Understanding Ultrasound - The Non-Radioactive Diagnostic Procedure of Choice!

Gallbladder Stone 2.5 cm
Gallbladder Stone

Ultrasound has become the diagnostic procedure of choice when evaluating right upper quadrant pain. It is a fast, cheap, and non-invasive way to look at the biliary system and gain insightful information when narrowing a diagnosis. It is particularly good at detecting gallbladder disease and biliary dilatation.

Bile is made in the liver and it is stored in the gallbladder until it is transported to the small intestine, where it hel...See More

Gallbladder Stone 2.5 cm

Gallbladder Stone

Ultrasound has become the diagnostic procedure of choice when evaluating right upper quadrant pain. It is a fast, cheap, and non-invasive way to look at the biliary system and gain insightful information when narrowing a diagnosis. It is particularly good at detecting gallbladder disease and biliary dilatation.
Bile is made in the liver and it is stored in the gallbladder until it is transported to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion. Gallstones occur when there's an imbalance in the bile transportation process. Cholesterol stones can form when bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin or not enough bile salts, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD). They can also occur when the gallbladder does not empty into the common bile duct completely or often enough.
Gallstones appear as a highly echogenic focus with acoustic shadows and move to a dependant portion of the gallbladder. Ultrasound can detect stones as small as 1-2mm.
Gallstones occur more frequently in people at two opposite ends of the weight spectrum — those who are overweight or obese, and those who fast or lose a lot of weight quickly. In addition, research published in the journal Gut in 2004 suggests that high intake of carbohydrate, a fluctuating glycaemic load and glycaemic index increase the risk of symptomatic gall stone disease in men. Therefore, it is important to adopt a healthy diet and stick to regular meal times. Regular exercise and detoxification can also help prevent formation of gallstones.
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