Background Information:

What are the other Names for the Procedure?

• Abdominal Ultrasound (Children)
• Pediatric Ultrasound - Abdomen
• Ultrasound Imaging - Abdomen (Children)

What is Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure? (General Explanation)

• Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce real-time images. The procedure can be used to show movement of internal organs and blood flowing through blood vessels
• An Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children is used to produce images of the organs in the upper abdomen
• Doppler ultrasound is useful in assessing blood flow in arteries and veins in arms, legs, abdomen, and neck

What part of the Body does the Procedure involve?

An Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) images the organs and blood vessels in the abdomen.

Why is the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure Performed?

• An Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) imaging procedure can be used to diagnose conditions related to kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, appendix, testicles, uterus, and the abdominal aorta
• The procedure can be also used to identify blockages in blood flow and narrowing of blood vessels

What is the Equipment used? (Description of Equipment)

The equipment for ultrasound imaging consists of:

• An ultrasound transducer
• A computer monitor
• A central processing unit
• A printer

A transducer is used to send high frequency sound waves in the body and the computer creates the image based on the echoes of that sound returning from the patient’s body.

What are the Recent Advances in the Procedure?

There have been no recent advances to replace the ultrasound procedure.

What is the Cost of Performing the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

The cost of an Abdominal Ultrasound in Children procedure depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of your health insurance, annual deductibles, co-pay requirements, out-of-network and in-network of your healthcare providers and healthcare facilities.

In many cases, an estimate may be provided before the procedure. The final amount depends upon the findings during the surgery/procedure and post-operative care that is necessary.

When do you need a Second Opinion, prior to Procedure?

• It is normal for a patient to feel uncomfortable and confused with a sudden inflow of information regarding Ultrasound Imaging - Abdomen (Children) procedure and what needs to be done
• If the patient needs further reassurance or a second opinion, a physician will almost always assist in recommending another physician
• Also, if the procedure involves multiple steps or has many alternatives, the patient may take a second opinion to understand and choose the best one. They can also choose to approach another physician independently 

What are some Helpful Resources?

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus (accessed on 08/03/2014)

Prior to Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure:

How does the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure work?

An Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children works in the following manner:

• The ultrasound procedure works on similar principles used in sonar by submarines, to determine the size and shape of the object and how far away the object is
• The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves in the body. When sound waves echo back from the body, the microphone in the transducer records the changes in the sound
• And using the changes in the sound, it is possible to determine the shape, size, or any other changes in the structure of the organ
• Using the change in the echoed sound, a computer produces a picture in real-time on the screen
• Doppler ultrasound is used to determine the direction and speed of the blood cells

How is the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure Performed?

An Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children is performed in the following manner:

• The patient lies face-up on the table
• A water-based gel is applied on the area of interest so that transducer can have better contact with the area and air pockets are eliminated between the transducer and body
• A sonographer puts the transducer on the body and moves it around the area of interest to capture the desired image

Where is the Procedure Performed?

An Abdominal Ultrasound in Children is performed as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure, at a hospital.

Who Performs the Procedure?

The Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children is usually performed by a radiology technologist, under the supervision of a radiologist.

How long will the Procedure take?

An Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) imaging procedure will take about 30 minutes.

Who interprets the Result?

A radiologist interprets the results of the Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children.

What Preparations are needed, prior to Procedure?

The following preparations may be needed prior to an Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) scan:

• The physician may evaluate the individual’s medical history to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the overall health status of the patient, including information related to the medications that are being currently taken
• Do inform the medical professional if the child has a history of any medical conditions, such as a heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Do inform the medical professional about any allergies, especially related to barium or iodinated contrast material, which may be used in the procedure
• The ultrasound is not recommended, if the patient had had barium enema or GI tests in the past 2 days
• It is advisable to wear comfortable and loose clothes. Avoid wearing any metal objects or jewelry, as it may interfere with the scan
• For some specific tests related to the aorta, gallbladder, spleen, liver, or pancreas, the child may be asked to avoid eating for 8 to 12 hours before the test
• Depending on the procedure adopted, the patient may be asked for certain bowel or bladder preparations, before the preparation sessions
• For some other tests, the child may be asked to drink about 6 glasses of water, 2 hours prior to the examination and avoid urinating, in order to keep the bowel full, during the exam

What is the Consent Process before the Procedure?

