What is an Ultrasound Hepatobiliary System?
A US hepatobiliary system (US HBS) is a non-invasive procedure. Unlike other digestive tract-related cancer screening tests that may have side effects, such as temporary bleeding and tears in the lining of the colon—it has minimal risks and is well-received by most patients. It is an ultrasound scan in Singapore that utilises high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the internal organs of the hepatobiliary system, namely the liver, gallbladder, and their connecting ‘tubes’ (ducts). Since it does not emit any radiation to conduct the scan, it is quite safe for pregnant women.
The Ultrasound HBS can be used to quickly provide indications of any problems in and around the gallbladder, assess for some causes of obstructive jaundice (such as stones or inflammation in the biliary tree), or screen for liver lesions (cysts, nodules, metastases).
What to expect from US Hepatobiliary System Scan in Singapore?
This procedure is performed with the patient lying down on the examination couch in a dimmed room. A clear gel will be applied to your stomach in order to improve the transmission of ultrasound waves between your body and the ultrasound probe.
Throughout the scan, the ultrasound probe is moved around the abdomen to obtain clearer images of vital structures in the hepatobiliary system. Sometimes, slight additional pressure may be applied, to allow the probe to better visualise organs or structures that are deeper inside your body.
Limitations
The ultrasound HBS is generally a useful first-line scan to provide indications of any abnormalities, but it has some limitations:
- If the location of the structure or mass being examined is located behind bones, e.g. your ribs, there may be difficulty in directly visualising it, as the sound waves from the ultrasound probe do not travel well through bone.
- If the patient is larger in size or the structure is located too deep within the body, it may exceed the depth of the ultrasound probe’s waves, making this imaging modality unsuitable.
- The image quality from an ultrasound is not particularly detailed, therefore, subsequent imaging scans such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans are often recommended or required to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and enable your Gastroenterologist to create a treatment plan.
Visit Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre
If you need an ultrasound hepatobiliary system scan to examine any liver abnormalities or other hepatobiliary system-related issues, get in touch with us at Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre. Our team will schedule an appointment with our gastro specialist, Dr. Benjamin Yip who will guide you through the procedure. Apart from this screening test, we also offer other screening options, ranging from gastroscopies, colonoscopies, and other MRI scans like the MRI abdomen scan.
Contact us today to book a screening test.
References
- Lindenmeyer, Christina C. “Imaging Tests of the Liver and Gallbladder - Hepatic and Biliary Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition.” MSD Manuals, https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-sg/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/testing-for-hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/imaging-tests-of-the-liver-and-gallbladder. Accessed 9 January 2023.
- Gandhi, MR. “Ultrasound of the hepatobiliary-pancreatic system.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10633143/. Accessed 9 January 2023.
