Ultrasound of the bladder in men: how to do it. The ultrasound process: preparation and features. What might be the results?

Ultrasound of the bladder (UB) is a painless, non-invasive, informative examination method. That is why they resort to it if any pathology associated with this organ is suspected. Preparation for an ultrasound examination of the bladder is almost the most important component in the examination. Together with the study of MP, visualization of the kidneys and urinary ducts is mandatory. The MP is, in a sense, a window through which visualization of the prostate gland can be done.

Bladder

Indications for the study

Pain in the pelvic area.
Rare or, conversely, frequent urination.
Recurrent cystitis in adults.
Acute infection in children.
The appearance of blood in the urine.
Urinary retention.
Education.
Suspicion of prostate pathology (applies to men).
Suspicion of cancer.
Any kidney diseases (will allow you to make a complex diagnosis).

Preparing for the study

If the patient is not properly prepared, the doctor will not be able to conduct the examination correctly. The bladder is a hollow organ; it collapses when unfilled, and it will be simply impossible to see anything or measure it on an ultrasound. Follow the directions of the doctor who is referring you for the procedure. A specialist may refer you for an ultrasound of the kidneys, since these two organs are closely related.

Training for adults

1.5 hours before ultrasound of the bladder you need to drink up to 1 liter of water

The purpose of training for both women and men is to fill the MP. To do this, you need to urinate an hour and a half before the ultrasound, and then gradually drink a liter of water (on average, 4–5 glasses). If the urge to urinate occurs, they do not void, but wait for the examination. Due to the fact that the journey to the clinic or hospital where an ultrasound is scheduled can take more than an hour, and there is quite a possibility of a queue there, and you will not be seen quickly, many people take water with them and drink it while waiting in line to see the doctor. Preparation for an ultrasound of the bladder in women and men is fundamentally no different.

Preparation for children

Preparing children is complicated due to the fact that it is difficult for a child to drink just water; children often refuse to do this. We need to explain to him what this is for. One and a half to two hours before the examination, the child must urinate. Instead of water, you can give him tea or compote, but in no case milk or carbonated water (these drinks cause gas formation, which will later make it difficult for the ultrasound doctor to visualize the bladder). How much water should I give my child before an ultrasound? The amount of liquid a child should drink is 5-10 ml per kilogram of his weight. It is not necessary to feed newborns. Children under two years old should be given at least half a glass to drink (from a pacifier), from three to seven years old - a glass, from seven to eleven years old - one and a half glasses, and teenagers - a full two.

General points

When preparing, you need to maintain a balance, because if you don’t drink enough water, you won’t be able to fill your bladder, and the doctor won’t be able to adequately assess the parameters needed during the study. If, on the contrary, you drink too much, then the doctor will diagnose a pathology that actually does not exist (dilation of the renal pelvis or residual urine) or you simply will not wait until the examination. If you suffer from bloating, then two days before the test, remove milk, cabbage, citrus fruits, nuts, bread and bakery products, and onions from your diet.

It is necessary to prepare for an ultrasound of the bladder, otherwise the results of the study will be distorted! The success of the ultrasound depends on how much water you drink! Pay due attention to preparing for the procedure.

How is the research going?

The patient usually lies on his back, however, sometimes the doctor needs to turn him into an inclined position. The patient should be relaxed and breathe calmly. The doctor applies a gel to the lower abdomen and begins the examination. After examining the bladder in a full state, the patient should urinate and then the doctor will examine the empty bladder. On average, the procedure is quick (takes 15 to 20 minutes). In addition to the bladder itself, the doctor scans the kidneys and ureters. Ultrasound can be both external and internal. Internal ultrasound is performed for special indications, so your doctor will inform you about this before ordering the study.

Ultrasound examination of the bladder

What might be the results?

A doctor filled with MP sees an anechoic formation emerging from the pelvis. The norm is when the internal contour of the organ is smooth and the cross sections are symmetrical. The wall thickness is individual, depending on the fullness, but it should be the same throughout. The wall thickness when filled is about 4 mm. After the examination, the patient needs to urinate. The norm is when there is no residue; if there is residual urine, then its volume should be measured. After examining the bladder, the kidneys and ureters are visualized.

Diseases of the bladder and its structures detected by ultrasound

Ultrasound shows the following signs that play a role in determining pathology and making a diagnosis:

Changes in wall thickness.
Detection of trabecularity.
Asymmetry.
Presence of internal cysts.
Tumor structures in the bladder cavity or at its base.

Bladder tumor

A very thick trabecular wall is determined by:

External obstruction by the posterior urethral valve or in the presence of a urogenital diaphragm in children.
Neurogenic MP (accompanied by ureterohydronephrosis).

Urination disorder

Local wall thickening is checked especially carefully in order to exclude cancer.

