Trans Abdominal Sonography

What is Trans Abdominal Sonography or Ultrasound?

Trans abdominal sonography or trans abdominal ultrasound is a procedure used to examine the organs through the abdominal wall where an ultrasound transducer is pressed firmly against the skin of the abdomen by gastroenterologists or trained specialists in internal medicine, radiologists or sonographer. High-energy sound waves from the transducer bounce off tissues and create echoes, which provides a panoramic view of the abdomen and pelvis of women who undergo embryo transfer.

This is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed quickly, bed-side, involves no exposure to X-rays and is inexpensive compared to other often-used techniques such as CT scan of the abdomen. The imaging occurs real-time and without sedation, so that the influence of movements can be assessed quickly.

Apart from evaluating possible pelvic pathology or pregnancy in a less invasive manner, transabdominal ultrasound can be applied to visualize the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, small and large intestine, appendix, bladder, uterus, adnexa, spleen, stomach, aorta, and IVC.

Trans abdominal ultrasound is an inexpensive, safe, rapid way of assessing for multiple pathologies. It can be used to effectively rule in or out specific pathologies such as cholecystitis without the need for further imaging in many cases. This can lead to expedited diagnosis, treatment, and a reduction in ionizing radiation.

What is the procedure of Trans Abdominal Sonography?

The patient lies on her back on the exam table and the technician applies gel on the transducer to move more smoothly and prevent air from getting between the device and the skin. The technician gently runs the transducer back and forth over the skin of the belly as the transducer sound waves make a picture of internal organs on the TV screen. While evaluating, the patient will have to maintain a full bladder to aid visualization providing an acoustic window to deeper structures of the abdomen.

What are the preparations for Trans Abdominal Sonography?

The patient should drink a minimum of 24 ounces of clear fluid at least one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder until after the examination. Generally, no fasting or sedation is required for trans abdominal sonography.

When should one undergo Trans Abdominal Sonography?

One should consider undergoing trans abdominal ultrasound in case of:

• Oocyte retrieval

• Abdominal pain

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

• Urinary retention

• Splenomegaly

• Blunt or Penetrating Abdominal Trauma

• Vaginal Bleeding

• Hypotension

• Abnormal kidney function

• Abnormal pancreatic enzymes

• Hematuria

What are the risks of trans abdominal sonography?

Trans abdominal ultrasound, like most diagnostic ultrasound applications, is associated with little risk. There may be some associated discomfort when pressure is applied.