Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for an ultrasound (US) scan. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
The Procedure
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the area of examination. A small handheld probe is placed onto your skin, and moved over the part of the body being examined. Water-based gel is put onto your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly and excludes air between the probe and skin. This is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the organs and soft tissues of the body. The ultrasound is carried out by either a sonographer or radiologist, both are trained professionals in this type of scan.
Before your appointment
Please let us know if:
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
Eating – You can eat as normal
Drinking – In order for the scan to be successful, it is necessary for you to have a very full bladder. We recommend that you drink at least two pints of water about 1 hour before the appointment time and then refrain from emptying your bladder in order to achieve this. If the bladder is not full enough at the time of the scan, you may be asked to wait for a short while for this to be achieved.
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist.
The procedure
You will be asked to remove your clothes covering the area for examination and to lie on the examination couch. Here, you will have water based clear gel applied to the skin in the area of examination. The sonographer/radiologist will slowly move the probe over the area while viewing the images produced on the monitor. The lights in the room will be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly and records of selected images will be made so that they can be viewed later.
An additional ultrasound scan is offered to female patients called a transvaginal, or an internal, ultrasound scan to examine the pelvic organs more clearly. We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment and an internal examination will only be performed if you consent to it. The sonographer/radiologist will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the sonographer / radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time.
A transvaginal ultrasound scan can be performed at any time during a women’s menstrual cycle. If you are bleeding at the time of your appointment this will not affect the scan.
If you consent to an internal scan you will be given a hospital gown and asked to undress from the waist down. You will be given privacy to do this. You will be asked to lie on the examination couch and often a cushion will be placed underneath you to raise the hips into a good scanning position. The internal scan involves inserting a small probe gently into the vagina which is then gently moved to see the pelvic organs. If you do feel uncomfortable please inform the sonographer/radiologist, so that suitable adjustments can be made.
Once the examination is over, the gel will be wiped off and you will be free to dress.
Please note that the examination could be performed by either a male or a female
Radiologist / Sonographer.
How long will it take?
This depends on which part of your body is being scanned and the information your referrer needs. Scans can take between 5 -20 minutes. Occasionally, a second opinion is required which can increase the exam time. You should allow at least one hour in the ultrasound department. We try to avoid delays, however, please allow extra time in case of delays on the day of your appointment.
After the Examination
You will be free to resume your normal daily activities
The Results
The results of your scan may or may not be given to you immediately after the scan. In almost all cases the imaging report will be written the same day or within 24 hours.
Sometimes the images need to be interpreted by a Radiologist (doctor specializing in
medical imaging) and then sent back to your Consultant or GP who referred you for the scan.
Are there any risks?
Ultrasound is a very safe procedure for all patients undergoing a diagnostic test. This type of scan is not associated or known to have any side effects.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-US.6
Approval date:
22 October 2024
Review date:
22 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.