or to turn onto your side. A deep breath moves the liver and spleen down below the ribs, where they are easier to see.
The pelvic part is done with a full bladder, with the probe placed above the pubic bone. The doctor may press a little more firmly to push aside gas in the bowel that is hiding an organ. Once the images are done, you can urinate, wipe off the gel, eat and return to your activities.
Preparation
- For the pelvic part, drink about 500 ml of water in the hour before the exam, without urinating.
- Avoid smoking and chewing gum before the exam: you swallow air, which interferes with the ultrasound.
- Wear clothes that are easy to open or lower at the waist.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, unless the exam is aimed at the gallbladder: in that case, come after fasting for 4 hours, so that it stays full. Avoid fizzy drinks before the exam; still water is allowed and fills the bladder for the pelvic part.
Contrast injection
No injection is planned; ultrasound is enough.
Contraindications and precautions
- No contraindication to ultrasound, including during pregnancy.
- Recent colonoscopy or upper endoscopy: tell us about it, as air left in the bowel can interfere with the exam.
- Dressing, drain or recent scar on the abdomen: tell the doctor, who will avoid pressing on it.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Previous ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs of the abdomen
- Recent blood tests, especially liver tests
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my medication?
Yes, with a little still water. If fasting is requested for the gallbladder and you have diabetes, ask your doctor how to adjust your treatment.
Why drink before the exam?
A full bladder pushes the bowel aside and lets the ultrasound reach the pelvis. You urinate right afterwards.
Is it painful?
No. The probe sometimes presses a little on a tender area, and a very full bladder can be uncomfortable.
Will I need another exam?
Not necessarily. If an organ is poorly seen, because of gas for example, a CT scan or an MRI may be offered.
Can my child have this ultrasound?
Yes. With no X-rays and no needle, it is also suitable for children. If the exam is aimed at the gallbladder, ask when you book how to adapt fasting and drinking to your child's age.
Does the ultrasound show the bowel?
Poorly, in general: the air it contains blocks the ultrasound, and the stomach and colon remain hard to see. To study the digestive tract, your doctor may request an endoscopy, a CT scan or an MRI.