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The pancreas is one of the most important organs of the digestive system. It performs many essential functions: it secretes pancreatic juice for better digestion of food, produces insulin (responsible for lowering blood sugar), and regulates protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism.
Indications for Pancreatic Ultrasound
The pancreas is located in the left hypochondrium and plays a major role in the digestive system, as well as being an endocrine gland producing insulin. Dysfunction of this organ may cause the following symptoms:
acute sharp pain in the left abdomen, back, or scapular area, which may be girdle-like,
fever,
nausea and vomiting,
bitter taste in the mouth,
general weakness, sweating,
heaviness and nausea in the abdomen,
colic,
jaundice of the skin,
loss of appetite and rapid weight loss,
changes in stool color and volume.
Another indication for pancreatic ultrasound is abdominal trauma.
The symptoms of pancreatic diseases are very similar to those of other abdominal pathologies. Palpation (manual examination by a physician) cannot provide accurate data. Therefore, ultrasound diagnostics is the only reliable way to detect and localize the pathology.
Diseases Diagnosed with Pancreatic Ultrasound
Ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to differentiate the following diseases and pathologies:
Pancreatitis – a disease in which pancreatic enzymes do not reach the duodenum but are activated within the gland itself, destroying it. The main causes are alcohol abuse, viral infections, intoxication, or parasite accumulation.
Pancreatic necrosis – a complication of acute pancreatitis that leads to multiple organ failure (dysfunction of two or more systems).
Cysts – resulting from inflammation or trauma.
Pseudocysts – a consequence of pancreatitis. Their peculiarity lies in unpredictability: they may remain small for years or enlarge rapidly in a short time.
Tumors – pancreatic cancer develops under the influence of toxic substances (smoking, alcohol), obesity, heredity.
Lipomatosis – fatty degeneration of the pancreas.
Cystic fibrosis – a severe genetic disease caused by gene mutation.
Changes in the ductal system (dilatation or stenosis).
Hemorrhages – a sign of inflammation in the organ.
Aneurysms – may occur as a consequence of pancreatic necrosis. Although rare, they are dangerous for health.
Abscesses – localized pus-filled cavities.
Contraindications and Limitations
Ultrasound may give inaccurate results if there are purulent lesions, large scratches, or wounds on the skin surface in the examination area, as they prevent proper contact between the probe and the skin. In all other cases, pancreatic ultrasound has no contraindications.
Advantages of pancreatic ultrasound:
Provides overall assessment of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tract,
Detects disorders and dysfunctions at early stages,
Completely safe for health,
Painless,
Highly effective: allows clear visualization of organs, their structure, and function,
Suitable for children, pregnant women, and elderly patients.
Preparation for Pancreatic Ultrasound
The key principle is to prepare the intestines for examination:
Gas formation may distort the clinical picture, so avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, fruits and vegetables, bread and pastries for several days. Chamomile tea and activated charcoal may help reduce bloating.
Follow a fractional diet: eat 3–4 small meals daily.
Limit fluid intake to 1.5 liters per day.
If digestive issues or flatulence are present, enzyme preparations may be added.
For frequent constipation, an enema should be performed one hour before the procedure.
No food should be consumed 8 hours before the exam.
Proper preparation ensures accurate results. Neglecting recommendations increases the risk of misdiagnosis.
How the Examination is Performed
The procedure usually lasts 15–30 minutes. The patient undresses, describes symptoms to the physician, and lies down on the couch.
During the exam, the physician may ask the patient to change body position for a better view. For example, to visualize the tail of the pancreas, the patient lies on the left side.
Using a water-based gel and a special probe, the physician performs a non-invasive examination. No pain occurs. Images of the organs are displayed on the monitor; the physician records their size and features in the protocol and may comment during the process.
Ultrasound Results
After the exam, the physician issues a report within minutes. It must include three key points: organ size, condition of the main duct, and acoustic density.
The ultrasound result, combined with clinical examination and laboratory tests, enables diagnosis and treatment planning.
Advantages of Ultrasound at Expert Clinics
If alarming symptoms occur, we recommend contacting Expert Clinics in Moscow.
Our clinic is characterized by a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and individualized approach. We use state-of-the-art equipment, and our highly qualified specialists possess international experience and training. We make every effort to restore each patient’s health.
Prevention of Pancreatic Diseases
Recently, the incidence of pancreatic diseases has been increasing. To reduce risks, it is recommended to:
Maintain a balanced diet: limit sweets, salty, fried, smoked foods, and fast food. Prefer small portions several times a day. Include poultry, fish, lean meats, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Quit smoking and minimize alcohol consumption, as these are major risk factors for pancreatic disease.
