Abdominal ultrasound is the first-line imaging investigation for most upper abdominal symptoms, including right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, nausea, bloating, and unexplained weight loss. It provides real-time images of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys without ionising radiation, and is highly sensitive for the most common digestive pathologies encountered in clinical practice.
NICE guidelines recommend abdominal ultrasound as the initial investigation for suspected gallstone disease, liver disease, and pancreatic pathology. In the NHS, access to abdominal ultrasound requires a GP referral and carries a median wait of 8.4 weeks. Private abdominal ultrasound at Sonoworld is available within two to five working days, without a referral.
Abdominal ultrasound can identify and characterise a wide range of digestive conditions, including gallstones and gallbladder polyps, fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, hepatic cysts and haemangiomas, biliary duct dilatation, pancreatic cysts and masses, splenomegaly, and ascites (fluid in the abdomen).
Gallstones are the most common indication for abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound has a sensitivity of approximately 95% for gallstones and is the definitive investigation for gallbladder disease. Gallstones appear as echogenic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing within the gallbladder lumen. Gallbladder polyps, thickening of the gallbladder wall, and pericholecystic fluid (indicating acute cholecystitis) are also readily identified.
Ultrasound is highly sensitive for fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), which appears as a diffusely echogenic (bright) liver with increased attenuation. Cirrhosis produces a nodular liver surface, heterogeneous echotexture, and signs of portal hypertension including splenomegaly and ascites. Focal liver lesions including cysts, haemangiomas, and metastases are identified and characterised. Doppler assessment of hepatic and portal blood flow is included where clinically indicated.
The pancreas is one of the more challenging abdominal organs to image with ultrasound because of its retroperitoneal position and susceptibility to obscuration by bowel gas. Fasting before the scan significantly improves pancreatic visualisation. Ultrasound can identify pancreatic cysts, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, and, in some cases, pancreatic masses. CT or MRI is typically required for definitive pancreatic assessment when ultrasound findings are inconclusive.
Right upper quadrant pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms in our abdominal ultrasound service. In a significant proportion of cases, the scan identifies gallstones that the patient was not aware of. In most of these cases, the patient has been experiencing intermittent symptoms for months or years and has attributed them to indigestion or a dietary intolerance. The scan provides a clear diagnosis, which the patient can then take to their GP to discuss management options. The ability to access this investigation within days, without a referral, at a transparent price, is one of the most practical benefits of private abdominal ultrasound.
Drawn from typical cases seen at our Marylebone clinic. This is a composite scenario representative of patterns we encounter regularly.
We offer a full range of abdominal ultrasound services, including upper abdominal scan (£235), abdomen and pelvis scan (£350), and our comprehensive women's full body scan (£784) and men's full body scan (£785). All scans include fasting preparation instructions, verbal results at the end of the appointment, and a written report within 24 hours.
Yes. For upper abdominal scans, you should fast for four to six hours before your appointment. Water is permitted. Fasting ensures the gallbladder is distended and reduces bowel gas, significantly improving image quality. Specific preparation instructions are provided when you book.
Ultrasound is not the primary investigation for bowel cancer. CT colonography or colonoscopy is used for definitive bowel assessment. However, ultrasound can identify secondary signs of bowel pathology including bowel wall thickening, mesenteric lymphadenopathy, and liver metastases.
Available Monday to Saturday at our Marylebone clinic. No GP referral needed. Instant verbal results. Written report within 24 hours.
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