The full form of TAS in medical term is Transabdominal Sonography (TAS). It is a non-invasive ultrasound imaging technique used to examine abdominal and pelvic organs. It is widely employed in obstetrics, gynecology, and general abdominal diagnostics. The procedure involves placing an ultrasound probe on the surface of the abdomen to capture real-time images of internal structures.

Procedure of TAS

During a TAS procedure:

• The patient is usually asked to drink water and maintain a full bladder for better visualization.
• A gel is applied on the abdomen to facilitate sound wave transmission.
• A transducer (probe) is moved over the skin to generate images of the internal organs.

Applications of TAS

1. Obstetrics & Gynecology: Used for monitoring pregnancy, fetal growth, and diagnosing conditions like fibroids and ovarian cysts.
2. Abdominal Organ Evaluation: Helps assess the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen.
3. Urinary System Examination: Detects kidney stones, bladder abnormalities, and other urinary tract conditions.
4. Detection of Tumors & Masses: Identifies abnormal growths or cysts in the abdomen and pelvis.

Advantages and Limitations

✔ Advantages:

• Non-invasive and painless procedure.
• Provides real-time imaging for accurate diagnosis.
• Safe for pregnant women and children as it does not use radiation.

❌ Limitations:

• Image quality may be affected by obesity or excess intestinal gas.
• Requires a full bladder, which may cause discomfort.
• May not provide detailed imaging of deep pelvic structures compared to transvaginal sonography (TVS).