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Why is abdominal ultrasound the preferred method for detecting abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms seen in medical emergencies, making identifying the cause an important challenge for physicians. Although there are many examination methods to choose from, abdominal ultrasound is often considered the first choice. This technology is not only simple to operate, but also provides real-time images, allowing doctors to make quick judgments on patients’ urgent needs.
Abdominal ultrasound uses the transmission and reflection of ultrasound waves to clearly show the structure of the internal organs of the abdomen.
How abdominal ultrasound works
Abdominal ultrasound uses a layer of gel on the abdomen to promote the conduction of sound waves, and uses the property of ultrasound waves to penetrate tissue to capture images of intra-abdominal organs. Compared with traditional examinations such as computed tomography (CT), this non-invasive technology does not require any radiation exposure and is particularly safe for pregnant women.
Application scope
Abdominal ultrasound has a wide range of applications, covering various organs from examining the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen to the abdominal aorta. Especially for patients with acute abdomen, such as those with suspected appendicitis or cholecystitis, ultrasound examination can often provide clear diagnostic information quickly.
This technology can also be used to check the health of the uterus and fetus during pregnancy, called obstetric ultrasound.
Detect stones
Abdominal ultrasound is particularly good at detecting problems such as kidney and gallstones, which can cause significant shadowing on the ultrasound. In addition, it can guide other interventional procedures, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or acupuncture for kidney stones.
Economic and convenient
Another advantage of abdominal ultrasound is its affordability. Compared with other imaging technologies such as CT scans, ultrasound examinations are significantly less expensive. In addition, the examination process is usually performed on the side bed, which can quickly help doctors make judgments without waiting for the examination images to be collected.
Technical limitations
Although abdominal ultrasound has its advantages, its imaging quality can be limited in some situations. If there is too much gas in the abdominal intestines or if the abdominal fat is too thick, it will be more difficult to detect through ultrasound. In addition, the operator's experience also has a significant impact on imaging quality. This means that the accuracy of the test can vary widely between medical institutions.
Conclusion
In summary, abdominal ultrasound, as the preferred method for abdominal pain examination, shows strong advantages in terms of accuracy, safety and economy. In emergency situations, quick results can often mean the difference between life and death. So, have you ever considered opting for an abdominal ultrasound for your next health checkup?
