Both abdominal and endoanal ultrasound are frequently used in gastroenterology and colorectal surgery. In abdominal sonography, the major organs of the abdomen such as the pancreas, aorta, inferior vena cava, liver, gall bladder, bile ducts, kidneys, and spleen may be imaged. However, sound waves may be blocked by gas in the bowel and attenuated to differing degrees by fat, sometimes limiting diagnostic capabilities. The appendix can sometimes be seen when inflamed (e.g.: appendicitis) and ultrasound is the initial imaging choice, avoiding radiation if possible, although it frequently needs to be followed by other imaging methods such as CT. Endoanal ultrasound is used particularly in the investigation of anorectal symptoms such as fecal incontinence or obstructed defecation. It images the immediate perianal anatomy and is able to detect occult defects such as tearing of the anal sphincter.
Both abdominal and endoanal ultrasound are frequently used in gastroenterology and colorectal surgery In abdominal sonography the major organs of the abdomen such as the pancreas aorta inferior vena cava liver gall bladder bile ducts kidneys and spleen may be imaged However sound waves may be blocked by gas in the bowel and attenuated to differing degrees by fat sometimes limiting diagnostic capabilities The appendix can sometimes be seen when inflamed (eg appendicitis) and ultrasound is the initial imaging choice avoiding radiation if possible although it frequently needs to be followed by other imaging methods such as CT Endoanal ultrasound is used particularly in the investigation of anorectal symptoms such as fecal incontinence or obstructed defecation It images the immediate perianal anatomy and is able to detect occult defects such as tearing of the anal sphincter