How are ultrasound of the intestine made? Whether do or make US of an intestine?

Ultrasound examination of the intestine is an indication for the clinical and endoscopic signs of its disease, as well as for monitoring treatment in the dispensary and during preventive examination. How do ultrasound of the intestine, not everyone knows, so we'll figure out what this procedure is for, and how it is carried out. It should be clarified that ultrasound examination of the intestine is only an additional means of diagnosis, since it can not replace the basic methods of visualization of the intestinal tract.

The structure of the intestine

The intestine is a very important part of the gastrointestinal tract, it originates from the sphincter of the stomach and ends with the posterior opening of the rectum. In the intestine, there are many processes associated with digestion and absorption of food, the production of hormones and participation in the immune system. It is supplied with blood by the upper and lower mesenteric arteries, and the same-named veins take this blood.

The intestine includes the small and large intestine, the walls of which are slightly different in structure. Mucous membrane with submucosa is the inner layer, the muscular membrane is medium, and the serous membrane is the outer layer. On the mucosa of the small intestine are outgrowths resembling villi. It is thanks to these outgrowths that the suction surface increases many times. There are no villi on the inner walls of the large intestine .

Features of ultrasound of the intestine

The main ultrasound sign of bowel disease is the thickening of its walls, which is not always specific. Ultrasound examination of the intestine appears to be a very laborious task and requires a sufficient level of skill from the specialist performing the procedure. Of great importance is the resolution of the apparatus by which research is carried out. For example, in order to diagnose appendicitis and assess the thickness of the intestinal wall, it is necessary to use sensors with a frequency of 5 to 7.5 MHz with an enlarged image. If there is a thickening of the wall, there is a need to use a scanner with scaling and high resolution to establish the diameter of the lumen in the intestine and the liquid inside it.

After the ultrasound of the intestine is done, decipher the obtained data. Here you need to be more attentive, because sometimes the results are misinterpreted. So, for example, Crohn's disease and severe infectious colitis have similar symptoms. Histological, endoscopic or radiographic examination in case of insufficient facts should accompany ultrasound of the intestine. How to prepare for an ultrasound study, we will consider further.

Preparation for the procedure

There are diagnostic methods for which special training is not required. In this case, it is necessary to observe certain conditions before the procedure of ultrasound of the intestine. How to cleanse the body before surgery, so you need to get rid of excess, accumulated in the intestine. This applies primarily to air, which makes scanning difficult. To do this, the patient is assigned a special three-day diet, helping to get rid of gas and reduce their formation. Exclude products such as:

• Raw fruits and vegetables;
• Bread, especially black;
• dairy;
• confectionery.

Allowed: all kinds of cereal, chicken and beef, low-fat fish, eggs in small quantities and cheese. Usually, before the ultrasound of the intestine is done, the patient is prescribed a diet. It is installed in such a way that the food is taken in small fractions and in small portions.

As for water balance, it is recommended daily to drink up to one and a half liters of any liquid (water, tea, compote, juices, etc.). If necessary, the physician prescribes drugs to reduce gas production and improve digestion.

Many people are interested in the question of whether the ultrasound of the intestine is made by adults not on an empty stomach. At all it is not necessary to appoint for the procedure the morning hours (before breakfast). You can choose the time for your ultrasound examination yourself, most importantly, after the last meal, not less than five hours have passed.

Since the ultrasound of the intestine is done, after having cleaned it, it is necessary to refuse lollipops, chewing gum and cigarettes. It is also not advisable to take antispasmodics before the procedure.

How is ultrasound of the intestine

If you need to identify the dynamics of changes in the work of the gastrointestinal tract and track various diseases, ultrasound of the intestine is prescribed. Where do this procedure? There are many clinics and medical centers that provide services for ultrasound examination.

Like any other ultrasound, ultrasound diagnosis of the intestine implies the position of the patient lying on the couch. The gel-conductor is applied to the area under investigation and is started to be guided by the sensor along the surface of the body. The image appears on the monitor screen. After the end of the procedure, the remaining gel is removed with a napkin or towel. This method is also called transabdominal. Do you have an ultrasound in another way? There is also a second method of performing an ultrasound procedure for the intestine through the rectum, called endorectal. During the study, a small sensor is inserted, which minimizes the soreness of the procedure.

How is the ultrasound of the intestine administered to children

The procedure for ultrasound diagnosis of the intestine for children is absolutely harmless and does not cause discomfort. The only thing you need to take care of is the preparation of a small patient for the upcoming visit to the doctor (first convince him that nothing bad will happen). This is necessary to prevent panic and tears in the ultrasound study. Choose the location of the procedure carefully. A reference point for this will be patient feedback, prices for diagnostic services, as well as qualifications of specialists. It is advisable to choose a clinic specifically designed for children - that's where doctors work, who can find an approach to every child.

The algorithm of how the ultrasound of the intestine is made for children is no different from the procedure for adult patients. There are only a few recommendations, the observance of which can have some effect on the results:

• Children under one year must undergo the procedure before feeding or after more than two hours of eating;
• Drinking should also be limited, at least one hour before the ultrasound examination;
• A child under three years of age should take food only three hours before the procedure, and older children are advised to refrain from eating for 5-6 hours before ultrasound.

What visualizes ultrasound of the intestine

With the help of ultrasound examination of the intestine, you can find parameters such as:

• Size and shape of the intestine;
• Internal structure of the organ;
• Developmental defects;
• The presence of injuries and complications after them;
• Inflammatory processes in the intestine;
• Neoplasm of benign and malignant nature.

Diseases of the intestine, diagnosed with ultrasound

Using this procedure, you can diagnose the following diseases:

• appendicitis;
• Inflammation or swelling in the intestine;
• Hemorrhage;
• Obstruction due to adhesions;
• Crohn's disease;
• Diverticulitis;
• intussusception.

Cost of ultrasound examination

The price of the procedure in each medical institution is different. It depends primarily on the status of the clinic and the manufacturability of equipment used for diagnosis. On average, the cost of an intestinal ultrasound in Russia ranges from 500 to 2000 rubles.