Abdominal Ultrasound: Types, Preparation, and What It Detects in 2026
Patient Guide · Silo Ultrasound · Colombia 2026
Abdominal ultrasounds: types, differences, and proper preparation for each
Not all abdominal ultrasounds are the same — this guide explains the types (simple, total, abdominopelvic, with Doppler), what each evaluates, how to prepare correctly, and when the doctor orders each variant
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GSMED Imaging medical team — abdominal ultrasound Colombia
Based on RadiologyInfo ACR/RSNA (abdominal ultrasound 2025), Hospital Internacional de Colombia HIC/FCV, Fundación Valle del Lili (preparation protocols), and clinical experience in abdominal ultrasound Colombia.
The medical order says "abdominal ultrasound" but at the diagnostic center they ask if it is simple, total, with pelvis, or with Doppler — and you don't know the difference. This guide explains exactly what each type of abdominal ultrasound evaluates, what preparation you need, and why fasting is mandatory.
1. Why there are different types of abdominal ultrasound
The abdomen is a large cavity with many different organs: liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta, intestines, and in the pelvis: uterus, ovaries (in women), prostate, and bladder (in men). The doctor orders the type of ultrasound depending on which organs need to be evaluated — and each type has a different preparation.
Why fasting is mandatory for abdominal ultrasound The gallbladder dilates when you fast because there is no fatty stimulus to contract it. A dilated and bile-filled gallbladder is perfectly visible by ultrasound. If the patient ate, the gallbladder contracted and is small and difficult to evaluate — and post-meal intestinal gas interferes with the image of the pancreas. The standard fast for abdominal ultrasound is 6 to 8 hours — neither shorter (the gallbladder is not seen well) nor longer (unnecessary). Water in small sips to take medications does not significantly break the fast.
2. The 5 types of abdominal ultrasound — key differences
🫁Upper abdominal ultrasound (liver-gallbladder)
Evaluates the organs of the upper abdomen: liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and abdominal aorta. The most requested for right-sided pain, elevated transaminases, or suspected gallstones. It does not evaluate kidneys or pelvis.
→ Preparation: 6–8 h fast · Empty bladder
🫀Total abdominal ultrasound (complete)
Includes the entire upper abdomen plus kidneys, bladder, retroperitoneum, and aorta. The most complete for a general check-up or when the doctor does not know for certain which organ is causing the problem. It is the one ordered for the annual preventive check-up.
→ Preparation: 6–8 h fast + moderately full bladder (2–3 glasses of water 1 h before)
🫄Abdominopelvic ultrasound
Total abdominal + pelvis (uterus and ovaries in women; prostate and bladder in men). The one ordered for pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, or suspected ovarian cysts. Requires a very full bladder — it acts as an acoustic window to see the uterus and ovaries.
→ Preparation: 6–8 h fast + very full bladder (4–6 glasses of water 1 h before, do not urinate)
🩸Abdominal ultrasound with Doppler
Adds to the conventional study the evaluation of blood flow in the vessels of the abdomen: aorta, renal artery, hepatic veins, portal vein. It is ordered for suspected portal hypertension, renal failure, kidney or liver transplant, or aortic aneurysm.
→ Preparation: 8–12 h fast (stricter to see mesenteric vessels)
🤰Transabdominal obstetric ultrasound
Technically it is a pelvic ultrasound but it is performed abdominally. It evaluates pregnancy — fetal biometry, amniotic fluid, placenta, cervix. It is different from the gynecological ultrasound that evaluates the uterus and ovaries without pregnancy.
→ Preparation: full bladder in the first trimester · No fasting
3. Proper preparation — the definitive guide
| Ultrasound type | Fasting | Bladder | Important notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper abdominal (liver/gallbladder) | 6–8 hours | Does not matter | No smoking, gum, or candy since the night before. Water in sips for medications is fine. |
| Total abdominal (complete) | 6–8 hours | Moderately full | Drink 2–3 glasses of water 1 hour before. Do not urinate after you start drinking the water. |
| Abdominopelvic | 6–8 hours | Very full | Drink 4–6 glasses of water 1 hour before. Do not urinate until the technician tells you. If you have an intense urgency, let them know upon arrival. |
| Pelvic only (uterus/ovaries) | Not required | Very full | 4–6 glasses of water 1 hour before. You can eat normally. |
| Renal only (kidneys) | Not required | Moderately full | You can eat normally. Drink normal liquids. |
| With abdominal vascular Doppler | 8–12 hours | Depending on the area | Stricter fast to see mesenteric vessels without intestinal gas interfering. |
| Obstetric (pregnancy) 1st trimester | Not required | Full | 4–6 glasses of water 1 hour before. From the second trimester, a full bladder is not needed. |
4. Most frequent abdominal findings in Colombia
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis): the most frequent finding — hyperechoic image with acoustic shadow in the gallbladder. Between 10–15% of Colombian adults have gallstones, most without symptoms.
- Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis): diffusely hyperechoic liver parenchyma. Associated with overweight, diabetes, and dyslipidemia — very prevalent in Colombia.
- Simple renal cysts: anechoic images with posterior acoustic enhancement in the kidneys. Most are completely benign and do not require treatment.
- Hydronephrosis: dilation of the renal pelvical system — can indicate obstruction by a ureteral stone or tumor.
- Simple ovarian cysts: in women of childbearing age — most are functional and disappear spontaneously in the next menstrual cycle.
- Hepatomegaly: liver enlargement — can indicate steatosis, hepatitis, cardiac congestion, or tumor infiltration.
5. Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an abdominal ultrasound and an abdominal ultrasound report?
They are exactly the same exam with different names. Abdominal ultrasound is the technical term — the technique and procedure. Abdominal ultrasound report is the colloquial term most used by Colombian patients, and sometimes also the name of the printed document the doctor gives you (the written report of the study). To understand how to read that report, see our full article on the abdominal ultrasound report.
How much does an abdominal ultrasound cost in Colombia?
In the EPS system, the abdominal ultrasound is covered by the PBS when ordered by the treating doctor — at no additional cost. In the private sector: upper abdominal ultrasound $80,000–$160,000 COP, total abdominal ultrasound $90,000–$180,000 COP, abdominopelvic ultrasound $100,000–$220,000 COP, abdominal Doppler ultrasound $120,000–$280,000 COP. Prices are slightly higher in Bogotá and Medellín than in intermediate cities.
Can I eat something before the ultrasound if I have diabetes or hypoglycemia?
Yes — always inform the ordering doctor and the diagnostic center of your condition before the study. For patients with diabetes or risk of hypoglycemia, the center can make adjustments to the protocol: schedule the study for first thing in the morning to minimize fasting time, allow simple oral glucose if hypoglycemia occurs during the wait, or prioritize the study to reduce waiting time. Never stop medications without consulting your doctor — including insulin or antidiabetics.
Ultrasound machines for abdominal ultrasound available in Colombia — GSMED
VINNO and Mindray equipment with high-resolution convex transducer — 95% sensitivity for gallstones ≥2 mm.
Ultrasound machines for abdominal ultrasound in Colombia — GSMED
VINNO and Mindray equipment with color Doppler, automated biometry, and high resolution for complete abdominal diagnosis.
View all ultrasound machines →
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