Bowel ultrasound
intestinal ultrasound · bowel ultrasound · colon ultrasound · small bowel ultrasound
The doctor looks at the walls of your bowel through your belly using ultrasound. It shows inflammation, thickening, and bowel loops.
For belly pain, suspected appendicitis, bowel inflammation, to follow long-term bowel conditions, and in children, for pain and vomiting.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 30 minutes; the report is usually ready right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually do not eat for 4 to 6 hours. Sometimes you are asked to drink water before. Check with the clinic.
- Gas. The day before: eat less gassy food: cabbage, beans, fizzy drinks, dark rye bread.
- Medicines. Do not stop anything on your own. Tell your doctor what you take.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past ultrasounds, colonoscopies, and tests
- A towel or wipes
How it goes
- You lie on your back and uncover your belly
- Gel is put on your skin
- The probe is moved over your whole belly, sometimes with a little pressure
- Sometimes you are asked to turn on your side
- The gel is wiped off
What you'll feel
- Cool gel and pressure from the probe
- If a spot is sore, the pressure may be unpleasant. Tell the doctor
Afterwards
- You can eat and drink right away
- The report is usually ready right away
- The doctor may order more tests
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe, worsening belly pain with vomiting or fever: call emergency services
Common questions
Does a bowel ultrasound replace a colonoscopy?
No. Ultrasound sees the bowel wall from outside, but it cannot see small polyps inside.
Why can't I eat before the ultrasound?
After eating, there is more gas in the bowel, and gas blocks the ultrasound.