Ultrasound Whole Abdomen and Pelvis

A pelvic and abdominal ultrasound visualizes organs and structures in the lower abdomen and pelvis, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, aorta, bladder and—pelvic—uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It detects organ size and texture, fluid collections, cysts, masses, stones, inflammation, hydronephrosis, pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. It also screens for aneurysms and guides minor procedures.

Many imaging centers’ "whole abdomen" ultrasound is done as an abdominal-and-pelvic scan and typically includes the bladder and pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries or prostate). However, detailed evaluation of pelvic structures often needs a dedicated pelvic or transvaginal study. Practices vary, so confirm with the imaging/radiology department which organs are included when you schedule the exam.

It depends. For upper abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) you should fast 6–8 hours — only small sips of water for medications. For a transabdominal pelvic scan you need a full bladder: drink about 500–1,000 mL of water about an hour before and don’t void. For a combined “whole abdomen” study, follow the clinic’s specific instructions (usually fasting then drinking for the pelvic part).

Generally you do not need to fast before a pelvic ultrasound. For a transabdominal pelvic scan you'll be asked to arrive with a full bladder (drink about 500–1000 mL of water about 1 hour beforehand and avoid urinating). For a transvaginal scan you should have an empty bladder. If you’re having both abdominal and pelvic imaging, follow instructions—abdominal scans often require 6–8 hours fasting.

Pelvic ultrasound can detect pregnancy (including ectopic or miscarriage), ovarian cysts and tumors, ovarian torsion, uterine fibroids, endometrial thickening or polyps, adenomyosis, congenital uterine anomalies, pelvic inflammatory disease complications (tubo‑ovarian abscess, hydrosalpinx), pelvic free fluid, retained products of conception, and suspicious pelvic masses; Doppler assesses blood flow.

Abdominal ultrasound can detect liver cancers (primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastases), kidney (renal) tumours, large pancreatic masses, gallbladder and bile-duct cancers, adrenal and spleen masses, and pelvic lesions including ovarian tumours when visualized transabdominally. It’s useful for spotting masses or ascites, but small or early lesions—especially in pancreas and bowel—often need CT, MRI, or targeted ultrasound for confirmation.