An ultrasound, or scan, also called ultrasonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs and other body structures. With ultrasound, ionizing radiation, as with x-rays, is not used. Since ultrasound provides images in real time, the procedure helps to evaluate the structure and movement of internal organs, as well as blood flow in the blood vessels.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that helps doctors diagnose and treat diseases.
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs allows you to get an image of tissues and organs located in the lower parts of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis.
There are three types of ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs:
- Abdominal (transabdominal)
- Vaginal (transvaginal) ultrasound of women
- Rectal (transrectal) ultrasound of men
Dopplerography can be part of the ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
Dopplerography allows you to evaluate blood flow in blood vessels, including large arteries and veins of the abdominal cavity, upper and lower extremities, and neck.
In what areas is ultrasound of the pelvic organs used?
In women, ultrasound of the pelvic organs is most often used to assess the condition:
- Bladder
- ovaries
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Fallopian (fallopian) tubes
In addition, ultrasound is used to monitor the health and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs helps to identify the causes of the following symptoms that occur in women:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pathological bleeding
- Other menstrual irregularities
It is also used for diagnostics:
- Palpable masses such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids
- Cancer of the ovaries or uterus
A transvaginal ultrasound is usually used to assess the condition of the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, including its thickness, as well as the ovaries. In addition, transvaginal ultrasound is a good method for assessing the condition of the muscular walls of the uterus, which are called myometrium.
A more detailed study of the state of the uterus allows such a study as ultrasound hysterography. This study is usually used to detect:
- Anomalies in the structure of the uterus
- Scars on the uterus
- Endometrial polyps
- fibroids
- Cancer, especially in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding
Some physicians use ultrasound hysterosalpingography to examine patients with infertility.
In men, pelvic ultrasound is used to assess the condition:
- Bladder
- seminal vesicles
- prostate gland
A special type of study that allows you to see the prostate gland is transrectal ultrasound, which involves the introduction of a special sensor into the rectum.
In both men and women, pelvic ultrasound can detect:
- Stones in the kidneys
- Tumors of the bladder
- Other diseases of the urinary tract
In children, ultrasound of the pelvic organs is used to diagnose the causes of:
- Premature sexual development or delayed puberty in girls.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Examinations of hermaphroditic genitalia and other anomalies in the structure of the pelvic organs.
- Neoplasms of the pelvic cavity.
A pelvic ultrasound is also used to guide procedures such as a needle biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed from a pelvic organ for laboratory testing.
Doppler ultrasound helps doctors see and evaluate:
- The cause of impaired blood flow in the vessel, for example, blood clots.
- Vasoconstriction, which can be caused by atherosclerosis.
- Tumors and congenital vascular malformations.
How should you prepare for the study?
You should come to the examination in comfortable, loose clothing. During the procedure, the doctor may ask the patient to wear a special shirt or gown. Remove all jewelry and clothing from the area being examined.
The ultrasound examination is extremely sensitive to movement, and therefore the procedure may be slowed down if the child is very active or crying. The child should be told about the course of the examination in advance, which will make the procedure easier. You can take a book to the treatment room to read to your child during the examination.
Diagnostic rooms are often equipped with televisions, which can be used to distract the child in the absence of other means.
Transabdominal ultrasound requires tight filling of the bladder, which facilitates visualization of the uterus, ovaries, prostate, and bladder wall.
What does diagnostic equipment look like?
An ultrasound scanner consists of a console that includes a computer and electronic equipment, a video display, and an ultrasound probe that is used for scanning. An ultrasound transducer is a small, portable device that resembles a microphone and is attached to the scanner with a cable. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the ear, which penetrate the body and, reflected from the tissues, come back in the form of reflected signals, that is, an echo. Thus, the principle of operation of the ultrasound sensor is similar to the sonar on submarines.
The ultrasound image immediately appears on the video display screen, which looks like a normal computer monitor. The resulting image depends on the amplitude (strength) and frequency of the sound signal, on the time it takes for the wave to return from the tissues to the sensor, and also on the structural features of the body structures through which the signal passes.
