Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AA) are common and account for approximately 9,000 deaths in the United States annually. AAAs can remain stable for years, but up to one third eventually rupture if left untreated. The mortality rate is high for ruptured AAAs as well as emergency surgery for AAA repair. The United States Preventative Task Force recommends a one-time screening for abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by ultrasonography in men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked. This abdominal ultrasound exam is covered if your physicin orders it as part of your "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam.

Abdominl ultrasound can detect an aneurysm and investigate its size and location. The exact cause of aortic aneurysms are unknown, but risk factors for developing n aortic aneurysm include

• High blood pressure
• Smoking (most influential of all the risk factors)
• Obesity
• Emphysema
• Genetic factors
• Male Gender

Preparation:
No food or drink six hours prior to your exam. Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Abdomen and/or Gallbladder

Preparation:
For six hours prior to the exam, take nothing by mouth except medications. Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Abdomen and Pelvis(combination exam)

Preparation:
For six hours prior to the exam, take nothing by mouth except for medications. One hour prior to your appointment, drink four to five 8oz. glasses of water or other non-carbonated beverage. Do not urinate until after the exam. A full bladder is necessary. Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Aorta

Preparation:
For six hours prior to the exam, take nothing by mouth except medications. Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Kidney/Bladder, Retroperitoneal

Preparation:
Drink 16oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam. Do not urinate until the examination is complete. *Dialysis patients do not need to drink water. Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Kidney transplant with Doppler

Preparation:
Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Obstetrical, Pelvis and Bladder

Preparation:
One hour prior to the appointment, drink four to five 8oz. glasses of water or other non-carbonated beverage. Do not urinate until after your examination is complete. A full bladder is necessary. Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Thyroid and Testes

Preparation:
Please arrive 15 prior to your appointment time. Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.