What a Transabdominal Ultrasound Can Reveal About Your Health

Also known as a pelvic ultrasound, a transabdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive tool that doctors use to examine organs and tissues in your abdomen. Sonography uses sound waves to produce images that help providers uncover potential health issues and assess ongoing conditions in your body.

At LocalMD in Maspeth, Queens, and Lower Manhattan, New York, our team has state-of-the-art facilities and offers ultrasound services with advanced technology to help you gain a better understanding of your body’s inner workings.

Understanding transabdominal ultrasounds

When you think of a transabdominal ultrasound, think of it as a safe alternative to traditional imaging methods like X-rays or CT scans. It’s painless, and it excels in providing comprehensive insights into vital organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and, for women, the uterus. 

Whether it’s used for diagnosing abdominal discomfort or monitoring a pregnancy, a specialized tool called a transducer smoothly captures internal images and offers some major diagnostic advantages. Here’s what this ultrasound technique can uncover about your health: 

Liver and gallbladder health

One of the most valuable uses of transabdominal ultrasound is that it can detect liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver tumors. It's also effective in evaluating the gallbladder for inflammation, gallstones, or blockages that could cause discomfort or escalate to more serious problems over time.

Pancreatic abnormalities 

By getting a closer look at your pancreas, your doctor can identify any cysts, tumors, or signs of pancreatitis (inflammation). 

Kidney function

The overall health of your kidneys is crucial, and transabdominal ultrasounds are especially effective at detecting kidney stones, cysts, tumors, or signs of kidney disease early on, allowing for prompt treatment. 

Uterine and pregnancy health 

If you’re pregnant, transabdominal ultrasound monitors your baby’s development, checks for multiple pregnancies, and assesses your placenta and amniotic fluid levels. This diagnostic tool can also detect any uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps. 

The benefits of early detection and monitoring 

When it comes to managing medical conditions, early detection is key. Here’s how ultrasound plays a role in your health:

Prompt diagnosis 

Transabdominal ultrasound can help your care team diagnose any problems so you can get prompt intervention if needed. This gives you a higher chance of a better outcome. 

Monitoring chronic conditions 

If you have a chronic condition like liver disease or kidney disease, transabdominal ultrasound scans can help monitor the progression of your disease and determine if your treatment plan is working. 

Guidance or treatment 

For our team, transabdominal ultrasounds are invaluable when it comes to guiding treatment decisions. Whether it’s recommending surgery for gallstones, assessing medication for liver disease, or monitoring fetal development during pregnancy, this technique helps us stay one step ahead in planning for your overall well-being. 

When it comes to your health, it’s always best to pay attention to the details and find personalized solutions for your specific needs. With transabdominal ultrasounds, we can evaluate your abdominal health and detect a wide range of conditions so we can treat you accordingly. 

If you’re due for a check-up or you’re experiencing any symptoms in your abdomen that might need a closer look, contact LocalMD by calling the office near you or using our online request tool to set up an appointment.