If the ultrasound requires the insertion of a transducer into the body's natural orifices, such as for transvaginal or transrectal examinations, the device is protected with a condom and lubricated with gel.
What is the research based on?
Ultrasound is based on the same principle as the sonar systems used by bats, ships, submarines and weather services. When a sound wave collides with an object, it is reflected, that is, the formation of an echo. The analysis of reflected waves makes it possible to estimate the distance of the object location, its size, shape and consistency (dense, liquid or mixed).
In medicine, ultrasound is used to detect changes in organs, tissues, and vessels, or to detect pathological formations such as tumors.
During ultrasound, the transducer simultaneously sends out sound waves and receives/records reflected vibrations. When the sensor is pressed against the skin, small pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves are generated that penetrate the body. When sound waves collide with internal organs, tissues or liquids, the sensitive microphone of the ultrasound sensor captures the smallest changes in the pitch and direction of the sound. The resulting characteristic vibrations are constantly measured by a computer program and reflected on the display screen, which allows you to get a real-time image. As a rule, during the study, the doctor may receive one or more pictures of moving structures. In addition, it is possible to record small video fragments in real time.
Transrectal and transvaginal ultrasound, which requires the insertion of special probes into natural orifices of the body, is based on the same principles.
Dopplerography is a special type of ultrasound study that allows you to measure the speed and direction of movement of blood cells through the vessels. The movement of blood cells causes a change in the height of the reflected sound wave (the so-called Doppler effect). The computer collects and processes the information received and creates graphs or color pictures that show the flow of blood through the blood vessels.
How is the research done?
Transabdominal ultrasound
In most cases, during ultrasound, the patient lies on his back on a couch that can move or tilt.
transabdominal ultrasound transducer
After that, a transparent water-based gel is applied to the skin of the examined area of the body, which ensures tight contact between the sensor and the skin and eliminates air pockets between them that interfere with the passage of sound waves through the tissues. Then the doctor of ultrasound diagnostics, who conducts the study, firmly presses the sensor to the skin at various points, leading it over the area of the body being examined. At the same time, sound waves penetrate the tissues at different angles, which helps to accurately examine the required organ.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound is very similar in manner to a gynecological exam and involves inserting a transducer into the vagina after emptying the bladder. The transducer tip is smaller than standard speculums and retractors.
transvaginal ultrasound transducer
A disposable condom is put on the ultrasound probe and a small amount of gel is applied, after which the probe is inserted into the vagina only 4-5 cm. To fully assess the structure of the uterus and ovaries, images should be obtained from different angles.
Usually, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed with the patient lying on her back with her legs apart, similar to a gynecological examination.
Transrectal ultrasound
During transrectal ultrasound, a disposable condom is put on the ultrasound probe and a gel is applied, after which the probe is inserted into the rectum.
transrectal ultrasound probe
As a rule, the patient lies on his side, with his back to the doctor, with legs slightly bent at the knee and hip joints.
Dopplerography is performed with the same ultrasound probe.
After the examination is completed, the doctor asks the patient to get dressed and wait until the end of the analysis of images and drawing up a conclusion.
As a rule, the procedure of ultrasound of the pelvic organs takes about 30 minutes.
What should I expect during and after the study?
Most ultrasound examinations are easy, quick and painless.
With transabdominal ultrasound:
After placing the patient on the couch, the doctor applies a small amount of warm water-based gel to the skin and presses the probe firmly against the body, starting to drive it over the area being examined in order to obtain sufficiently clear images. As a rule, the patient does not experience any discomfort, except for a slight pressure in the area being examined.
If the ultrasound affects a painful area, then the pressure of the sensor on the skin may be accompanied by a slight pain.
Ultrasound, which requires the introduction of a sensor into the natural openings of the body, causes certain discomfort.