Causes of local thickening:

Echogenic formations associated with the wall:

Stones “soldered” to the mucosa.
Cyst "urethrocele".
Polyp on a leg.
Prostate enlargement in men.
Enlarged uterus in women.

Mobile echogenic formations in the cavity:

Stones.
Foreign bodies.
Thrombus (blood clot).
Air.

An enlarged or overstretched MP shows:

Normal and enlarged prostate

Strictures or stones of the urethra in men.
Trauma to the urethra in women.

Small MP:

Cystitis (because of this, the patient cannot hold urine for a long time).
Damage or fibrosis of the wall (bladder volume decreases).
Cancer. Radiation therapy and surgical treatment.
A rare infiltrating cancer. This cancer makes the bladder asymmetrical, which can be seen on ultrasound.

Availability of the study

An ultrasound costs from 700 to 900 rubles, depending on the clinic and the city where you live. The price may seem high to many patients, but ultrasound detects so many diseases that this method is simply irreplaceable if you want to have a healthy bladder. If an ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys was prescribed to you by the attending physician of the budget clinic to which you are attached, then the examination will be done free of charge. Today, an ultrasound machine is available in every medical institution. It is more logical to conduct the study in conjunction with ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary tract, because this will allow us to evaluate the pathology of the excretory system, as well as the prostate gland in men as a whole.

Let's learn how to prepare for an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder.

It is well known that disease is easier to prevent than to treat. If you know about it in advance, you can start treatment in a timely manner, use more gentle medications and the chance of recovery is certainly higher than in advanced cases.

One of the methods for early diagnosis of the urinary system is ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Having done an ultrasound screening in the area of the pelvic and abdominal organs, you can find out about the condition of the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder, the presence of sand, stones, cysts, and so on. Additionally, the doctor can examine the condition of the uterus and ovaries in women, and the prostate in men.

Who should undergo an ultrasound examination?

You should not ignore the body’s signals in the form of a high temperature of unknown origin or difficulty urinating; all this may indicate incipient diseases of the internal organs. Therefore, pay attention to the condition of your kidneys if:

There is pastiness of the skin;
Swelling of the legs, arms, face, especially in the morning;
There have been infectious diseases or injuries to the kidneys or bladder;
There is a history of cardiovascular diseases;
Periodic nagging pain in the lumbar region.

It is worth checking the condition of organs with an ultrasound if:

Take place frequent urge to urination;
The patient experiences difficulty or pain during bowel movements;
The presence or suspicion of the presence of kidney stones and sand in the bladder;
Presence of blood in the urine;
Suspicion of cystitis, pyelonephritis;
Pain in the area above the pubic bone.

How to prepare for an ultrasound?

Preparation for an ultrasound examination of the kidneys consists of diet and medication to prevent bloating.

2-3 days before the procedure, the patient is instructed to limit the intake of foods that cause gas formation in the intestines and constipation. Accumulated gases will prevent ultrasonic waves from passing through and obtaining a reliable conclusion about the condition of the internal organs. Ultrasound waves are well distributed in liquids, but not in gases. Parts of the intestine filled with gas may change their shape, and the doctor will mistake them for a tumor or cyst.

In fact, how much and what kind of food you can take is a very individual decision, because each person has a different set of foods that cause rumbling. However, there are recommendations that are common to all. You need to eliminate fatty and fried foods from your diet, drink more fluids, clean water and limit consumption of the following types of foods:

All types of legumes;
White cabbage;
Rye bread;
Fruits, especially grapes, plums;
Dried fruits;
Flour products;
Dairy and fermented milk products.

Medicinal preparation for a kidney ultrasound consists of drinking absorbents that will help get rid of fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. What drug, how much and in what dosage can be advised by the attending physician when issuing a referral for an ultrasound examination.

However, if you do not have this information, then regular activated carbon will do, at the rate of 2-3 tablets 2-3 times a day. It is taken regardless of food intake. There is no need to drink charcoal in the same dosage as for poisoning when preparing for an ultrasound examination. Pills activated carbon can be replaced with anise, dill, fennel seeds, Espumisan solution, Bobotik (for children) or Enterosgel universal sorbent.

If the study is carried out during the day, then in the morning you can take the medicine for the last time, and if in the morning, then take it the night before.

For constipation, you should take wheat or oat bran 1-2 tablespoons per day, also 2-3 days before the procedure. For medications, it is recommended to prepare and take products containing senna extract or lactulose, for example, the drug Duphalac. If the examination will be in the morning, then you need to take the medicine the evening before or the night before the procedure.

Somehow specially prepare for an ultrasound in abdominal cavity no need, the only but important requirement is to come with a filled bladder. The degree of filling should be such that you feel the urge to urinate. Drink 1000-1500 ml of water 1-1.2 hours before the test.

On an empty stomach or not?