A physician will request your consent for an Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) procedure using an Informed Consent Form.

Consent for the Procedure: A “consent” is your approval to undergo a procedure. A consent form is signed after the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternative treatment options, are discussed. This process is called informed consent.

You must sign the forms only after you are totally satisfied with the answers to your questions. In case of minors and individuals unable to personally give their consent, the individual’s legal guardian or next of kin, shall give their consent for the procedure.

What are the Benefits versus Risks, for this Procedure?

Following are the benefits of an Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children exam:

• The ultrasound does not involve the use of any ionizing radiation
• Ultrasound imaging is noninvasive, inexpensive, quick, and simple
• The procedure captures clear images of soft tissues in real-time
• The procedure can be used in needle biopsies or needle

Following are the risks of an Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children exam:

• Generally none

What are the Limitations of Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children imaging technique cannot be used for examination of the bowel, because air in the bowel disrupts the ultrasound waves

What are some Questions for your Physician?

Some of the basic questions that you might ask your healthcare provider or physician are as follows:

• What is the Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children procedure?
• Why is this procedure necessary? How will it help?
• How soon should I get it done? Is it an emergency?
• Who are the medical personnel involved in this procedure?
• Where is the procedure performed?
• What are the risks while performing the procedure?
• What are the complications that might take place, during recovery?
• What are the possible side effects from the procedure? How can I minimize these side effects?
• How long will it take to recover? When can I resume normal work?
• How many such procedures have you (the physician) performed?
• Are there any lifestyle restrictions or modifications required, after the procedure is performed?
• Are there any follow-up tests, periodic visits to the healthcare facility required, after the procedure?
• Is there any medication that needs to be taken for life, after the procedure?
• What are the costs involved?

During the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure:

What is to be expected during the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

The following may be expected from an Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) procedure:

• The test does not cause any pain
• The table you lie on may feel hard, and the room may be cool
• It may be difficult to lie still during the test
• Some individuals may feel nervous during the ultrasound scan
• The healthcare professional will help you during the procedure for optimum images

What kind of Anesthesia is given, during the Procedure?

No anesthesia is given during the Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children procedure.

How much Blood will you lose, during the Procedure?

There is no blood loss involved with the Ultrasound of Abdomen in Children procedure.

What are the possible Risks and Complications during the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

There are no known risks for an Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) imaging procedure. 

What Post-Operative Care is needed at the Healthcare Facility after the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

There is no postoperative care necessary after an Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) scan.

After the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure:

What is to be expected after the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

The Abdominal Ultrasound in Children procedure is completely painless, noninvasive, and there is no discomfort involved.

When do you need to call your Physician?

If the patient is experiencing an allergic reaction from the gel; then, do contact the physician.

What Post-Operative Care is needed at Home after the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen radiology procedure?

There is no postoperative care necessary after a Pediatric Abdominal Ultrasound scan.

How long does it normally take to fully recover, from the Procedure?

The patient needs no recovery time, after the Pediatric Abdominal Ultrasound exam.

Additional Information:

What happens to tissue (if any), taken out during the Procedure?

No tissue is extracted from the patient during an Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) procedure. 

When should you expect results from the pathologist regarding the tissue taken out, during the Procedure?

Since no tissue is removed during the procedure, a pathologist does not get involved in the care of the patient.

Who will you receive a Bill from, after the Ultrasound Imaging Scan of the Abdomen in Children radiology procedure?

It is important to note that the number of bills that the patient may receive depends on the arrangement the healthcare facility has with the physician and other healthcare providers.

Sometimes, the patient may get a single bill that includes the healthcare facility and the consultant physician charges. Sometimes, the patient might get multiple bills depending on the healthcare provider involved. For instance, the patient may get a bill from:

• The hospital, where the procedure is performed
• A radiologist, performing the procedure
• Healthcare providers, physicians, who are involved in the process

The patient is advised to inquire and confirm the type of billing, before the Abdominal Ultrasound (Children) procedure is performed.