Upper Abdominal Ultrasound

Upper abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless, and highly effective diagnostic method that enables assessment of organs in the upper part of the abdominal cavity—primarily the liver, gallbladder and ducts, pancreas, spleen, and abdominal aorta.

This examination uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures in real time, without radiation exposure, making it safe for all ages including pregnant patients.

When is it Needed?

This scan is recommended in cases such as:

• Pain in the upper abdomen (right, left, or central)
• Suspicion of fatty liver, hepatitis, liver cysts, or tumors
• Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT, ALP)
• Detection of gallstones or dilated bile ducts
• Post-meal symptoms (bloating, nausea, feeling of heaviness in the stomach)
• Monitoring pancreatic conditions (inflammation, size changes, tumors)
• Spleen assessment (enlargement, structural changes)
• In patients with vascular diseases—for abdominal aorta evaluation
• Follow-up for known chronic liver and biliary tract conditions

Examination Procedure

The scan lasts about 20-30 minutes and is completely painless. The patient lies on their back while the physician glides the ultrasound probe over the abdomen after applying gel to improve skin contact and enhance organ visualization.

Preparation Instructions

For optimal ultrasound findings, the patient must fast, meaning no food intake for at least 6 hours prior to the examination. Avoid carbonated drinks and heavy meals the day before to minimize intestinal gas that could interfere with imaging.

If bloating is present, take Gasimetin (simethicone)—1 sachet in the morning and 1 in the evening the day before, plus 1 sachet in the morning on the day of the scan.

Detectable Findings

• Fatty liver, cysts, tumors, and hepatomegaly
• Gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening
• Dilated bile ducts
• Inflammatory changes or masses in the pancreas
• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (dilation)
• Structural and positional organ abnormalities

Advantages

• Painless and completely safe
• No radiation exposure
• Quick and accessible diagnostics
• High diagnostic value
• Repeatable without risk
• Used for early change detection and condition monitoring

At Atrijum Polyclinic Sarajevo

At Atrijum Polyclinic, upper abdominal ultrasound is performed using state-of-the-art high-resolution devices by an experienced medical team. Each patient receives individualized care based on precise, rapid, and expert diagnostics.

Booking

Schedule upper abdominal ultrasound by calling 033 467 444.