Abdominal and Pelvic Disease

To accurately assess abdominal pathophysiology, specialisation is paramount. Imaging of the abdominal aorta, coeliac axis, superior mesenteric and renal arteries is complex and the aorto-iliac segment can be an especially difficult area to assess. The importance of experience is no more evident than when measuring the size of an aneurysm or correctly calculating the amount of luminal narrowing of the renal arteries. It is also critical that sonographers and reporting physicians have an intimate understanding of both open and endovascular surgical techniques available to patients presenting with aneurysms or stenotic lesions.

Indications:

• Abdominal Bruit
• Aorto-Iliac-Femoral Graft Surveillance
• Buttock Claudication
• Epigastric Pain
• Ilio-Femoral Thrombus
• Intestinal Ischaemia
• Intermittent Claudication of the Lower Limb
• Ovarian Vein Incompetence
• Serial Examination of Aorto-Iliac Disease
• Serial Examination of AAA
• Serial Examinations of Endoluminal Stents
• Suspected AAA

Patient Preparation:

Bowel gas and food are the sonographer's enemy. No "fizzy" drinks or "fatty" meals should be consumed for 48 hours prior to the appointment. The patient should fast, including the avoidance of chewing gum or lollies, and if possible should not smoke for 6 hours beforehand. Medication may be taken with a sip of water. If patients are diabetic, they may have black tea and toast at 6 am and should withhold their medications until after the test is completed.

Examination Duration:

30-60 minutes