Ultrasonography (USG) as a part of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is helpful in providing a comprehensive overview of intraabdominal organs. USG is useful in bedside evaluation of the stomach, liver, gallbladder, common bile duct (CBD), kidneys, and abdominal aorta. USG can also help in the placement of feeding tubes, urinary catheters, and for paracentesis. Gastric ultrasound provides a good noninvasive measurement of gastric residual volume (GRV). This can be helpful in the intensive care units (ICU) to prevent aspiration prior to performing procedures. In hepatobiliary disorders, USG can assist in grading fatty liver disease and measuring the damping index (with the help of Doppler ultrasound). Gallstones are characteristically identified as hyperechoic shadows with gravitational dependence. USG is also of great importance in diagnosing the etiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). Renal resistive index (RRI) is a novel index measured with the help of Doppler ultrasound. Normal values range between 0.5 and 0.7. Higher values are indicative of AKI. USG can also aid in performing ICU procedures like paracentesis (marking the site), urinary catheterization, and feeding tube placement.
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