When Lagos patients complain of stomach pain, bloating, or digestive issues, doctors often recommend an abdominal ultrasound as the first diagnostic tool. This safe, non-invasive scan provides real-time images of your abdominal organs without radiation. Here’s why it’s so widely used across Lagos clinics and hospitals.
🩺 What Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Check?
This scan examines your:
✔ Liver (fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis)
✔ Gallbladder & bile ducts (stones, blockages, inflammation)
✔ Kidneys (stones, cysts, infections)
✔ Pancreas (swelling, tumors)
✔ Spleen (enlargement, trauma damage)
✔ Abdominal aorta (aneurysm risk)
✔ Bladder (retention, tumors)
Common Lagos Cases:
- Gallstones (from high-fat diets)
- Typhoid-related spleen/liver complications
- Kidney stones (due to dehydration in hot weather)
- Fatty liver
📌 Why Doctors Rely on This Scan
1. No Radiation Exposure
- Safer than X-rays/CT scans for:
- Pregnant women
- Children
- Frequent monitoring cases
2. Immediate Results
- Doctors can view images in real-time during emergencies
3. Cost-Effective
- ₦10,000–₦30,000 in most Lagos clinics vs. ₦90,000+ for CT scans
4. Easy Accessibility
- Available in:
- General hospitals
- Private clinics
- Neighborhood diagnostic centers
🔍 What to Expect During Your Scan
Before the Scan:
- Fast for 4–8 hours (fluids allowed)
- Drink water for bladder exams
- Wear loose clothing
During the Scan (15–30 mins):
- You’ll lie on an exam table
- Warm gel is applied to your abdomen
- A transducer glides over the area (painless pressure)
- You may be asked to hold your breath briefly
After the Scan:
- Wipe off gel
- Resume normal activities immediately
- Get results within 24 hours (same day in emergencies)
⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Scanning
Go immediately if you have:
🔴 Severe pain + vomiting (possible obstruction)
🔴 Yellow eyes/skin + dark urine (liver/gallbladder crisis)
🔴 Pulsing abdominal mass (aortic aneurysm risk)
Lagos Pro Tip: Traffic delays can worsen emergencies—choose the nearest quality facility.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it detect stomach ulcers or cancers?
A: No—endoscopy or CT scans are better for these. Ultrasound shows solid organs, not hollow ones like the stomach.
Q: Why must I fast beforehand?
A: Food causes gas that blocks organ visibility. Fasting gives clearer images.
Q: How often should I get this scan?
A: Only when symptomatic or as your doctor advises—no routine schedule.
Q: Is abdominal ultrasound painful?
A: Not at all! Just mild pressure from the probe.
💡 Why Patients Shouldn’t Ignore Symptoms
Many treat recurrent abdominal pain with painkillers, risking:
- Ruptured appendix (from missed appendicitis)
- Liver damage (from untreated hepatitis or fatty liver)
- Kidney failure (from undiagnosed stones)
Early ultrasound detection prevents these crises!
📢 When to Book Your Scan
Consider an abdominal ultrasound if you have:
- Unexplained stomach pain lasting >2 days
- Persistent bloating/nausea
- Yellowish skin/eyes
- Abnormal urine/stool changes
📞 Consult a doctor today for a referral!