Category: 6. Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

In the female pelvis, you can find free fluid in the Pouch of Douglas (Rectouterine Pouch).

In the male pelvis, you can find free fluid in the rectovesical pouch/space.

• Using the technique to scan the spleen described above, you can detect free abdominal fluid in the perisplenic recess. You can also check the costodiaphragmatic recess from this view.

• Using the technique to scan the liver described above, you can detect free abdominal fluid in the hepatorenal recess (Morison’s Pouch). Normally, the recess is only a potential space, and no anechoic fluid should be seen between the liver and kidney.

Evaluating for free fluid is a common abdominal ultrasound application. We will go over the most common locations to detect free fluid using abdominal ultrasound.

Using these techniques, you’ll be able to diagnose ascites and hemoperitoneum in trauma patients. Keep in mind that blood will look more echogenic as hemoperitoneum progresses and begins to coagulate.