US ABDOMEN -PELVIS TVS

The US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan is a comprehensive, two-part diagnostic imaging procedure designed to give your doctor a detailed view of the organs in both your upper abdomen and your pelvic region. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize advanced ultrasound technology to provide you with clear, accurate results in a comfortable and professional setting. This non-invasive and radiation-free test is a crucial tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, helping you get the answers you need for your health.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your upcoming US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan, from its purpose and preparation to the procedure itself.

What is a US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS Scan?

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves, which are inaudible to the human ear, to create real-time images (sonograms) of your internal body structures. The US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan combines two types of ultrasound methods to provide a complete and thorough assessment:

1. Transabdominal Scan: This is the part of the test that evaluates your upper abdominal organs. A handheld device called a transducer is moved across the skin of your abdomen to visualize your liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
2. Transvaginal Scan (TVS): This internal scan provides a much closer and more detailed view of the female pelvic organs. It is essential for clearly visualizing the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the endometrial lining.

By combining these two methods, a whole abdomen ultrasound with TVS offers a complete diagnostic picture that one scan alone might not capture, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.

Types of US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS Scan

The primary "type" of this test is the specific combination of the transabdominal and transvaginal methods. In some cases, to get more detailed information, your radiologist may decide to incorporate a Doppler ultrasound. This special technique allows the assessment of blood flow to, from, and within various organs, which can be vital for evaluating certain conditions.

List of Parameters Considered During the Scan

During the US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan, our radiologist meticulously examines several organs and structures for size, shape, texture, and any abnormalities.

• Abdominal Organs:
  • Liver: Size, texture, and echogenicity (for signs of fatty liver or cirrhosis)
  • Gallbladder: Presence of gallstones, sludge, or inflammation
  • Pancreas: Size, texture, and any signs of inflammation
  • Spleen: Size and overall appearance
  • Kidneys: Size, presence of kidney stones, cysts, or hydronephrosis (swelling)
• Pelvic Organs:
  • Uterus: Size, shape, position, and presence of fibroids or adenomyosis
  • Endometrium: Thickness of the uterine lining, checking for polyps or other abnormalities
  • Ovaries: Size, presence of cysts or other masses, and follicular count (important for fertility)
  • Cervix: Overall appearance
  • Adnexa & Cul-de-sac: Checking for any masses or free fluid in the pelvis

During the US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan, our radiologist meticulously examines several organs and structures for size, shape, texture, and any abnormalities.

• Abdominal Organs:
  • Liver: Size, texture, and echogenicity (for signs of fatty liver or cirrhosis)
  • Gallbladder: Presence of gallstones, sludge, or inflammation
  • Pancreas: Size, texture, and any signs of inflammation
  • Spleen: Size and overall appearance
  • Kidneys: Size, presence of kidney stones, cysts, or hydronephrosis (swelling)
• Pelvic Organs:
  • Uterus: Size, shape, position, and presence of fibroids or adenomyosis
  • Endometrium: Thickness of the uterine lining, checking for polyps or other abnormalities
  • Ovaries: Size, presence of cysts or other masses, and follicular count (important for fertility)
  • Cervix: Overall appearance
  • Adnexa & Cul-de-sac: Checking for any masses or free fluid in the pelvis

Your doctor may order this scan to investigate a variety of symptoms, including:

• Persistent or chronic pain in the abdomen or pelvic region
• Irregular, unusually heavy, or painful menstrual periods
• Any bleeding after menopause
• Chronic bloating or a persistent feeling of fullness
• As a key part of an infertility investigation
• To diagnose or rule out gallstones, kidney stones, or liver conditions
• For regular monitoring of known conditions like ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids

When and Who Needs to Take a US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS Scan?

Your doctor may recommend this comprehensive scan if you are experiencing symptoms that could originate from either the abdominal or pelvic areas. It is most commonly performed on women to investigate issues such as:

• Unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding
• Suspected growths like uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts
• As part of an infertility workup
• To get a baseline or follow-up view of multiple organ systems at once

Benefits of Taking an Abdomen Ultrasound Scan

Opting for a combined US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several key advantages:

• Comprehensive Assessment: Provides a detailed look at multiple organ systems in a single, convenient appointment.
• Safety: It is completely free of radiation, making it safe for all patients, including for repeated monitoring.
• High Accuracy: The TVS portion offers superior detail for gynaecological issues, leading to more accurate diagnoses.
• Guides Treatment: The detailed findings help your doctor create an effective and targeted treatment plan.

Illnesses Diagnosed with US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS Scan

This combined scan is a powerful tool for diagnosis. Here is what a full abdomen and pelvic scan can detect:

• Gynaecological Conditions:
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Ovarian Cysts
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Signs suggestive of Endometriosis (e.g., endometriomas)
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Endometrial polyps or hyperplasia
• Gastrointestinal & Urological Conditions:
  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)
  • Kidney stones (Nephrolithiasis) or cysts
  • Signs of Pancreatitis or other organ inflammation
  • Abnormal fluid collections (ascites)

Correct preparation is essential for a clear and accurate scan. Please follow this crucial two-step preparation for full abdomen and TVS scan carefully.

Step 1 (For the Abdominal Part)

You must have a full bladder. To achieve this, drink 4-6 glasses (about 1 litre) of water approximately one hour before your scheduled appointment time. Do not go to the restroom until instructed. A full bladder acts as an acoustic window, pushing the bowel aside and allowing for a clear view of your pelvic organs. You may also be advised to fast for 4-6 hours before the scan to reduce gas in your stomach and bowels.

Step 2 (For the TVS Part)

After the transabdominal scan is complete, the technologist will ask you to go to the restroom and empty your bladder completely. An empty bladder is necessary for the transvaginal scan to get the probe as close as possible to the uterus and ovaries for detailed imaging.

Pre-requisites

• A valid prescription or referral from your doctor is required to undergo the scan.
• Please bring any previous ultrasound reports, surgical notes, or relevant medical records with you for comparison.

Best Time to Take the Scan

A US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS scan can be performed at any time. However, if the scan is for a specific gynaecological concern, such as evaluating endometrial thickness or investigating infertility, your doctor may recommend scheduling it during a particular phase of your menstrual cycle (e.g., right after your period ends).

Eligibility

The scan is generally suitable for all adult women. It is important to inform the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics if you are a virgin when booking your appointment. In this case, the TVS portion of the test may be replaced with a more detailed transabdominal pelvic scan to ensure your comfort.

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Procedure for Taking a US Abdomen & Pelvis TVS Scan

The entire abdomen and pelvic ultrasound procedure is performed by a trained sonographer and typically takes about 30-45 minutes. It is conducted in three parts:

Part 1 - The Abdominal Scan

You will be asked to lie down comfortably on an examination table. A clear, water-based gel will be applied to the skin of your abdomen. This gel helps the transducer make secure contact with your body and eliminates air pockets. The sonographer will then press the transducer firmly against your skin and move it over the area to capture images of your abdominal organs. This part is performed while your bladder is full.

Part 2 - The Bladder Break

Once the abdominal images are complete, you will be given a short break to go to the restroom and empty your bladder fully.

Part 3 - The Transvaginal Scan (TVS)

For this internal scan, a slim, specialized transducer probe, smaller than a standard tampon, will be covered with a sterile, disposable sheath and lubricant. The probe is then gently inserted a short way into the vagina. This brings the probe very close to the pelvic organs, providing exceptionally detailed images of your uterus and ovaries. You can communicate any discomfort to the technologist at any time.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety and the accuracy of the test, please inform the radiologist or technologist before the scan begins if you:

• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
• Have a known allergy to latex.
• Are experiencing severe pain or discomfort.