Role of Abdominal Ultrasonography in Evaluation of Small and Large Bowel Lesions

Abstract

Background: Ultrasonography [US] has been undervalued in most diagnostic imaging departments for assessing gastrointestinal [GI] illness. Until recently, ultrasound was only used to examine the rectum, anal sphincters, and surrounding tissues through endorectal or endovaginal imaging, and for the diagnosis of appendicitis.The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of abdominal ultrasonography for detecting lesions in the gastrointestinal tract.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Benha University Hospital and Al-Ahrar teaching Hospital. 100 patients known to have intestinal diseases or with intestinal complaint. The duration of the study ranged from 6-12 months. Results: Final diagnosis of the different patients is illustrated in table [3]. Appendicular lesions were the most common findings in 31 patients [31%]; acute appendicitis in 20 patients [20%], appendicular abscess in 7 patients [7%] and mucocele of appendix in 4 patient [4%]. Tumours were detected in 26 patients [26%] of patients; colonic carcinoma in 26 patients [26%]. The Ultra-Sound findings of appendicitis were dilated tubular structure in 31 patients, non-compressible in 31 patients, aperistaltic structure in 31 patients, seen in the right iliac fossa region in 31 patients, adjacent free fluid in 21 patients, appendicular mass in 7 and Fecolith in 3 patient, no detected gangrenous appendicitis. The Ultra-Sound findings of the neoplastic lesions were abnormal internal vascularity in 20 patients, circumferential wall thickening seen in 17 patients, lumen narrowing seen in 17 patients only and polypoidal mass seen in 26 patients. Conclusion: Ultra-Sound is applicable in emergency diagnosis in cases of acute abdomen. Ultra-Sound has high diagnostic accuracy as confirmed with operative finding and / or histopathology and follow up. Ultra-Sound cause no health problems and can be repeated if medically indicated.