How To Scan Appendix | Ultrasound Probe Positioning | Transducer Placement | Abdominal USG Scanning
Jan 21, 2023
How To Scan Appendix | Ultrasound Probe Positioning | Transducer Placement | Abdominal USG Scanning
-Use a high frequency (7-12MHz) linear probe.
-Lower frequencies and curvilinear probe can be used in patients with large body habitus.
-Place the probe lateral to the umbilicus in transverse orientation.
-In case of suspected appendicitis, you can place the probe over the area of tenderness. This can help locate the inflamed appendix much faster.
-Apply graded compression to displace bowel gases.
-Locate the psoas muscle.
-Move the probe further to the right of the patient to locate the cecum.
-The small bowel has peristaltic movements whereas cecum and colon do not have peristaltic movements.
-Move the probe down towards the end of the cecum. The cecum and the appendix have a variable location which is why the right lower quadrant is thoroughly scanned.
-Move downwards and medially to locate iliac vessels
-Examine the medial and lateral aspects of the cecum.
-The appendix is usually found near the psoas muscle and iliac vessels.
-Adjust the probe accordingly until you locate a target shaped, non-compressible structure. Small bowel is compressible whereas the appendix is non compressible.
-After locating the appendix in transverse view, rotate the probe 90 degrees clockwise to scan in longitudinal plane.
