Ultrasound
The Birmingham Bowel Clinic can provide a complete state of the art diagnostic and interventional ultrasound service. We have access to modern ultrasound machines allowing high quality images to be obtained in all body areas.
What is ultrasound?
High frequency sound waves are used to produce an active picture of the inside of your body. Ultrasound does not use radiation (X rays) and is therefore extremely safe. It is also dynamic, allowing Dr Ian McCafferty to see what is occurring “live”.
Although ultrasound is very good at visualizing the solid organs (e.g. liver, kidneys, bladder, aorta) a doppler / duplex ultrasound can evaluate blood vessels. Ultrasound is also very good at directing needles and drains to areas if needed to gain a small sample (biopsy) or drain an abscess / collection (drainage).
Is there any preparation?
We generally ask that you do not eat any solids for 6hrs and drink plenty of fluids so that you have a full bladder at the time of the scan. Some ultrasound scans require no preparation at all. The radiology department will advise you prior to your appointment.
What does an Ultrasound involve?
You will be asked to remove some of your clothes and wear a hospital gown. A small ultrasound probe attached to an ultrasound machine is used to obtain the pictures (see picture). We use a small amount of clear jelly to gain the images, which will need to be cleaned off at the end of the procedure.