Indications for Pancreatic Ultrasound
The pancreas is located in the left hypochondrium and plays a major role in the digestive system, as well as being an endocrine gland producing insulin. Dysfunction of this organ may cause the following symptoms:
acute sharp pain in the left abdomen, back, or scapular area, which may be girdle-like,
fever,
nausea and vomiting,
bitter taste in the mouth,
general weakness, sweating,
heaviness and nausea in the abdomen,
colic,
jaundice of the skin,
loss of appetite and rapid weight loss,
changes in stool color and volume.
Another indication for pancreatic ultrasound is abdominal trauma.
The symptoms of pancreatic diseases are very similar to those of other abdominal pathologies. Palpation (manual examination by a physician) cannot provide accurate data. Therefore, ultrasound diagnostics is the only reliable way to detect and localize the pathology.
Diseases Diagnosed with Pancreatic Ultrasound
Ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to differentiate the following diseases and pathologies:
Pancreatitis – a disease in which pancreatic enzymes do not reach the duodenum but are activated within the gland itself, destroying it. The main causes are alcohol abuse, viral infections, intoxication, or parasite accumulation.
Pancreatic necrosis – a complication of acute pancreatitis that leads to multiple organ failure (dysfunction of two or more systems).
Cysts – resulting from inflammation or trauma.
Pseudocysts – a consequence of pancreatitis. Their peculiarity lies in unpredictability: they may remain small for years or enlarge rapidly in a short time.
Tumors – pancreatic cancer develops under the influence of toxic substances (smoking, alcohol), obesity, heredity.
Lipomatosis – fatty degeneration of the pancreas.
Cystic fibrosis – a severe genetic disease caused by gene mutation.
Changes in the ductal system (dilatation or stenosis).
Hemorrhages – a sign of inflammation in the organ.
Aneurysms – may occur as a consequence of pancreatic necrosis. Although rare, they are dangerous for health.
Abscesses – localized pus-filled cavities.
Contraindications and Limitations
Ultrasound may give inaccurate results if there are purulent lesions, large scratches, or wounds on the skin surface in the examination area, as they prevent proper contact between the probe and the skin. In all other cases, pancreatic ultrasound has no contraindications.
Advantages of pancreatic ultrasound:
Provides overall assessment of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tract,
Detects disorders and dysfunctions at early stages,
Completely safe for health,
Painless,
Highly effective: allows clear visualization of organs, their structure, and function,
Suitable for children, pregnant women, and elderly patients.
Preparation for Pancreatic Ultrasound
The key principle is to prepare the intestines for examination:
Gas formation may distort the clinical picture, so avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, fruits and vegetables, bread and pastries for several days. Chamomile tea and activated charcoal may help reduce bloating.
Follow a fractional diet: eat 3–4 small meals daily.
Limit fluid intake to 1.5 liters per day.
If digestive issues or flatulence are present, enzyme preparations may be added.
For frequent constipation, an enema should be performed one hour before the procedure.
No food should be consumed 8 hours before the exam.
Proper preparation ensures accurate results. Neglecting recommendations increases the risk of misdiagnosis.
How the Examination is Performed
The procedure usually lasts 15–30 minutes. The patient undresses, describes symptoms to the physician, and lies down on the couch.
During the exam, the physician may ask the patient to change body position for a better view. For example, to visualize the tail of the pancreas, the patient lies on the left side.
Using a water-based gel and a special probe, the physician performs a non-invasive examination. No pain occurs. Images of the organs are displayed on the monitor; the physician records their size and features in the protocol and may comment during the process.
Ultrasound Results
After the exam, the physician issues a report within minutes. It must include three key points: organ size, condition of the main duct, and acoustic density.
The ultrasound result, combined with clinical examination and laboratory tests, enables diagnosis and treatment planning.
Advantages of Ultrasound at Expert Clinics
If alarming symptoms occur, we recommend contacting Expert Clinics in Moscow.
Our clinic is characterized by a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and individualized approach. We use state-of-the-art equipment, and our highly qualified specialists possess international experience and training. We make every effort to restore each patient’s health.
Prevention of Pancreatic Diseases
Recently, the incidence of pancreatic diseases has been increasing. To reduce risks, it is recommended to:
Maintain a balanced diet: limit sweets, salty, fried, smoked foods, and fast food. Prefer small portions several times a day. Include poultry, fish, lean meats, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Quit smoking and minimize alcohol consumption, as these are major risk factors for pancreatic disease.