Ultrasound, Doppler and 4D Imaging
All types of ultrasound examinations are performed including interventional procedures; and this section is one of the strengths of the center.
What is ultrasonography?
Ultrasound pictures show the organs inside the body. Where X-ray pictures show bony skeleton, ultrasound pictures show soft-tissue organs such as the liver, kidneys and the gall bladder. (Ultrasound is a common exam performed for follow up of pregnant females).
Warm gel (jelly) is used to eliminate the air between the skin and the transducer (a microphone-shaped object instrument) which is moved painlessly over skin. Ultrasound provides your doctor with valuable information about your internal anatomy.
What body part is concerned?
If you are having a pelvic ultrasound for example, the organs such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder and appendix can be seen on the computer screen.
How to get ready for the exam?
For Abdominal ultrasound:
Fast for 6-8 hours before examination.
Drinking water, tea or coffee is allowed.
Avoid having egg, milk (or milk products) and carbonated water
For Pelvi-abdominal ultrasound:
Drink plenty of water, and hold it in, 2 hours before the examination.
Take 1 ‘Disflatyl’ tablet and a digestive tablet ‘Zymogen’ 3 times every 6 hours the day before the exam.
For Transrectal ultrasound:
Plain water enema (without soap)
Food and fluids are allowed.
Patient has to hold micturation 2 hours before the examination
PSA (prostatic specific antigen) analysis if available.
For infants:
Patients need to arrive with a full bladder. Give your child liquids 30 minutes to an hour before the ultrasound. Do not let your child drink Coke, Pepsi or any other soft drink. Do give water, juice, milk or formula. If your child is an infant, please give lots of liquid before arriving and bring extra bottles.
What does the ultrasound equipment look like?
The ultrasound machine is made up of computers with handheld instruments called transducers. A transducer looks like a wand or microphone. This wand will give a picture on the computer screen.
Who performs the exam?
A highly trained sonologist, usually a university professor, will perform the ultrasound examinations.
Are there any risks?
An ultrasound examination is a safe procedure since it does not involve the use of X-ray; no radiation is involved.
What happens after the test?
The doctor or nurse will give you all informations you need and will tell you when you may leave and come back to ask for your results.
How should I prepare my child?
Infants:
Although you cannot explain the exam to your baby your voice and comments will help your baby feel more secure during the test. Bringing along a special blanket, toy or pacifier, and also a bottle of juice or formula to feed your baby when the test is done.
Toddlers and preschool-age children:
Young children remember things for only a short time, so the best time to talk about the test is right before you are ready to come to the center.
Tell your child that you are going to the center to have some "pictures" taken of inside his body. Explain that the doctor needs them to help him/her get better. Try to use simple words. It is important to be honest with your child. If the test is known to bring some discomfort, be sure to mention it and tell the child it is okay to cry.
Because children at this age are afraid of being separated from their parent, say that that mummy or daddy will stay beside as much as possible. When you come to the center, bring a favorite book, toy or blanket. You may also bring along a snack for after the test.
School-age children:
School-age children have a strong imagination. If you don't tell them the truth about what is going to happen during the test, they might imagine something much worse than the actual test.
The day of the test, tell your child that he will be going to the hospital to have some pictures taken of the inside of his body. Tell him the pictures will help the doctor decide how to make him better. Use simple words. Be honest. Try to tell your child exactly what will happen. If your child's examination is going to hurt a little, be sure to tell him it's okay to cry. When you come to the center, bring along a favorite book or game. If you wish, you may also bring along a snack for after the test. |
