Ultrasound is a simple, safe and non-invasive method of evaluating the abdominal and pelvic organs.

A routine abdominal study will examine the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen and pancreas. Ultrasound is also useful for examining the aorta to exclude aneurysms. Ultrasound has limited value in examining the small intestine and colon.

Depending on the urgency and indication for the scan, an examination may be performed without any form of preparation.

Otherwise, you will usually need to abstain from eating or drinking for approximately 6 hours prior to the procedure. This reduces the amount of bowel gas and causes the gallbladder to distend.

If the main area of interest is the pelvis or urinary tract, however, you will be asked to attend with a full bladder. Meaning, you will be required to drink water prior to the examination. A full bladder displaces bowel loops out of the pelvis, and so provides a window through which the pelvic structures and prostate may be examined.

You will be required to lie on a bed next to an ultrasound machine. The doctor or ultrasound technician will apply a jelly to the skin surface to improve contact between the probe and the skin.

The ultrasound probe will then be moved smoothly and painlessly over the skin surface. Depending on the clinical circumstances, an examination may last from 5 to 20 minutes.

The ultrasound gel is water-soluble and easily cleaned. Normal activities may be continued immediately after the procedure.