With transvaginal ultrasound:
Despite the fact that the study is usually prescribed for pain in the lower abdomen, the transvaginal ultrasound procedure itself is usually painless or accompanied by minimal discomfort. In this case, the study is often less unpleasant than a gynecological examination.
With transrectal ultrasound:
If a biopsy is not required, then the procedure is generally similar to a rectal examination performed by a doctor, or even less unpleasant. If a biopsy is required, the additional discomfort associated with the insertion of a needle is usually minimal, since the rectal wall in the prostate region is relatively insensitive to pain.
A biopsy can lengthen the entire procedure.
Doppler ultrasound can hear pulsating sounds that change in pitch as blood flow is monitored and measured.
After the procedure, the gel can be wiped off the skin.
After the ultrasound, you can immediately return to your usual life.
Who reviews the results of the study and where can they be obtained?
The analysis of the images is carried out by an ultrasound diagnostician who specializes in conducting such studies and interpreting their results. As a rule, the main education of a doctor is radiology. After examining the images, the doctor of ultrasound diagnostics draws up and signs a conclusion, which is sent to the attending physician. In some cases, the conclusion can be taken from the doctor of ultrasound diagnostics himself, as well as discuss the results of the examination with him.
Often a follow-up examination is required, the exact reason for which the attending physician will explain to the patient. In some cases, an additional examination is carried out when obtaining doubtful results that require clarification during repeated procedures or the use of special imaging techniques. Dynamic observation allows timely detection of any pathological abnormalities that occur over time. In some situations, re-examination allows us to talk about the effectiveness of treatment or stabilization of the state of tissues over time.
Benefits and risks of pelvic ultrasound
Advantages:
- Ultrasound is non-invasive (does not require injections) and, in most cases, painless.
- Ultrasound is a fairly simple, widely available, and less expensive imaging modality compared to other imaging modalities.
- Ultrasound does not involve the use of ionizing radiation.
- Ultrasound scanning allows you to get a clear image of soft tissues that are not visible during x-ray examination.
- Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for monitoring fetal health and development during pregnancy.
- Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of tissues, making it suitable for minimally invasive procedures such as punch and aspiration biopsies.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs helps to diagnose a wide variety of diseases of the urinary tract and reproductive system in patients of both sexes without the slightest risk associated with an x-ray examination.
Risks:
- Standard diagnostic ultrasound is devoid of any undesirable effects.
What are the limitations of pelvic ultrasound?
In the presence of air or gases, the course of the sound wave is disturbed. Therefore, ultrasound is not suitable for examining organs filled with gases, as well as organs that are hidden by intestinal loops. In most of these cases, a barium suspension study, MRI or CT scan is prescribed.
Ultrasound is difficult in large and obese patients, because a large amount of muscle and fat tissue attenuates the sound wave as it penetrates deep into the body.
Modern medicine can offer many ways to examine the body. Some are more common, some are less. But one, indispensable, will be discussed below.
This type of study is the most modern way to diagnose many diseases, identify pathological processes, inflammation in the abdominal cavity or gynecology as well. This is the most accurate research method, highly informative and, most importantly, very accessible to a wide range of people.
Ultrasound is based on the phenomenon of echolocation. The principle is approximately the following: the signal is sent inside the body with the help of the device, where it is reflected from the internal organs and returned back. The device reads it and, thanks to the different acoustic properties of tissues, they can be identified.
What is it for
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is done for everyone, regardless of age and gender. They do it in order to get to the bottom of the cause of blood in the urine, difficulty urinating (kidney examination); identify a malignant tumor; diagnose the condition of the rectum; to determine the causes of pain in the abdominal cavity. Conduct a study and the ovaries with the uterus and appendages. Confirm pregnancy with it and set its terms. Examine the prostate gland. Establish the causes of infertility.
There are no contraindications for these studies.
