What is Bowel Ultrasound?
Bowel ultrasound is a modern technique that uses ultrasound waves to visualize the detailed structure of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the stomach to the colon, including the small intestine. The principle of Bowel Ultrasound is to measure the thickness of the stomach, small intestine, and colon walls, as well as to study intestinal motility and assess the degree of inflammation if present.
If the GI wall thickness exceeds normal limits, it indicates a potential health issue that may require further tests or an endoscopic examination of the digestive tract. Dr. Amr El-Gazzar uses bowel ultrasound to precisely locate inflammation before performing endoscopy, which enhances diagnostic accuracy and speeds up the process.
In some cases, bowel ultrasound may show a normal GI tract, eliminating the need for an endoscopy. However, if abnormalities are detected, endoscopy is performed with biopsies taken from the exact location identified by the ultrasound.
Uses of Bowel Ultrasound:
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Monitoring patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease after treatment without the need for repeated endoscopy.
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Early detection of gastrointestinal tumors.
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Accurate assessment of the peritoneum and abdominal cavity, aiding in the diagnosis of peritoneal tumors and intestinal tuberculosis.
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Studying intestinal motility to diagnose partial or complete bowel obstruction.
Advantages of Bowel Ultrasound:
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Reduces the high cost of MRI scans.
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Avoids contrast dye and radiation exposure from CT scans.
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Completely safe for pregnant women and children.
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Highly effective in diagnosing chronic abdominal pain in children.
