Abdominal Film

Definition

Abdominal films are x-ray images of the abdomen.

X-ray
Digestive system

Alternative Names

How the test is performed

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. You lie on your back on the x-ray table. The x-ray machine is positioned over your abdominal area. You hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position to the side or to stand up for additional pictures.

How to prepare for the test

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant, have an IUD inserted, or have had a barium contrast media x-ray in the last 4 days.

If you have taken any medications such as Pepto Bismol (which contains bismuth) within 4 days mention it to the health care provider, because they may interfere with the test.

You wear a hospital gown during the x-ray procedure. You must remove all jewelry. You must sign an informed consent form.

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this procedure depends on your child's age and previous experiences. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel

There is no discomfort. The films are taken with you lying on your back, side, and while standing.

Why the test is performed

The abdominal x-ray can help identify suspected problems in the urinary system such as a kidney stone or a blockage in the intestine. The x-ray can locate an object that has been swallowed. The x-ray may also help in diagnosing a pain in the abdomen or unexplained nausea.

Normal Values

The x-ray will show normal structures for a person your age.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal findings include:

• abdominal masses
• an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area
• kidney stones
• some types of gallstones
• intestinal blockage
• foreign bodies in the intestines (an intestinal obstruction)
• trauma to the abdominal tissue
• perforation of the stomach or intestines

• abdominal aortic aneurysm
• acute appendicitis
• acute cholecystitis
• acute renal failure
• Addison's disease
• adenomyosis
• annular pancreas
• ascariasis
• atheroembolic renal disease
• biliary atresia
• blind loop syndrome
• cholangitis
• chronic renal failure
• cirrhosis
• echinococcus
• encopresis
• Hirschsprung's disease
• idiopathic aplastic anemia
• injury of the kidney and ureter
• intussusception (children)
• necrotizing enterocolitis
• nephrocalcinosis
• peritonitis; dialysis associated
• peritonitis, spontaneous
• primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
• renal artery stenosis
• renal cell carcinoma
• secondary aplastic anemia
• toxic megacolon
• Wilms' tumor

What the risks are

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. Women should tell the health care provider if they are, or may be, pregnant.

Special considerations

The test is not usually recommended for pregnant women. The ovaries and uterus cannot be shielded during the abdominal X-ray because of their location. Men should have a lead shield placed over the testes to protect against the radiation.

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Review Date:5/17/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.