Digestive system diseases are a large group of diseases that affect many people in our population. What abdominal examination is performed in the event of disturbing gastrointestinal symptoms, and which for prophylaxis? We present the most frequently performed abdominal examinations in order to diagnose digestive system diseases. Also learn more about colorectal cancer prevention.

What does an abdominal examination look like?

When we see a doctor with symptoms related to the digestive system, such as abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea or vomiting - the doctor will definitely decide to examine our abdomen. What is an abdominal examination in a doctor's office?The doctor typically examines the patient's abdomen in several stages , which, according to the sequence, include:

  • watching- the doctor looks at the patient's abdominal cavity. Watching allows, for example, to notice scars after operations, as well as the nutritional status of the patient, or the visible bulging of the abdomen.It is also important to observe the mobility of the abdominal wall- it is significantly limited, e.g. in the course of an acute condition such as peritonitis;
  • auscultation- which can be done with the use of a medical stethoscope. Thanks to auscultation, the doctor canevaluate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract . Under normal circumstances, perist altic murmurs are heard every few breaths of the patient. In turn, the disappearance of peristalsis is characteristic of the developed peritonitis. Excessive peristalsis, on the other hand, may accompany gastroenteritis;
  • tapping- during tapping, the doctor uses his fingers tolisten, for example, to suppress the protrusion over certain areas of the abdominal cavity.Tapping the abdominal cavity allows for example, for suspicion of ascites;
  • palpation- palpation of the abdomen gives a chance forlarge tumors and hernia gates , as well as identifying symptoms characteristic of peritonitis.

What is an abdominal ultrasound examination?

Ultrasound examination, thanks to the use of ultrasounds, allowsto "see" more preciselyorgans , located in the abdominal cavity. You should be aware thatyou should go for an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity on an empty stomach.Gases in the intestinal lumen significantly deteriorate the visibility of the structures during the examination. Abdominal ultrasound isa painless and non-invasive examination , and importantly - generally available, which is why this imaging examination is relatively often ordered by doctors.

During the ultrasound examination, the doctor puts a special probe on our abdominal cavity and looks at the image of organs on the screen, thanks to the use of ultrasound waves, which, reflecting from the given structures and returning to the probe, allow us to construct an image on the monitor of the camera. During the examination,special gel is used, which makes it easier to move the probe over the skin , and also facilitates the penetration of ultrasounds, thus ensuring better image quality.

The following is a video for the rest of the article.

What are the indications for an abdominal ultrasound examination?

Abdominal ultrasound examination is performed when indicated.Abdominal ultrasound examination is performed, inter alia, in the situation :

  • suspected gallbladder stones;
  • suspicion of ascites, i.e. the accumulation of an excessive amount of fluid in the peritoneal cavity;
  • suspected kidney stones;
  • suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm and its control;
  • in the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as flatulence, abdominal pain or diarrhea;
  • the need to perform a biopsy (e.g. of the liver) - the puncture can be performed under ultrasound control, which allows for the precision of the procedure and its safety.

In many casesabnormalities found in the abdominal ultrasound examination require further diagnosis,for example by performing abdominal tomography, gastroscopy or colonoscopy. Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity uses X-rays and allows for a more accurate assessment of organs and tissues.

Read also: Gall bladder - why are stones formed? Symptoms and treatment of gallstone disease

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When should a colonoscopy be performed?

The colonoscopy allows fora thorough assessment of the colon . Colonoscopy involves inserting a thin and flexible tube with a camera and a light source through the anus, thanks to which it is possible to obtain an image from the inside of the large intestine on the monitor. It is also possible to take samples for examination during the colonoscopyhistopathological, the so-called examination of a piece of tissue / organ under a microscope)

Colonoscopy is ascreening testused to diagnose colon cancer.Who is the prophylactic colonoscopy for?This examination can be used by people who are:

  • aged 55 to 64and received a personal invitation;
  • without receiving an invitation, if:
  • aged 50 to 65 - in this case, family history does not play a role; each person at this age should undergo one prophylactic colonoscopy;
  • aged 40 to 49 with a first degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer;
  • aged 25 to 49 and belong to a family with Lynch syndrome, a genetically determined syndrome that significantly increases the chance of developing colorectal cancer;
  • aged 25 to 49 and belong to a family withfamilial adenomatous polyposis syndrome(abbreviated to FAP). This syndrome is associated with a practically 100% risk of colorectal cancer.

The prophylactic colonoscopydetects polyps , i.e. changes that can turn into a tumor. On this examination, polyps can be removed and the risk of developing colorectal cancer is reduced.

Read also: What are the symptoms of tumors located in the abdominal cavity?

Diagnostic indications for colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is often performed when specific diseases of the large intestine are suspected. We perform this test during diagnostics:

  • colorectal cancer ;
  • anemia of undetermined cause- anemia may be caused byneoplastic changes in the colon , but also vascular changes or non-specific bowel diseases which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease;
  • of undetermined diarrhea ;
  • unplanned, sudden weight loss- weight loss can result from developing colorectal cancer but also from inflammatory bowel diseases.

Therapeutic indications for colonoscopy

Colonoscopy also allows the doctor to perform certain surgical procedures, which are bothused in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.Colonoscopy allows, among others, to:

  • colorectal cancer prevention- removal of polypsreduces the risk of developing this malignant tumor;
  • treatment of strictures of the large intestineby widening them;
  • removal of foreign bodies from the large intestine ;
  • inhibition of bleeding from the colon- bleeding may occur in the course of ulceration (which may arise, among others, in patients with Crohn's disease), vascular defects. Cancerous tumors can also be the source of bleeding.

Physical examination of the abdominal cavity, ultrasound examination or colonoscopy are the most common examinations performed and ordered in the case of suspected digestive system diseases.

If we have disturbing symptoms from the digestive tract, but also unexplained anemia or weight loss, it is definitely worth consulting a doctor who will decide on the need for further diagnosis.

If you are between the ages of 55 and 65, remember to take advantage of thefree prophylactic colonoscopy . This test allows for a quick diagnosis of colorectal cancer and can save lives.

Bibliography

  • Collective work,Interna Szczeklik. Manual of Internal Medicine,Issue 2022/2020, Practical Medicine, Krakow;
  • A. Dąbrowski,Textbook: Wielka Interna - Gastroenterology , Medical Tribune Polska, 2010;
  • Colon cancer prevention program, https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/profilaktyka-raka-jelita-grubego, accessed: June 23, 2021.
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