Ultrasound, Here's What You Should Know

ultrasoundafi(USG) is a procedure scan with use technology high frequency sound waves.The purpose of ultrasound is to meearn picture organ inner body.

Ultrasound is used for a variety of purposes, from examining the condition of the fetus, detecting disease, to assisting doctors in surgery or taking tissue samples (biopsy).  

 

Unlike other scanning procedures, such as X-rays (X-rays) and CT scans that use radiation, ultrasound uses sound wave technology to produce images of internal organs. Therefore, this action is considered safe, including for pregnant women.

There are 3 types of ultrasound that are generally used, namely:

  • External ultrasound

    This type of ultrasound is performed by moving the scanner (probe) on the patient's skin.

  • Internal ultrasound

    Internal ultrasound is performed by inserting probe into the patient's vagina or anus.

  • endoscopic ultrasound

    Endoscopic ultrasound is performed by inserting probe which has been inserted into the endoscope through the esophagus. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube, which has a camera and a light at the end.

Indication Ultrasound

Based on its intended use, ultrasound is divided into two categories, namely pregnancy ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound. Here is the explanation:

pregnancy ultrasound

The purpose of doing a pregnancy ultrasound, among others, to:

  • Confirming pregnancy, whether single or multiple pregnancies
  • Knowing the gestational age and estimating the time of delivery
  • Monitor the development of the fetus and find out its gender
  • Check the fetal heart rate, blood flow and oxygen levels
  • Check the condition of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and placenta
  • Detects birth defects in the fetus, such as Down's syndrome
  • Knowing the position of the fetus (normal, transverse, or breech)
  • Check the amniotic fluid level and assist in the process of taking amniotic fluid samples (amniocentesis) if needed
  • Detects pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), tumors, and confirms if a miscarriage occurs

Diagnostic ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is used to detect a number of diseases, depending on the part of the body being examined. The following is the use of diagnostic ultrasound on a number of body organs:

  • head ultrasound

    In adults, ultrasound of the head is used to detect the location of the tumor during head surgery procedures.

  • neck ultrasound

    Doctors can also use a neck ultrasound to help take a tissue sample (biopsy) in the neck.

  • mammary ultrasound

    Breast ultrasound is also used as a guiding procedure in the process of taking tissue samples (biopsy) on lumps in the breast.

  • abdominal ultrasound

    Abdominal ultrasound is also used to see blood flow in the abdomen, as well as as a guide when performing tissue sampling (biopsy) on internal organs of the abdomen or when removing pus from the abdominal cavity.

  • Pelvic ultrasound

    Pelvic ultrasound is done to detect abnormalities or diseases in the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and bladder. Pelvic ultrasound can detect conditions, such as fibroids, tumors or uterine cancer, pelvic inflammation, prostate disorders, and infertility.

    In addition to detecting these disorders, pelvic ultrasound is also used to determine the location of spiral contraception and help doctors take eggs in IVF procedures.

  • Testicular ultrasound

    Ultrasound of the testicles or testicles aims to detect pain, swelling, or abnormalities in the testicles, which can be caused by trauma, spermatoceles, tumors, varicocele, twisted testicle (testicular torsion), and undescended testicle (cryptorchismus).

  • Transvaginal ultrasoundl

    Transvaginal ultrasound is used to detect abnormalities in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and infertility. Transvaginal ultrasound can also see the growth of cysts and other abnormal tissue in the uterus, such as fibroids.

    In pregnant women, transvaginal ultrasound can be done to monitor the fetal heart rate, as well as see abnormalities in the cervix that can cause premature birth or miscarriage.

  • Transrectal ultrasound

    In male patients, transrectal ultrasound can be used to examine the condition of the prostate gland, as well as detect and determine the size of prostate cancer.

Warning Ultrasound

There are several things to know before undergoing an ultrasound procedure, namely:

  • Ultrasound of the head can not be done in children who have closed the crown (aged over 6 months).
  • Ultrasound of the head in adult patients can only be performed at the time of the head surgery procedure, when the patient's skull has been exposed.
  • Excess stomach acid, obesity, and food residue in the stomach and intestines can affect the results of an abdominal ultrasound.
  • Applying powder or lotion to the breast before undergoing mammary ultrasound can affect the results.
  • Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking.

Before ultrasound

The preparation that must be done before the ultrasound depends on the type of ultrasound that will be carried out. Some of these preparations are:

  • Fasting 8-12 hours before undergoing abdominal ultrasound, so that the organs in the stomach are clearly visible
  • Drink 2-3 glasses of water one hour before the pelvic ultrasound and do not urinate until the procedure is complete
  • Empty the bladder first for patients who will undergo transvaginal ultrasound
  • Wearing special clothes and removing jewelry to facilitate the ultrasound process

On abdominal ultrasound and pelvic ultrasound, the patient may be given an injection of contrast fluid. This fluid serves to provide a clearer picture of the body's organs.

Ultrasound Procedure

The ultrasound procedure generally lasts 15–45 minutes. The stages depend on the type of ultrasound performed, as described below:

External ultrasound

The stages of external ultrasound are as follows:

  • The patient will be asked to lie in bed.
  • The doctor will apply a lubricating gel on the part of the body to be examined to facilitate the movement of the scanner or transducer. The patient will feel a cooling sensation when the gel is applied.
  • Transducer will send sound waves to the organ being examined. These sound waves will be reflected back and displayed in the form of an image on the monitor.
  • The patient may be asked to change position, so that the doctor can more easily reach the organ to be examined.
  • During the ultrasound, pain or discomfort may appear when the body part is pressed. Tell your doctor if the pain gets worse or is very bothersome.

Internal ultrasound

Internal ultrasound is carried out through the following stages:

  • The patient will be asked to lie down with the pelvis slightly elevated.
  • On a transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor will insert probe which has been coated with a sterile gel and protective barrier through the vagina. On the other hand, transrectal ultrasound probe inserted through the anus.
  • Function probe same as transducer, namely to send sound waves to the organs being examined. The wave will be reflected back and displayed in the form of an image on the monitor.
  • The patient may feel uncomfortable during the examination.

endoscopic ultrasound

In endoscopic ultrasound, initially the patient will be given a sedative or local anesthetic to reduce discomfort or pain during the procedure. Then, the patient will be asked to lie on his side.

The doctor will insert the endoscope through the patient's mouth and push it down the esophagus to the part of the organ to be examined. Just like other types of ultrasound, the image will be captured through sound waves and will be visible on the monitor screen.

SetelAh Ultrasound

After the ultrasound is complete, the doctor will remove the gel on the patient's skin, and the patient can return to dressing. Patients who were asked to hold their urine during the examination were also allowed to urinate. Patients are usually allowed to go home and carry on with their normal activities after the ultrasound.

However, for patients who are given sedative drugs, it is recommended not to drive and do activities that require alertness until 24 hours after the examination. Therefore, patients are advised to be accompanied and escorted home by family or relatives.

The results of the ultrasound will be notified to the patient after the examination is complete. Usually, the results of the ultrasound will also be discussed with the doctor who referred the patient.

Side effects Ultrasound

Ultrasound does not involve radiation exposure, so it is safe to use, especially external ultrasound. For internal ultrasound, the side effect that the patient may experience is discomfort when probe inserted, and an allergic reaction to the latex used to wrap probe.

While for endoscopic ultrasound, the patient may feel pain in the throat or abdominal bloating, but these side effects are only temporary. Although rare, endoscopic ultrasound can also cause bleeding.