What is an abdominal ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of organs such as the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

Your doctor may request an abdominal ultrasound in Toronto to:

• Investigate abdominal pain or bloating
• Check for gallstones or liver disease
• Evaluate the pancreas or spleen
• Follow up on abnormal blood work or prior imaging

What is a pelvic ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound looks at structures in the lower abdomen. In women, this includes the uterus and ovaries; in men, the bladder and prostate region.

A pelvic ultrasound may be done:

• Transabdominal – over the lower abdomen with a full bladder
• Transvaginal – with a small internal probe for more detailed views in women (performed with your consent)

Your doctor may request a pelvic ultrasound in Toronto to investigate:

• Irregular or heavy periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Ovarian cysts or fibroids
• Bladder concerns
• Follow-up after previous findings

How to prepare for abdominal and pelvic ultrasound

Preparation depends on the exact exam. At Toronto Ultrasound Imaging, instructions follow the guidelines on our Preparations page.

Abdominal ultrasound only

• You will be asked to avoid eating and drinking for 8 hours before your exam.
• The evening before, you may be advised to choose a lighter, low-fat meal and avoid fried or dairy-heavy foods.
• Do not eat breakfast if your appointment is in the morning.
• You can usually take essential medications with a small sip of water unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Combined abdomen and pelvic ultrasound

• Follow the same fasting instructions as for abdominal ultrasound.
• In addition, drink several glasses of clear fluid about one hour before your appointment and arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
• Do not empty your bladder until after your exam, unless a technologist asks you to.

Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal, or with transvaginal component)

• Fasting is not usually required.
• You will be asked to drink several glasses of clear fluid so that your bladder is full at the time of the scan.
• Please do not urinate before your scan, unless instructed.

Because small differences in timing or volume can matter, always follow the specific instructions provided when your examination is booked.

What to expect during the exam

• You will be asked to lie on your back on the examination table.
• A clear gel is placed on your abdomen; this may feel cool but is not painful.
• The sonographer moves a small handheld probe (transducer) over the skin to obtain images.
• For some pelvic exams, a transvaginal probe may be recommended for clearer views; this is explained and performed only with your consent.

Most abdominal and pelvic ultrasound exams take 20–30 minutes. After the scan, you can usually return to normal activities right away.

After your ultrasound

The images are reviewed by a radiologist, and a report is sent to your referring doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results and next steps with you.