| Print Date: | May 22, 2013, 11:05 am |
| Title | Abdominal Films |
| Text | In an AP film of the abdomen, the patient is lying on her/his back (supine position), and all air goes up (anterior). The transverse colon is anterior, so it is visible with air in this position.
In the prone position (PA - stomach down), the rectum, descending and ascending colon become air-filled (if there is air)- because they are more posterior structures and are now higher. Sometimes a cross-table (horizontal X-ray beam) radiograph may help visualize free air in the abdomen. Images may be obtained supine, prone, or in a lateral (decubitus) position. |
| References: | |
| Contributor | James G. Smirniotopoulos, M.D. (Uniformed Services University) |
| Peer Reviewer | James G. Smirniotopoulos, M.D. (Uniformed Services University) |
| Record Number | : 1014 |
| Created | 2000-09-08 15:33:35-04 |
| Modified | 2007-01-27 09:13:31.620138-05 |
| Category: | Miscellaneous |
| Location: | Abdomen - Generalized |
| Sublocation: | None Selected |
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