Ultrasound of the pelvis. Preparation
No matter what day this examination is scheduled, it should not be done if the procedure using barium has already been performed the day before. Basically, for ultrasound of the pelvic organs, the preparation is simple. And it depends on the body that will be examined. The procedure itself is quite easy and fast, no activity is required from the patient. It is enough for him to lie down on the couch, on his back or on his side. It is necessary to expose the abdomen or lower abdomen. The diagnostician will lubricate the sensor with a special gel, move the sensor over the stomach, pressing lightly. The internal organs are viewed from different angles.
If there is inflammation in the area being examined, discomfort or pain may occur during the examination. Depending on the disease and the purpose of the examination, the ultrasound procedure will take from ten to twenty minutes.
Transabdominal ultrasound
This type of diagnosis will be carried out outside, through the abdominal cavity. A couple of days before the scheduled examination, you should follow a small diet. Avoid foods that cause fermentation and gas formation. Limit yourself in taking vegetable, meat products, it is better to exclude dairy and carbonated drinks. Before the ultrasound it is necessary to empty the intestines. Before the actual procedure, the patient will be asked to drink enough water for about one hour to keep the bladder well filled. If the study needs to be done urgently, then the liquid will be administered in a hospital through a urinary catheter. The study can be carried out both lying on the back and on the side.
Transrectal ultrasound
Diagnosis of diseases through the anus. With transrectal ultrasound of the small pelvis, the preparation consists in setting a cleansing enema. The day before, gas-producing foods should be excluded. The patient is located on the left side, and the legs will have to be bent at the knees. A thin transducer is inserted into the rectum, so the examination is a little painful.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Diagnosis will be performed vaginally. Ultrasound of the small pelvis, preparation: for this hour, for three to four hours, the patient will not be allowed to drink liquid and should be emptied immediately before the procedure itself. The procedure is performed lying on your back, hips apart.
If it is necessary to find the cause of infertility, then it will be more informative to do a transvaginal ultrasound than a transabdominal one.
For ultrasound of the pelvic organs, special preparation is not expected if a woman has spotting of unclear etiology, the presence of acute pain. It is best to carry out the procedure with an empty intestine.
For a pelvic ultrasound, preparation for menstruation is not required for a woman if there are emergency indications for the study. If the procedure is planned, then it is better to carry it out on the fifth or seventh day of the cycle.
ultrasound and pregnancy
This type of diagnosis in expectant mothers is simply an indispensable procedure that will allow both the gynecologist and the youngest mother to control the entire course of pregnancy. Modern diagnostics makes it possible to identify possible shortcomings already in the early stages, with the onset of pregnancy, to identify the location of the embryo to exclude ectopic insemination. Such a pregnancy can pose a threat to a woman's health and her life.
Ultrasound examination will show with high accuracy the location of the fetal egg. Will establish its age, judging by the size, and features of the structure. Already at the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy, with the help of an ultrasound examination, the expectant mother will be able to hear how her baby's heart beats. This causes not only positive emotions in both parents, but also allows the doctor to verify the normal functioning of the fetus, in its normal development.
For a pelvic ultrasound, preparation during pregnancy is not required. It is carried out at all stages of pregnancy.
During the period of her pregnancy, the expectant mother will go for screening ultrasound three times. First, for a period of ten to twelve weeks. A little later, for a period of eighteen - twenty-two weeks. And the final - already at twenty-eight - thirty-two weeks. The purpose of the study is to give a comprehensive assessment of the state of the fetus, to find out its anatomical structure, the correct and timely development of all organs and systems, to assess growth parameters, and to exclude malformations.
Examination of the organs and tissues of the small pelvis using ultrasound is widely carried out in both women and men. Modern experts strongly advise all women over forty to undergo this type of study and men over fifty. This will allow timely diagnosis of the presence of problems of the reproductive organs, bladder, kidneys, if any. Thus, accelerating the treatment and prevention of negative consequences. Early ultrasound diagnosis for the purpose of prevention is the key to your health and longevity.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is an informative, non-invasive, practically safe examination of the internal organs of a person.
The main obstacle to ultrasound is the presence of air. Therefore, the main task of preparing for an ultrasound examination is to remove all excess air from the intestines. Preparation for ultrasound is especially important for obese people, since fat is the second most important obstacle to ultrasound.
