Ultrasound of the liver

The liver is the body’s natural filter, responsible for cleansing the blood and supporting various systems. Factors such as an unhealthy diet, stress, toxins, and harmful habits increase the strain on this organ, potentially leading to various diseases.

To diagnose liver dysfunction, ultrasound examination is one of the most accurate, accessible, and safe methods. This procedure allows a doctor to assess the condition of the liver, its structure, size, and detect possible pathologies such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or tumors. It is suitable for people of all ages and has no contraindications.

For the most reliable results, proper preparation is essential. This includes avoiding fatty foods and gas-producing products for 2–3 days before the procedure and following medical recommendations. Such preparation enhances the accuracy of the diagnosis and helps detect diseases at an early stage.

An ultrasound scan is recommended when certain symptoms appear or if liver disease is suspected. The main indications include:

• Pain in the right upper abdomen, especially after physical activity, eating fatty foods, or consuming alcohol.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Abdominal bloating or discomfort.
• Early satiety even after eating a small portion.
• Nausea or vomiting episodes.
• Persistent fatigue and weakness.
• A palpable lump in the abdomen.
• Yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.

Liver ultrasound is also performed in cases of pancreatic or gallbladder diseases or if an abdominal tumor is suspected. It is recommended after abdominal trauma, prolonged medication use, alcohol or drug abuse, and for women undergoing hormonal contraceptive therapy or gynecological treatment.

An ultrasound scan helps evaluate the liver’s anatomy, structure, and detect abnormalities. It distinguishes between simple cysts, which have thin walls and are fluid-filled (appearing as dark spots on the ultrasound), and solid masses. More complex cysts may contain nodules, calcifications, or internal septa. Doppler ultrasound, often part of the procedure, assesses blood flow in liver lesions.

The test also helps diagnose diffuse liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. For example, in fatty liver disease, the tissue appears brighter on the ultrasound, while hepatitis-affected areas may appear darker. A cirrhotic liver typically has a shrunken, nodular structure. Elastography, an additional method, assesses tissue stiffness to determine fibrosis severity.

Additionally, ultrasound can detect dilated bile ducts or ascites (fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity).

Proper preparation ensures accurate results. The main requirement is fasting for 8 hours before the procedure (drinking water is allowed). For children under 7 years old, the fasting period is reduced to 3 hours.

A few days before the examination, it is advisable to limit the intake of fatty foods, strong tea, coffee, juices, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages, as these can cause bloating, making diagnosis more difficult.

If the procedure is scheduled for the afternoon, a light meal may be allowed, but no later than 6 hours before the test. Suitable options include porridge or boiled vegetables. Unlike bladder ultrasound, there is no need for a full bladder during a liver scan. Following these recommendations ensures clearer and more reliable imaging.

The ultrasound procedure is simple, painless, and takes about 15–20 minutes.

The patient lies on their back, exposing the abdominal area. The doctor applies a special gel to the skin, which enhances the sensor’s contact with the body and improves image quality. The specialist moves the ultrasound probe over the right upper abdomen, analyzing the liver on the monitor. If necessary, the patient may be asked to turn to the left side or hold their breath for better visualization.

The doctor evaluates the liver’s size, shape, structure, tissue uniformity, presence of masses, cysts, or other abnormalities. The test also allows assessment of the biliary ducts, gallbladder, and surrounding organs.

After the scan, the gel is wiped off, and the patient can resume normal activities. Results are available immediately after the examination.

At New Life Medical Center, liver ultrasound scans are performed using state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring high diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort. Before the procedure, the doctor provides detailed preparation guidelines to obtain the most precise images.

We guarantee an individual approach for each patient and a comfortable atmosphere during the examination. Our clinic is designed to make every visit as stress-free as possible.

New Life Clinic allowing patients to seek medical assistance anytime. We offer comprehensive treatment plans and continuous health monitoring. In complex cases, we arrange consultations with leading international specialists, ensuring the best medical solutions for each patient.