Children Abdominal & Bowel Ultrasound Scan

How This Scan Is Performed
This is a targeted abdominal and bowel ultrasound based on your child’s symptoms and clinical history. We assess the abdominal organs, bowel pattern and surrounding structures. Additional areas may be examined if clinically appropriate or if there is a specific concern.

Reasons for Having a Children’s Abdominal & Bowel Ultrasound Scan
Parents commonly book this scan when their child has:
Abdominal Pain
Generalised or localised pain
Pain after eating
Recurrent or persistent discomfort
Bowel Symptoms
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Bloating
Irregular bowel habits
Vomiting or Nausea
Post‑viral symptoms
Ongoing vomiting
Unclear cause
Suspected Appendicitis
Right‑sided abdominal pain
Fever with abdominal discomfort
Reduced appetite
Urinary or Pelvic Symptoms
Lower abdominal pain
Urinary frequency
Bedwetting concerns

General Reassurance
Many parents choose this scan when symptoms are unclear, persistent or worrying — or when they simply want a safe, non‑invasive assessment without waiting lists.

What This Scan Includes
This scan provides a focused abdominal and bowel ultrasound assessing:
Liver – size, echotexture, focal lesions
Gallbladder & bile ducts – stones, inflammation
Pancreas – visualised where possible
Spleen – size and appearance
Kidneys – hydronephrosis, infection indicators
Bladder – wall thickness, residual volume
Bowel pattern – distension, thickening, inflammation
Appendix – visualised when possible
Free fluid – inflammatory or infectious causes
Any tender area – targeted assessment
Optional Additional Assessment (When Clinically Appropriate)
If symptoms extend beyond the abdomen, additional regions may be assessed to ensure a complete evaluation.

Safeguarding Notice
A parent or legal guardian must be present during all paediatric scans. If any findings or behaviours raise safeguarding concerns, we follow UK safeguarding guidance and may advise further medical review or escalate concerns if a child appears at risk.

Technical Limitations
In some children, movement, discomfort or bowel gas may limit visualisation. Our sonographers will always attempt full assessment, but in certain cases the scan may be technically limited.