Is it necessary to fast for an examination of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys? Can I drink water?

Mar 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, an examination of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys requires fasting, and drinking water is also not recommended. Liver, gallbladder, and spleen examinations typically require fasting for 8–12 hours to ensure that no food residue remains in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby allowing clearer imaging of the abdominal organs. Food digestion in the body produces gas, and both stomach contents and gas can interfere with ultrasound waves, potentially affecting the accuracy of the examination results.

Generally, an examination of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys requires fasting, and drinking water is not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Examinations of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen usually require fasting for 8–12 hours to ensure that there is no residual food in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby allowing clearer imaging of abdominal organs. Digestion of food in the body produces gas, and both gastric contents and gas can interfere with ultrasound waves, potentially affecting the accuracy of the examination results. Additionally, fasting ensures sufficient filling of bile in the gallbladder and bile ducts, allowing clearer observation of the gallbladder's shape and structure.

During examinations of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys—particularly when color ultrasound is used—drinking water is generally not advised. Gas produced in the gastrointestinal tract after drinking water can interfere with the propagation and imaging of ultrasound waves, thus affecting the visualization of organs such as the liver and pancreas and reducing the accuracy of the examination. However, patients with diabetes or other specific health conditions may drink a small amount of water to prevent dehydration.

After dinner the day before the examination, one should avoid eating high-fat foods and must fast on the morning of the examination day.

Related Articles

View All

What are the late-stage symptoms of breast cancer metastasized to the liver?

When breast cancer cells spread to the liver and reach the terminal stage, patients often develop typical symptoms such as persistent upper right abdominal distension and pain, jaundice throughout the body, severe abdominal bloating resembling a drum, rapid weight loss, and marked loss of appetite. These symptoms indicate severe liver dysfunction and necessitate prompt systemic intervention at a specialized oncology center. In the terminal phase, liver function, coagulation, and blood ammonia levels should be monitored weekly, and animal protein intake should be restricted to prevent hepatic encephalopathy.

View Full Answer

What medication should be taken for high alanine aminotransferase?

Generally speaking, there is no specific medication for "elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)." High ALT levels may result from factors such as chronic sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, or chronic hepatitis B. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medications, or other treatments under the guidance of a physician.

View Full Answer

Which indicator is used to assess anemia?

In general, anemia is diagnosed by evaluating indicators such as hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid—such as lean meat, animal liver, and leafy green vegetables—along with regular作息 (sleep schedule), and moderate exercise can help maintain normal blood parameters.

View Full Answer

Do you still get cholecystitis after gallbladder removal?

In general, after cholecystectomy, one will no longer develop cholecystitis since the primary organ where inflammation occurs has been removed. However, abdominal discomfort similar to cholecystitis may occur after surgery and should be differentiated from the original condition. In daily life, individuals who have undergone cholecystectomy should maintain a light diet, avoid consuming large amounts of greasy food at once, and thereby reduce the burden on the bile ducts in secreting bile.

View Full Answer

Which department should I visit for gallbladder swelling?

In general, patients with gallbladder lesions are advised to first seek care from departments specializing in hepatobiliary diseases, such as hepatobiliary surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, emergency medicine, and ultrasound. The choice of department should be based on symptoms, severity of the condition, and the specific departmental structure of the medical institution. Asymptomatic individuals may initially be followed up in gastroenterology or general surgery.

View Full Answer

Where is the incision made for gallstone surgery?

In general, the surgical incision site for gallstones is determined based on the surgical approach and the patient's specific condition. Common incision sites include below the right upper abdominal rib margin, mid-upper abdomen, laparoscopic port sites in the right upper abdomen, the umbilicus, and below the xiphoid process. Ultimately, the choice of incision site must be decided by the physician, taking into account factors such as the size and location of the stones, the degree of gallbladder inflammation, and the selected surgical method.

View Full Answer

Are liver and gallbladder diseases serious?

In general, the severity of hepatobiliary diseases cannot be generalized and must be comprehensively assessed based on disease type, stage of progression, and response to treatment. While some conditions are mild and curable, others may be severe and life-threatening. Most hepatobiliary diseases present with subtle early symptoms—such as fatigue and decreased appetite—that are easily overlooked, often leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

View Full Answer

Will primary liver cancer recur after being cured?

In general, whether primary liver cancer will recur after treatment depends on the disease stage. The recurrence rate is relatively low for early-stage primary liver cancer after successful treatment, whereas it is higher for intermediate and advanced stages, requiring long-term monitoring of disease changes. In daily care, patients must strictly follow medical advice to undergo regular follow-up examinations, including monitoring of liver function, tumor markers, and imaging findings.

View Full Answer

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.