Preparation:
Diet:
2-3 days do not consume black bread, milk, carbonated water and drinks, vegetables, fruits, juices, confectionery, alcohol.
In the absence of contraindications, you can also take any enterosorbent (polysorb, polyphepan, "white coal", enterosgel) in a standard dosage, it is also advisable to make a cleansing enema 1.5–2 hours before the study.
The study is carried out strictly on an empty stomach (at least 6, and preferably 12 hours after a meal). For example, the pancreas in a living person is located behind the stomach, and with a full stomach, it is practically invisible on ultrasound.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to examine parenchymal organs, as well as hollow organs filled with fluid. In the abdominal cavity, these include liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen, bile ducts. kidneys anatomically located in the retroperitoneal space, but usually they are examined together with the above abdominal organs.
The intestines and stomach are hollow organs in which air is almost always present, so it is extremely difficult to examine them. And although very good preparation of the patient for ultrasound allows partially examine the walls of the stomach and colon, these techniques are extremely complex, time-consuming and painful for patients (the colon is first completely emptied using siphon enemas, and then filled with liquid). Therefore, for the study of the intestine, a simpler and more informative method is used - colonoscopy.
Ultrasound is performed with the patient in the supine position. Sometimes the doctor asks the patient to turn on his right or left side, take a deep breath, hold his breath to get a better picture. Some patients with individual characteristics (for example, with a high position of the spleen) have to be examined while sitting or even standing.
During the ultrasound process, dimensions liver, her position, shape, ability to transmit ultrasonic waves, structure, condition of blood vessels and bile ducts, the presence of foreign inclusions(e.g. stones) shape, condition of the walls, size of the gallbladder, its position, the state of bile, the presence of foreign inclusions, structure, shape, position, ability to transmit ultrasonic waves, the state of the pancreatic duct, study condition of the biliary tract (with measurement of their lumen), portal, inferior vena cava and splenic veins. The same scheme is used to evaluate pancreas, spleen, kidney. At the end of the study, the general condition of the upper floor of the abdominal cavity is assessed.
According to the results of the ultrasound, the doctor writes a study protocol with a conclusion.
Important note. We have all seen photographs of internal organs obtained with the help of an ultrasound machine - echograms. They are not the subject of study, they are not commented on. and serve only as an additional, optional appendix to the ultrasound protocol.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) over the past decades has become an integral part of the diagnostic process due to the high information content and affordable cost of the procedure. Ultrasound allows you to examine the internal organs, identify their changes, which in most cases allows you to make an accurate diagnosis.Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is one of the most commonly prescribed types of research. It allows you to examine all the organs located inside the abdominal cavity during one procedure: the liver and gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach and intestines. In addition to changes in these organs, ultrasound can reveal an adhesive process, an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Indications for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity are various diseases of the digestive system or suspicion of them. In some cases, this study is carried out for preventive purposes, as part of a medical examination or medical examinations.
Preparing for an abdominal ultrasound
The main problem that can reduce the information content of abdominal ultrasound is increased gas formation in the intestine. To solve it, a special diet is prescribed 3 days before the study.Excluded from the diet:
- vegetables and fruits, especially fresh ones;
- dairy products;
- sweets;
- carbonated drinks;
- strong coffee and tea.
If an abdominal ultrasound is performed in the morning, then it must be performed on an empty stomach. If it is scheduled for the afternoon, breakfast is allowed. With persistent constipation, a cleansing enema can be performed before the study or a laxative is prescribed the day before, since feces also significantly reduce the information content of abdominal ultrasound.
How is an abdominal ultrasound performed?
The procedure itself usually takes 10-15 minutes. The patient is placed on the couch, a special gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen, which provides better penetration of ultrasonic waves. The doctor places the sensor in the projection areas of the internal organs, paying special attention to those of them, from which there are clinical symptoms. To better examine all the organs, the doctor asks the patient to turn on one side, then on the other. The liver and spleen are best seen at the height of inhalation when holding the breath.The results of an abdominal ultrasound are the conclusion of a doctor describing the size and structure of all organs. It is accompanied by a printout of the image of the ECHO structure, which may be useful to other specialists.
