From the Guidelines
Yes, an abdominal ultrasound will examine the gallbladder, as it is a primary structure evaluated during the procedure, particularly effective for detecting gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, or biliary duct abnormalities 1. This common imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of the organs in your abdomen. During an abdominal ultrasound, the technician will apply gel to your upper abdomen and move a handheld device called a transducer across your skin to capture images of your gallbladder, along with other organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. The test is highly accurate, with a reported accuracy of 96% for detection of gallstones, and may differentiate cholelithiasis from gallbladder sludge, polyps, or masses 1. For the most accurate results, you'll typically need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, as food consumption causes the gallbladder to contract and empty, making it more difficult to visualize properly. The procedure is painless, non-invasive, and doesn't use radiation, making it a safe and effective first-line imaging choice for evaluating gallbladder conditions, including suspected acute cholecystitis, with US remaining the initial test of choice due to its shorter study time, morphologic evaluation, and ability to confirm the presence or absence of gallstones 1. Some key points to consider when using abdominal ultrasound to examine the gallbladder include:
- The test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting gallstones and gallbladder inflammation
- It can differentiate between cholelithiasis, gallbladder sludge, polyps, and masses
- The procedure is safe, non-invasive, and does not use radiation
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the test is recommended for the most accurate results
- US remains the first choice of investigation for biliary symptoms or right upper quadrant abdominal pain, including suspected acute cholecystitis 1.
From the Research
Abdominal Ultrasound and Gallbladder Examination
- An abdominal ultrasound can be used to examine the gallbladder, as it is a reliable method for evaluating the biliary system 2.
- Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for the initial evaluation of patients who present with right upper quadrant pain, which can be related to gallbladder disease 3.
- The gallbladder can be evaluated by means of right subcostal oblique sections using ultrasound, and its size, wall thickness, and content can be assessed 2.
- Ultrasonography is the initial imaging choice for detecting gallstones and acute cholecystitis, which are common pathologies of the gallbladder 4.
Gallbladder Pathologies and Ultrasound
- Common pathologies of the gallbladder include acute or chronic cholecystitis, adenomyomatosis, cancer, polyps, and postoperative complications, which can be evaluated using ultrasound 3.
- Ultrasound can help differentiate between extrinsic jaundice, which may require surgical intervention, and intrinsic jaundice, which requires medical attention 5.
- The diagnosis and location of cysts, abscesses, and solid masses in the gallbladder can be determined by echography with a high degree of accuracy 5.
Clinical Applications of Ultrasound in Gallbladder Disease
- Liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound should be offered to patients with symptoms suggestive of gallstone disease, such as abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever 6.
- Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected biliary disease, and can help guide further management and treatment 2, 4.