Ultrasound examination of the pancreas is considered the most common, highly effective, as well as a common diagnostic method.
The 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);
- detected by X-ray examination of the change in the looped contours and forms of the duodenum;
- Changes in the posterior gastric wall revealed by gastroscopy;
- discovered in the process of laboratory research functional change of the body;
- pain in the epigastric region with palpation;
- sudden weight loss;
- jaundice;
- upset stool.
The purpose of pancreatic ultrasound is to measureshape and size of the body, assessing the homogeneity of the parenchyma, as well as establishing changes in the structure. In addition, the study allows to identify tumors, to determine their location and quality indicators.
Ultrasound of the pancreas. Training
Before the study for three days, the patient shouldfollow a diet. On the eve of the examination day in the morning, the patient must take a laxative. Dinner should be easy until seven in the evening. At the same time in the diet should not be fruit, raw vegetables, milk. Directly on the day of an ultrasound scan of the pancreas, you should not drink liquids (including alcohol), eat, smoke, take medicines.
The duration of the study is approximately ten minutes.
Для проведения УЗИ поджелудочной железы пациенту follows to the waist to undress. The doctor applies a special gel on the abdominal area. The procedure is carried out in a horizontal position. Breathing is delayed with a deep breath, because in this state, the left hepatic lobe is dropping into the abdominal cavity.
With the help of an ultrasonic sensor is carried outstudy of the left upper abdomen and left side. If necessary, ultrasound of the pancreas can be performed in the position of the patient on the left side (or right), as well as standing.
The study of the body involves the study of hislocation in relation to the spine and vessels, determining its shape and size. In addition, the pancreatic duct, echostructure of the gland are examined, and focal changes are noted.
The body in a healthy state is located onlevel of the first and second lumbar vertebrae behind the peritoneum. The largest area of the gland is its head. An increase in the organ is ascertained with a head size of more than thirty-five millimeters, a body — more than twenty-five millimeters, a tail — more than thirty millimeters. This state of the body indicates the development of pathology.
In the echo structure (combination of echoic factors)organ is dominated by minor echoes, evenly distributed over it. The intensity resembles the hepatic echo structure. Due to fibrotization (compaction) and the formation of fat deposits on the background of age-related changes, it increases.
Changes in echoes indicatedevelopment of pathological processes. So, acute pancreatitis is accompanied by its decline and the occurrence of pancreatic edema. The chronic form of this disease, as well as the formation of a malignant neoplasm, provoke the enhancement of echostructure. This is due to the presence of cicatricial changes and the development of fibrosis.
Conducting high-quality ultrasoundstudies can interfere with gases present in the intestines and stomach. If the patient is exposed to increased gas formation, he is recommended to take activated charcoal on the night of the day before the examination.
