A pancreatic ultrasound (or sonogram) uses sound waves to produce images of the pancreas.
You might need this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for pancreatic disease.
There are a few different types of diagnostic pancreatic ultrasound techniques.
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Sometimes, pancreatic ultrasound is used during interventional treatment for pancreatic disorders.
However, the pancreas is an irregularly shaped organ, and its location is challenging to access.
Because of these structural and anatomical features, sometimes pancreatic abnormalities cannot be seen with a pancreatic ultrasound.
Preparation could include restriction of eating and drinking for a certain amount of time.
You might be instructed to drink a special fluid in preparation for your test.
Usually, for an abdominal pancreatic ultrasound, you would be able to continue your usual diet.
You would be instructed to place your clothing and personal items in a locker.
Your healthcare providers may check your vital signs and ask you to sign a consent form before your test.
you could expect your procedure to take about 15 to 30 minutes if you are having an abdominal ultrasound.
The procedure may take over an hour if you have an endoscopic ultrasound or a therapeutic procedure.
Aftercare
An abdominal ultrasound should not cause any post-test symptoms or side effects.
You may also experience some abdominal discomfort.
you could also expect to begin treatment for a pancreatic condition, such aspancreatitisor pancreatic cancer.
A pancreatic ultrasound can be performed as a noninvasive procedure, or as an invasive procedure.
Your healthcare team will work with you to decide which is best.
Depending on the results of your pancreatic ultrasound, your next steps of testing and treatment will follow.
Okaniwa S.How does ultrasound manage pancreatic diseases?
2024;60(6):930. doi:10.3390/medicina60060930
