X-ray of the abdominal cavity is a test that is performed when suspected abnormalities and diseases of organs located within the abdominal cavity, it is also often performed for preventive purposes. Abdominal X-ray is painless and quick, but requires some preparation. What are the indications for an X-ray of the abdominal cavity, how is the examination done and how should you prepare for it?

Abdominal X-rayis a test that is performed on both adults and children. Sometimes doctors refer to it as an "abdominal examination", while patients - as "an X-ray of the abdomen".

This is one of the commonly used diagnostic procedures. An X-ray image of the abdominal cavity allows the doctor to see and assess the organs located between the symphysis and the diaphragm, and to detect possible pathologies in the digestive and urinary systems.

What are the indications for an X-ray of the abdominal cavity? What can the doctor learn from this examination and how to prepare for an abdominal X-ray?

X-ray of the abdominal cavity - indications

Like any X-ray examination, the abdominal X-ray is performed only on the doctor's request, which means that a referral is required to perform it - also when the patient pays for the abdominal X-ray from his own pocket. When this examination is performed on children up to the age of 16, the Child's He alth Book is also necessary, in which the information about the X-ray carried out must be entered - this is necessary in order to be able to monitor the number of examinations carried out with the use of X-rays.

A referral for an X-ray of the abdominal cavity, a doctor, if the patient has symptoms of any of the organs located in the abdominal cavity, which are difficult to diagnose with other methods, or this examination must be performed for preventive purposes.

X-ray of the abdominal cavity is also performed in emergency cases, e.g. in Hospital Emergency Departments (HED) or in the Emergency Room of a hospital - when the patient goes there, e.g. after a serious injury.

The most common indications for X-ray of the abdominal cavity:

  • suspicion of gastric or intestinal perforation (i.e. a hole in thelocated in one of the sections of the gastrointestinal tract, which may have arisen as a result of an ongoing inflammatory process or a developing cancer)
  • swallowing a small foreign body
  • unexplained acute abdominal pain
  • recurring or chronic abdominal pain
  • chronic or recurrent nausea / vomiting
  • Crohn's disease
  • suspected distension of the large intestine and its obstruction
  • suspicion of gastric, duodenal or intestinal ulcers
  • stenosis (narrowing) of a part of the digestive tract, which may result in its obstruction
  • gallstones
  • kidney stones
  • colon distension
  • presence of fluid in the abdomen.

X-ray of the abdominal cavity - preparation

For an outpatient X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity, one should prepare properly - otherwise, the examination result may be inaccurate, e.g. when the gastrointestinal tract contains food, gases or fecal mass obscuring the image. Detailed recommendations are available at clinics that perform an X-ray of the abdominal cavity, but usually the preparations for this examination are similar everywhere:

  • on the day before the examination, you should take a drug to break down gases in the digestive tract (usually in a dose of 3 x 2 tablets every two hours - from 2 p.m. to the evening - although these recommendations may be slightly different).
  • the diet should be easily digestible 1-2 days before the examination: do not eat flatulent dishes, as well as raw fruit, vegetables (especially legumes and cruciferous), also do not drink juice or carbonated drinks, eat sweets, dark bread, yoghurt and kefir.
  • on the day of the examination you must not chew gum, drink coffee or smoke cigarettes.
  • you must come to the X-ray on an empty stomach (you must be on an empty stomach for 6 hours before performing the X-ray of the abdominal cavity). If it is to be in the morning, you should be on an empty stomach and after defecation, and if it is in the afternoon, then in the morning you can eat a light meal.
  • defecate before the examination - you can use laxatives.
  • tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially those containing bismuth. The doctor also needs to know about possible pregnancy, intrauterine coil, and allergy to barium.

X-ray of the abdominal cavity - the course of the examination

X-ray of the abdominal cavity is carried out with the use of an X-ray device equipped with either a radiation-sensitive film or a plate that records the image in the form of a digital record. The examination is painless and takes only a few minutes. Before that, it must be removedjewelry and clothing with metal elements, and during the examination you must assume the position recommended by the doctor (usually standing, rarely lying down) and expose the abdomen.

Sometimes it is necessary to reposition or hold your breath. During the examination, the area of ​​the neck may be additionally covered with a special apron that is impervious to X-rays. Sometimes such a cover is also placed around the hips and pelvis - this is the case when the upper part of the abdominal cavity is to be X-rayed.

X-ray of the abdominal cavity - examination with contrast

Sometimes, before X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity, it is necessary to administer a contrast medium - the so-called contrast (containing iodine or barite compounds) - so that the image is clearer. This substance, depending on the doctor's recommendations, can be administered intravenously, orally, enterally or rectally - it all depends on what the X-ray is to show.

For example, in the diagnosis of neoplasms and inflammations, contrast is administered intravenously, while when ulcers or erosions or perforation of a part of the digestive system are suspected, it is administered orally. After the abdominal X-ray with contrast, you must stay in the clinic for another hour due to the possible risk of an allergic reaction or side effects.

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