Ultrasound examination in gynecological practice is very widespread. What is the purpose of abdominal ultrasound of the small pelvis, what is required for this procedure. What results can the study show?
The essence of the procedure
Abdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is performed in cases where it is not possible to examine the internal genital organs using a transvaginal probe. Such situations occur in the presence of a intact hymen or in pathologies that make it difficult to pass through the vagina.
Ultrasound is performed using a conventional abdominal probe. Subject to certain rules, the information content of this method is no lower than when using a transvaginal sensor.
The study is carried out using an abdominal sensor when it is not possible to use a transvaginal
Indications
An abdominal ultrasound of the small pelvis is prescribed in the following situations:
- suspicion of an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity or appendages;
- inflammatory diseases of the bladder;
- suspected ovarian cyst/cysts;
- inflammatory processes in the renal tissue;
- cystic formations and tumors of the kidneys;
- omission of the kidney;
- determination of the degree of uterine fibroids;
- diagnosis of endometriosis;
- pregnancy confirmation.
If it is impossible to carry out a transvaginal examination, the use of an abdominal sensor will be the way out of the situation. In men, an abdominal ultrasound can diagnose an adenoma or malignant tumors of the prostate.
Preparing for an ultrasound
To create better visibility and increase the effectiveness of the examination, the patient is offered to prepare in a certain way. What is the preparation?
- Three days before the proposed ultrasound, you should refrain from eating cabbage, rye bread, berries and fruits, fresh pastries. All of these foods can cause increased gas production, as a result of which intestinal loops swell and make it difficult to visualize.
- On the eve of the study, several tablets of Espumizan and sorbents should be taken.
- In the evening, a cleansing enema is made or a laxative is introduced in candles.
- Immediately before the ultrasound, the patient should drink at least a liter of water and refrain from going to the toilet. With a full bladder, the internal genital organs are much better visible.
One of the stages of preparation for ultrasound is taking Espumizan - to reduce gas formation
Technique
Ultrasound diagnostics is carried out in a specially equipped room. The patient is asked to undress to the waist and lie down on the couch. The examination is usually performed in the supine position, but the doctor may suggest turning onto the right or left side. A special conductor gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen. It improves the quality of the ultrasonic signal, which helps to increase the information content. Then the doctor will pass the abdominal probe along the lower regions of the anterior abdominal wall. The ultrasound procedure is safe and painless.
The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes. After that, the diagnostician examines the data obtained and issues a conclusion. This conclusion is evaluated by the attending physician and, on its basis, he makes a diagnosis.
What can be seen
With ultrasound, you can see the variant of the norm and various variants of the pathology.
- Normal ultrasonic picture of the pelvic organs- a uterus of the correct form, the corresponding sizes, with muscular walls sufficient on thickness. The tubes are passable, rounded formations are found at their distal ends - the ovaries. The endometrium is even, its thickness corresponds to the phase of the menstrual cycle.
- Pregnancy is also a variant of the norm - in this case, an attached fetal egg is found in the uterine cavity. The minimum number of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy is three.
- Inflammation of the uterus and appendages- the endometrium is thick, loose, there are irregularities.
- A polyp is an outgrowth of the endometrium of various sizes and shapes.
- Uterine fibroids - the presence in the muscular wall, on the mucous membrane or on the serous membrane of one or more nodes.
- Pathology of the tubes - narrowing of the lumen, the presence of adhesions, twisting of the tube. The presence of a fetal egg in the fallopian tube.
With the help of ultrasound of the small pelvis, you can see many pathologies - for example, uterine fibroids
The information content of abdominal ultrasound of the small pelvis reaches 90%. You can use this procedure in any medical institution - on the direction of a doctor or at your own request.
