Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs with choleretic breakfast in children

Ultrasound examination (US) of the abdominal organs is a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the organs within the abdominal cavity. This method is particularly valuable in pediatric practice as it does not involve radiation, making it safe for frequent use. In the "Dobrobut" medical network, examinations are conducted by experienced doctors using state-of-the-art expert-class equipment.

A specialized test, an abdominal ultrasound with a choleretic breakfast, involves the child eating a food that stimulates bile production, which improves the examination of the gallbladder and surrounding structures. This dual approach not only helps in diagnosing possible diseases, but also provides an idea of ​​the overall health of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract.

When to Consult a Doctor

Parents should seek medical assistance for an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs with choleretic breakfast if they observe:

• Persistent abdominal pain, whether constant or recurring, especially in the upper right quadrant, which may indicate issues with the gallbladder or liver.
• Nausea or vomiting, which may suggest gastrointestinal disorders, including possible infections or obstructions.
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, might indicate a condition requiring further evaluation.
• Jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes is a critical symptom that necessitates urgent medical attention.
• Unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite — may indicate chronic diseases or digestive issues, signaling the need for thorough examination.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can be crucial in preventing further health problems, so it is important not to postpone the examination.

Indications and Contraindications

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs with choleretic breakfast is performed to assess gallbladder function in children. It is especially indicated in the following conditions:

• Dyskinesia of bile ducts: It refers to impaired movement or function of the gallbladder without the presence of stones. The choleretic breakfast helps evaluate how well the gallbladder contracts in response to stimuli, assisting in diagnosis.
• Cholecystitis or suspicion of gallbladder inflammation without evident stones in the gallbladder: this test can help assess gallbladder function and contribute to diagnosing conditions like acalculous cholecystitis.
• Evaluation of gallbladder function after surgery in children: The examination can assess the effectiveness of surgical intervention and the current state of the biliary system.

• Chronic abdominal pain, when there is suspicion that it is related to gallbladder dysfunction.
• Suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: more commonly observed in adults, but in children, assessing gallbladder ejection fraction can also be useful.

By stimulating the activity of the biliary system, the choleretic breakfast provides dynamic information about the gallbladder's ability to contract and release bile, which is crucial for diagnosing these conditions.

Thus, indications for ultrasound examination include:

• Gallbladder diseases, including the presence of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Liver pathologies.
• Obstructions of the biliary tract, which may lead to jaundice and other complications.
• Pancreatitis: assessing the condition of the pancreas can help diagnose, determining the extent of any inflammation or injury.

Contraindications:

Allergies: the procedure requires consumption of specific food products, so it is essential to ensure that the child has no allergies to the components of the choleretic breakfast. Parents should inform the medical staff of any known allergies or intolerances.

Serious conditions: if the child is in critical condition or cannot safely consume food, the doctor may recommend alternative diagnostic methods to prevent risks associated with fasting and food intake.

Diagnosis of the Need for the Procedure

The decision to perform an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is made by the doctor based on a thorough evaluation that includes:

• Reviewing the child's medical history, including any previously suffered abdominal illnesses and family predispositions.
• Conducting a physical examination to identify signs of tenderness, swelling, or other pathological changes in the abdominal area. This helps determine the need for further investigation.
• If necessary, blood, urine, or stool tests may be carried out to rule out severe problems before performing the ultrasound.

Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for obtaining accurate results from the ultrasound examination:

• Fasting: the child usually needs to refrain from eating for at least 4–6 hours before the procedure. This fasting allows the gallbladder to be filled with bile, which is critical for clear imaging during the ultrasound examination.
• Choleretic Breakfast: after the fasting period, the child is provided with food rich in fats. Typical items include:
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Bread with butter
  • Dairy products like yogurt

This food stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile, enhancing the effectiveness of the ultrasound, as it allows for dynamic images of how the organ functions in response to stimulation. Parents should ensure that the child follows these instructions for the procedure to be as informative as possible.

How the Procedure is Conducted

An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs with choleretic breakfast in children typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and consists of the following stages:

• Fasting.
• Choleretic breakfast, which often includes foods high in fat.
• Ultrasound: usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

After the ultrasound examination, parents can receive a brief report, while full results and interpretations will be sent to the referring physician later.

In the “Dobrobut” medical network, doctors provide high-quality medical care for children and their parents, using modern equipment and experience for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Appointments for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity with choleretic breakfast can be arranged through the form on the website or by calling the contact center.