Liver and gallbladder
The gallbladder is examined on an empty stomach in a full state: stones give an acoustic shadow and move when rotated, polyps are fixed (polyps more than 8-10 mm require observation or surgery), wall thickening more than 3 mm is a sign of cholecystitis. In the liver, the size, homogeneity and echogenicity (diffuse increase - fatty hepatosis), vascular pattern, foci - cysts, hemangiomas, nodes that require clarification by MSCT/MRI with contrast are assessed. Dilation of the intra- and extrahepatic ducts indicates an obstruction to the outflow of bile. Based on the results, the surgeon decides on cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.
Indications
- pain in the right hypochondrium, heaviness after eating, bitterness in the mouth;
- suspicion of gallstones, cholecystitis, polyps;
- hepatitis, fatty hepatosis, cirrhosis - liver structure and control;
- pancreatitis, cysts and formations of the pancreas;
- enlarged spleen, abdominal trauma, preventive examination.
Why ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe imaging method without radiation: suitable for children, pregnant women and for repeated monitoring. The doctor sees organs in real time, assesses their structure, size and blood flow (in Doppler mode), and a conclusion with measurements is issued immediately after the study. The information content depends on the training and experience of the specialist; In the clinics below, ultrasound examinations are performed by ultrasound diagnostic doctors using expert-class devices.
