Our hospital offers ultrasound (ultrasonography) examinations as a non-invasive procedure to evaluate internal organs. Energy in the form of sound waves is passed into the body. Reflected sound waves returning to the probe are used to create an image of the internal organs. Ultrasound studies are most helpful to evaluate soft tissue and fluid structures. Moving organs may be evaluated during motion, such as the beating heart, flowing blood and contracting intestines.
Gastrointestinal foreign material may be identified on an ultrasound exam when it is not apparent on radiographs. While radiographs are useful to assess organ size and overall shape, an ultrasound exam allows for evaluation of the organ architecture and blood supply. Ultrasound guided sampling of body tissue, by aspiration or biopsy, is helpful for cytology, histopathology and microbiology (culture and sensitivity).