Hepatobiliary Ultrasound examination provides better results when performed after a 3-hour fasting period. The examination is usually done while lying on the back, but turning to the left side or sitting the patient up during the exam may cause stones to shift, making it easier to detect gallstones.
The gallbladder is located on the right side of the abdomen beneath the liver. This organ stores bile, a digestive enzyme used by the liver to break down fats.
Gallbladder and bile duct ultrasound is used to diagnose a range of conditions. Your doctor may request a hepatobiliary system ultrasound examination to detect gallstones, which can cause nausea and abdominal pain along with back and shoulder pain due to hardened deposits in the bile.
Another condition that may require a gallbladder ultrasound is cholecystitis, which occurs when the gallbladder becomes inflamed or infected. This is usually caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts that drain the gallbladder.
Other conditions that may require a gallbladder ultrasound include:
unexplained upper right abdominal pain,gallbladder cancer,gallbladder empyema,gallbladder polyps,porcelain gallbladder,gallbladder perforation.
The entire gallbladder is scanned longitudinally and transversely to evaluate for gallstones, bile sludge, and wall thickening. The gallbladder wall is three-layered and should be measured in the anterior wall while scanning transversely.
The wall thickness should be less than 3 mm. In a contracted gallbladder, the wall may appear thickened. The gallbladder wall is typically more than 5 mm in chronic cases and more than 9 mm in acute cases.
The width of the common bile duct is 1 mm for every 10 years of age, or 7 mm in adults.
If the liver extends below the lower pole of the kidney, there is hepatomegaly. Additionally, measuring from the diaphragm to the lower edge of the liver, if it exceeds 15 cm, hepatomegaly may be indicated.
Hepatobiliary Ultrasound Prices 2026
Hepatobiliary ultrasound prices in Istanbul vary from region to region and even from institution to institution within the same region. For information on hepatobiliary ultrasound prices, you can call 02126321059.