Ultrasound of the pancreas

Ultrasound examination of the pancreas is considered to be the most common, highly effective, and also a generally available diagnostic method.

Indications for the purpose of the study are:

- regular intense pain in the upper abdomen, in the hypochondrium, left side;

- Suspicion of any pathology of the organ (cyst, tumor, pancreatitis, stones in the ducts);

- the change in the loop contours and forms of the duodenum revealed during X-ray examination ;

Changes in the posterior gastric wall revealed during gastroscopy;

- a functional organ change found in the course of laboratory research;

- tenderness in the epigastric zone during palpation;

- sudden weight loss;

- jaundice;

- upset of the chair.

The aim of the ultrasound of the pancreas is to measure the shape and size of the organ, to assess the uniformity of the parenchyma, and to establish changes in the structure. In addition, the study can identify neoplasms, determine their location and quality indicators.

Ultrasound of the pancreas. Preparation

Before the study for three days, the patient should follow a diet. On the eve of the morning examination, the patient should take a laxative. Until seven o'clock in the evening, you should have an easy meal. In this diet should not be fruit, raw vegetables, milk. Immediately on the day of the ultrasound of the pancreas, you should not use liquid (including alcohol), eat, smoke, take medicines.

The duration of the study is approximately ten minutes.

To conduct ultrasound of the pancreas, the patient should undress to the waist. The doctor applies a special gel on the abdomen. The procedure is carried out in a horizontal position. Breathing is delayed by a deep breath, because in this state, the left lobe of the lobe is lowered into the abdominal cavity.

Using an ultrasound transducer , the left upper abdomen and left side are examined. If necessary, ultrasound of the pancreas can be made in the patient's position on the left side (or right), as well as standing.

The study of the organ involves the study of its location in relation to the spine and vessels, the determination of its shape and size. In addition, the pancreatic duct, the echostructure of the gland is examined, and the presence of focal changes is noted.

The organ in a healthy state is located at the level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae behind the peritoneum. The largest area of the gland is its head. The increase in the organ is ascertained with a head size of more than thirty-five millimeters, the body more than twenty-five millimeters, the tail more than thirty millimeters. This state of the body indicates the development of pathology.

In the echostructure (a combination of echogenic factors) organ minor echoes predominate, evenly distributed over it. Intensity is like a hepatic echostructure. In view of fibroticization (consolidation) and formation of fatty deposits against the background of age-related changes, it is increasing.

Changes in the echostructure indicate the development of pathological processes. Thus, acute pancreatitis is accompanied by its decrease and the occurrence of pancreatic edema . The chronic form of this disease, as well as the formation of a malignant neoplasm, provoke an intensification of the echostructure. This is due to the presence of cicatricial changes and the development of fibrosis.

A qualitative ultrasound can be prevented by gases in the intestine and stomach. In the case of susceptibility of the patient to increased gas production, he is recommended to take activated charcoal on the night before the examination.