Ultrasound - What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging technique that allows visualization of internal organs and tissues in the body through sound waves. This method is quite safe due to its non-invasive nature and has a wide range of applications. Ultrasonography, widely preferred for monitoring the development of the fetus during pregnancy, also plays an important role in examining organs such as the abdomen, heart, and kidneys.

Ultrasound technology provides significant support in the treatment process by enabling fast and accurate diagnosis. One of the common uses of ultrasound is the Doppler method, which is used to evaluate blood flow and vessels. This method is especially important in the diagnosis and treatment planning of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, 3D and 4D ultrasonography technologies facilitate the diagnostic process by providing more detailed and vivid images.

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasonography is a preferred method due to its radiation-free nature and rapid results. It guides physicians in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment process. Physicians can detect various health problems at an early stage using this method and create the necessary treatment plan.

There are many types of ultrasonography, and the main ones are:

Abdominal Ultrasonography: This method is used to image intra-abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. It is commonly used in the evaluation of conditions like abdominal pain, bloating, or liver diseases.

Pelvic Ultrasonography: Used to image organs in the pelvic region. In women, it examines the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes; in men, it examines the prostate and bladder. It is used to diagnose conditions such as ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids in women and prostate enlargement or bladder stones in men.

Doppler Ultrasonography: Used to examine blood flow. This method is ideal for evaluating vascular occlusions, vascular enlargements, and blood flow speed. Conditions such as blood clots in the legs or narrowing of the carotid artery can be detected with Doppler ultrasound.

Pregnancy Ultrasonography: Used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy. It is performed to assess the health and growth of the baby at different stages of pregnancy. In the first trimester, it determines the gestational age, while in later stages, fetal anatomy and development are monitored.

Echocardiography: Also known as cardiac ultrasound, it is used to evaluate the structure, function, and blood flow of the heart. It provides detailed information about the heart valves, heart muscle, and major vessels.

Transvaginal Ultrasonography: A type of ultrasound performed through the vagina, used for a more detailed examination of the female reproductive organs. It is preferred for conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities, or early pregnancy monitoring.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography: A combination of endoscopy and ultrasound, used to examine the walls and surrounding tissues of the digestive system organs. It is effective in evaluating conditions such as tumors of the pancreas, bile ducts, and digestive system.

How is Ultrasound Performed?

Before performing ultrasonography, the patient may need to make certain preparations. For abdominal ultrasound, the patient may need to fast for a few hours, or for pelvic ultrasound, they may need to fill their bladder. The doctor will provide specific instructions in this regard.

During the ultrasonography procedure, the patient lies on an examination table. Depending on the area to be imaged, the patient is positioned accordingly. For abdominal ultrasound, the patient lies on their back, while for pelvic ultrasound, a position with bent knees is provided.

A special gel is applied to the area to be examined to enhance the transmission of sound waves. This gel helps the transducer, a device that moves easily over the skin, to obtain clear images.

The transducer, the part of the ultrasound device, is placed on the area to be imaged. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves, which bounce back after hitting the tissues in the body. The returning sound waves are collected by the device and converted into images. The obtained images are displayed instantly on the monitor.

The doctor or ultrasonography technician evaluates the images and performs the necessary measurements and examinations. During this process, the patient may be asked to breathe deeply or stay in a certain position. Once the ultrasonography procedure is complete, the obtained images and findings are evaluated by the doctor. The results are communicated to the patient immediately after the procedure or shortly thereafter.

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