Clinics in Medical Education

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND COURSES

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Identify the appropriate probe for an abdominal examination.
  2. Demonstrate the appropriate probe positioning for examination of the abdominal aorta.
  3. Perform an ultrasound-guided assessment of intraoperative free fluid.
  4. Examine the abdominal aorta for pathologies, such as aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.
  5. Assess the hepatorenal and splenorenal space for fluid collection.
  6. Perform an ultrasound-guided assessment of kidneys and urinary bladder for approximation of urine volume.

Abdominal Ultrasound

The module includes one instructional video and two case-based videos to reinforce anatomical understanding and diagnostic skills.

The module includes the following components:

  1. Abdominal Ultrasound Evaluation
  2. Gastric Cases 1–10
  3. Gastric Cases 11–20

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this session, learners will be able to:

  1. Identify the appropriate ultrasound probe for abdominal examinations.
  2. Demonstrate correct probe positioning for visualization of the abdominal aorta.
  3. Perform an ultrasound-guided assessment for intraoperative free fluid, including evaluation of the hepatorenal and splenorenal spaces.
  4. Evaluate the abdominal aorta for common pathologies, including aortic aneurysm and dissection.
  5. Assess the hepatorenal and splenorenal spaces for evidence of fluid accumulation.
  6. Perform an ultrasound-guided evaluation of the kidneys and urinary bladder to approximate urine volume.

Evaluation of Aspiration Risk

A. Overview and Clinical Relevance

  • Importance in perioperative care
  • ASA guidelines and recommendations
  • Indications for gastric ultrasound
  • Review questions for knowledge check 

B. Basics of Gastric Ultrasound

  • Probe selection
  • Patient positioning
  • Relevant anatomy

C. Assessment Techniques

  • Evaluation algorithm
  • Gastric volume estimation methods 
  • Clinical Importance of Gastric Volume Assessment
  • Fundamentals of Gastric Ultrasound
  • Ultrasound Identification of Gastric Anatomy
  • Characterization of Gastric Contents
  • Estimation of Gastric Fluid Volume

Ultrasound Guided Gastric Volume Assessment