Small Bowel Specialist in Mumbai

Small Bowel Specialist in Mumbai

Our bowels are the part of Digestive System. They are made up of Small bowels called the Small intestine and the Large bowel called Colon and rectum or large intestine. The length of the small bowel is longer than the large bowel but it gets its name from the term that it is much thinner than the large intestine or bowel. Dr. Harshad Joshi is a Small Bowel Specialist in Mumbai. He explains the role of the small bowel is to break the food down even further so that the nutrients are been absorbed by the body. The undigested food or waste moves into the colon. 

Small bowel ultrasonography or Intestinal ultrasonography (IUS)

Small bowel ultrasonography, also referred to as small bowel ultrasound or small bowel sonography, is a specific type of abdominal ultrasound that focuses on imaging and assessing the small intestine. This technique involves using ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the small bowel’s inner lining and surrounding structures. Small bowel ultrasonography is particularly valuable for visualizing the small intestine, which is often challenging to examine using other imaging methods.

Small bowel ultrasonography or Intestinal ultrasonography (IUS)

  1. Transducer and Technique: Small bowel ultrasonography is performed using a specialized transducer that is designed to provide high-resolution images of the small intestine. The technique involves placing the transducer on the skin over the abdomen and using it to visualize the deeper layers of the small bowel.
  2. Real-Time Imaging: Like traditional abdominal ultrasound, small bowel ultrasonography uses sound waves that bounce off internal structures to create real-time images. The images are displayed on a monitor and can be observed by the healthcare provider in real-time.
  3. Patient Preparation: Depending on the specific purpose of the procedure, patients may be asked to fast for a period of time before the ultrasound to ensure that the small intestine is not obstructed by food.

Small bowel ultrasonography is used for several purposes:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Monitoring: It can help monitor the progression and activity of conditions like Crohn’s disease by evaluating inflammation, narrowing, and other changes in the small intestine.
  • Small Intestine Tumors: Small bowel ultrasonography can help identify tumors, growths, or masses within the small intestine.
  • Bowel Obstructions: It can assist in diagnosing bowel obstructions or blockages within the small intestine.
  • Malabsorption Syndromes: Small bowel ultrasonography can be used to evaluate malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, by assessing the intestinal lining’s appearance and thickness.
  • Crohn’s Disease: It’s particularly useful for assessing the extent of inflammation, ulcerations, and other features characteristic of Crohn’s disease

Small bowel ultrasonography is considered safe, non-invasive, and free from ionizing radiation. It offers valuable insights into the condition of the small intestine and can help guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions. The results obtained from small bowel ultrasonography, along with other clinical and imaging data, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s gastrointestinal health. Your healthcare provider will determine whether small bowel ultrasonography is appropriate for your specific medical situation.