Liver and Gallbladder Scan

Liver & Gallbladder Scan

Gallstones are a very common cause of abdominal pain and the most common problem related to the gallbladder.

Gallstone pain is typically felt in the upper abdomen, right side of the abdomen, or under the right rib cage. The pain may get triggered after food and especially with a heavy meal.

Gallstones can cause infection and inflammation of the gallbladder. They are a common cause of pancreatitis. If they slip out and get stuck in the piping, they can cause obstruction of the flow of bile and cause jaundice. Getting the private gallbladder scan done will be helpful for you.

An ultrasound scan is one of the best ways to diagnose gallstones and is the first-line imaging test for suspected gallstones.

Your Scan Includes

• Ultrasound with the Consultant Doctor
• Explanation of your scan results
• Consultant Written Report
• High-Resolution Digital Scan Images
• Any onward referral if needed

What does the scan involve?

The doctor will use the ultrasound probe with a water-based jelly over your skin to examine the liver and gallbladder scan. The scan will produce images of the inside of the gallbladder and liver, which the doctor will interpret and used to give a diagnosis. The procedure is not painful.

Due to COVID working practices, you can bring one person to accompany you in the scanning room. Also, if you want a private liver scan, then get it done from our clinic.

There will also be a qualified chaperone present in the scan room along with the doctor.

How do I prepare?

You will need to be fasted for 4 hours prior to the scan.

Please dress appropriately to allow for easy access to the body part being examined with ultrasound.

Why do patients need to fast?

Patients undergoing abdominal ultrasound scans need to fast so the doctor can better look at the Gallbladder and Biliary Tree. When you eat the gallbladder releases bile to break down the food in your stomach, and as it is releasing bile it contracts and is no longer easily visualized using ultrasound. When you fast, your gallbladder fills up with bile and then is much more clearly defined during the scan. Many patients referred for upper abdominal scans will have pain and bloating –both possibly associated with the gallbladder, although gallstones may not be the cause it is a routine clinical practice to ensure we see the gallbladder to rule it out. Moreover, we are providing liver ultrasound services as well.

When you eat, you also swallow air. Too much air can make it difficult to see the abdominal organs. Also, if you want to get liver’s ultrasound, then we will help you with it.

Fasting Procedure

Fast for four hours prior to your appointment.

This means no: Food, milky or fizzy/sugary drinks, chewing gum, or cigarettes (chewing gum and cigarettes can make you gassy and make it difficult to see your organs)

Patients who are diabetic or hypoglycaemic need to talk to their GP or practice nurse in advance of the appointment to ensure it is okay.

Medication can be taken as normal.

If you have diabetes, please bring a snack after your scan.

Do not continue fasting if you feel unwell at any point.