Imaging will include evaluation of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, kidneys, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, prostate gland, reproductive tract, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, intra-abdominal lymph nodes, great vessel, and mesentery. Ultrasound examinations for portosystemic shunts are also available. If warranted, ultrasound-guided aspirates and/or biopsies can be performed subsequent to the initial scan.
Micro-convex, linear and convex probes are used alone or in combination in an effort to visualise all intra-abdominal structures.
Please ensure that patients are fasted (water is okay) for at least twelve hours prior to the ultrasound examination (with the exception of obligate eaters). Gastro-intestinal contents such as gas and ingesta can make the examination challenging and ultimately affect our ability to acquire optimal images. Fasting will also reduce the chance of aspiration if sedation is required.
