RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized, prospective study was to evaluate the effect of three preparation types on the abdominal sonographic examination quality and on patient acceptance. METHODS: Examinations were performed on 611 patients in the imaging department of a referral oncology center. Patients were divided into three groups: preparation with fasting, water, laxatives, and antiflatulents (Group I), preparation with fasting, water, and antiflatulents alone (Group II), or preparation with fasting and water alone (Group III). The examination quality was evaluated both objectively through grades and subjectively through impressions. Statistical significance was set at the p ≤ 0.05 level. RESULTS: No difference in examination quality was seen among patients with or without medication. Improved visualization of the retroperitoneum in the mid abdomen was observed among Group I patients. Patients in Groups II and III displayed fewer side effects. Other variables, such as obesity and increased abdominal wall thickness, also impacted the image quality. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of the abdominal organs was satisfactory even in patients who had only fasted and received water. The use of laxative and antiflatulent preparations is not required before routine abdominal ultrasound examinations.