Ultrasound (U/S)

• Thyroid ultrasound, to detect nodules, cysts, or other abnormalities. The exam is usually the first step in evaluating thyroid conditions and provides valuable information for diagnosis and patient monitoring.
• Neck ultrasound, to detect tumors, inflammations, or swollen lymph nodes. It is painless, safe, and the patient does not need to undergo any special preparation.
  
• Upper abdominal ultrasound, to investigate the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys, and detects tumors, gallstones, or inflammations.
• Lower abdominal ultrasound, to examine the bladder, ovaries, uterus, and prostate for inflammations, cysts, stones, or other pathological conditions.
• Ultrasound of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the prostate, to examine the prostate and detecting urinary tract stones, tumors, prostate enlargement, inflammations, or cancer.
  
• Ultrasound of the internal genital organs, to detect cysts, tumors, or endometriosis in the internal genital organs (uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes).
• Carotid ultrasound, to assess blood flow and detect atherosclerotic plaques or stenosis in the carotid arteries.
• Ultrasound of the arteries of the upper and lower limbs, to assess the arteries in the upper and lower limbs and detect stenosis or the presence of peripheral arterial disease.

• Ultrasound of the veins of the upper and lower limbs for thrombosis evaluation, varicose veins, or identification of other venous conditions.
• Ultrasound of soft tissues for investigation of muscle injuries and palpable masses.
• Breast ultrasound for evaluation of tumors detected during palpation or on a previously performed mammogram.
• Abdominal aorta triplex. Color Doppler ultrasound for imaging of the abdominal aorta, to evaluate aneurysms, stenosis, or atherosclerotic disease.
• Iliac artery triplex. Color Doppler ultrasound for the evaluation of the iliac arteries and the identification of stenosis or aneurysms.
• Renal artery triplex. Color Doppler ultrasound examining the renal arteries, identifying stenosis or pathological conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys.

The proper preparation for an ultrasound examination is crucial for the accuracy of the results and the smooth conduct of the procedure. Depending on the type of examination to be performed, the preparation may include specific instructions, such as fasting, drinking water, or avoiding certain foods.

More specifically:

For ultrasounds of the upper and lower abdomen, as well as for specific organs of the upper abdomen such as the pancreas, liver, or kidneys, abdominal aorta triplex, iliac artery triplex, renal artery triplex, and splenorenal axis triplex, the following preparation instructions apply for three days before the examination:

• The consumption of legumes, dairy products, vegetables, and carbonated drinks (such as soft drinks, beer, etc.) is prohibited.
• Chewing gum is prohibited.
• Avoid any food that you know causes bloating, gas, or other discomforts.

For the day of the examination, an 8-hour fasting is required, during which the consumption of coffee or other beverages, such as chocolate, tea, juice, etc., is not allowed, but you may drink water. It is noted that your diet before the examination should include lean meats without fat, potatoes, pasta, and a small amount of vegetables, with attention to slow and thorough chewing of the food, as hurried chewing may cause aerophagia.

For ultrasounds of the lower abdomen, kidneys - ureters - bladder, prostate, internal genital organs, uterus – ovaries, as well as for the appendix, you should drink 4-5 glasses of water (~1.5 liters) 1 hour before the examination and refrain from urinating until the time of the exam.

If you have any questions regarding the preparation, please contact Mediterraneo First Care Paros to ensure the best possible imaging during the examination.