A simple, non-invasive way to monitor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
An intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a safe, painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your intestines. This allows your provider to evaluate inflammation and monitor how well your treatment is working during your clinic visit.
MNGI Digestive Health is proud to be among the first practices in Minnesota to offer intestinal ultrasound for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What is an intestinal ultrasound?
Intestinal ultrasound is an advanced imaging tool that allows your provider to see your intestines in real time. The exam can show changes such as inflammation or thickening of the bowel wall that may occur with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Unlike a CT scan or MRI, intestinal ultrasound:
- Does not use radiation
- Does not require contrast dye
- Does not require fasting or bowel preparation
- Can often be performed during your regular office visit
- Provides immediate results that you and your provider can review together
Seeing the results right away helps you better understand your condition and allows your care team to make timely treatment decisions.
Why might I need an intestinal ultrasound?
Your provider may recommend an intestinal ultrasound to:
- Monitor inflammation from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Check how well your treatment is working
- Evaluate new or changing symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea
- Monitor healing or watch for disease flare-ups over time
- Help determine whether additional testing, such as a colonoscopy, may be needed
Important: Intestinal ultrasound is a valuable monitoring tool, but it does not replace a colonoscopy when colon cancer screening or a more detailed examination of the bowel is needed.
Benefits of intestinal ultrasound
Patients appreciate intestinal ultrasound because it is:
- Non-invasive – No needles or incisions
- Radiation-free – Uses sound waves instead of X-rays
- No contrast dye required
- No bowel preparation needed
- Convenient – Performed during your clinic visit
- Real-time results – Your provider can discuss findings immediately
- Comfortable and painless
Who performs the exam?
Intestinal ultrasound is currently available at our Plymouth clinic and is performed by Dr. Campbell, who has specialized training in this advanced imaging technology.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and would like to learn whether intestinal ultrasound is right for you, talk with your MNGI provider or schedule an appointment today.