If you are doing an ultrasound examination of the kidneys as part of an examination of all internal organs, then the doctor will tell you not to eat anything and come on an empty stomach. But if the referral is only for an ultrasound of the urinary system, then the requirement to come on an empty stomach is not at all mandatory and you can eat before the procedure.

However, please note that in this case, food must be taken no later than 8 hours before the examination and must not contain foods that cause gas.

How is the research procedure organized?

Ultrasound of the kidneys in men and women is performed mainly by the transabdominal method, through the anterior abdominal wall and a full bladder. The patient lies on the couch on his back, with the abdominal area to the pubic bone and sides open. Organs are examined in different planes and the patient may be asked to turn on their side or even stand up, inhale or exhale.

Ultrasound of the bladder in men and women in some cases may be performed differently. Due to their large weight, women can examine the bladder transvaginally by inserting a sensor in a disposable condom into the vagina. At the same time, the doctor can still look at the condition of the uterus and ovaries.

In men, an ultrasound examination of the urinary system may additionally examine the prostate. The sensor can be inserted transrectally if the patient has obesity or a prostate tumor. In this method, a thin transducer is inserted into the rectum and shows the condition of the bladder very well.

What diseases can be detected by a kidney ultrasound?

Method ultrasound examination shows signs of disease:

Nephritis, pyelonephritis;
Nephrosclerosis (pathological changes in the kidney parenchyma) “wrinkled kidney”;
Kidney stone disease;
Nephropathosis;
Neoplasms and cysts;
Deposition of calcium salts - nephrocalcinosis.

What does the doctor look for during an ultrasound examination of the abdomen?

The doctor examines the health of the kidneys, their location relative to the spine and each other, size, condition of the parenchyma, contours, presence of sand or stones. In addition, it looks at the condition of the adrenal glands, which belong to the endocrinological system. The fact is that in normal condition they are small in size, no more than 4 cm and are poorly visualized, but if the doctor sees them as voluminous and distinct, then the glands require additional examination for tumor, stagnation or inflammatory process.

Proper preparation for an ultrasound of the urinary system will allow the doctor to make a correct and correct diagnosis of the kidneys, prepare an opinion on the condition of the internal organs and the urinary system and prescribe a treatment regimen.

How is an ultrasound of the bladder performed in women and how to properly prepare for the examination? Although the issue of preparation may not seem so significant, it should not be underestimated, since the quality of preparation affects the reliability of the result. Therefore, any recommendations given by the doctor must be followed, otherwise the study may show inaccurate data. Such a study is prescribed if a number of diseases are suspected. genitourinary system: cystitis, urolithiasis (), pyelonephritis, etc., as well as in the order of differential and preventive diagnosis. An ultrasound scanner is also important for research; it is better to choose the most modern devices from sonomedica.ru.

It is worth saying that the ultrasound research method is one of the main ones in diagnosing diseases of the pelvic organs and genitourinary system.

In addition, this method is quite simple, has no contraindications, and results are obtained quite quickly.

The process of preparing for an ultrasound of the bladder

It is necessary to properly prepare for a study of this kind, since a lot depends on this stage.

The general one is the same for both women and men. All preparation can be reduced to three basic rules that must be followed:

Special diet.

The composition of the diet is selected in such a way that it effectively cleanses the intestines and prevents bloating and gas formation. Preparations begin 2–4 days before the study.

Empty stomach and intestines.

One day before the examination, preferably in the evening, you need to have a bowel movement. If bowel movements do not occur, it is recommended to use laxatives or glycerin suppositories.

Full bladder.

This is necessary to obtain an accurate picture.

To maximize the fullness of the bladder, doctors recommend that the patient refrain from going to the toilet 6-8 hours before the test.

Or, immediately before the ultrasound (2-3 hours), drink 1 liter of water or any other non-carbonated liquid.

Sometimes preparation for men and women is different due to anatomical features. When an ultrasound of a woman’s bladder is prescribed, how to prepare is a completely normal question, since in certain cases the preparation may have its own nuances.

For example, with the transvaginal method, the specialist asks to warn about menstruation. Then the transabdominal method is used. In addition, examination of the bladder through the vagina does not require a full bladder, because the image on the screen is already quite clear. At the same time, the doctor can examine the uterus and its appendages.

In all other respects, the diagnosis is no different for men and women.

How does the examination take place?

Most often, ultrasound scanning is done transabdominally - through the wall of the abdominal cavity. But there is another method used if a person has a significant degree of obesity. Such an ultrasound will be done transrectally, and in women a transvaginal examination method can also be used. For more serious pathologies, transurethral scanning is used - a probe is inserted directly into the urethra.

How does the whole process happen? It does not last long, only about 15 minutes, and sometimes less. The subject is in a supine position with his stomach exposed. The area above the pubis is lubricated with a special gel, which is called contact gel. After which the bladder itself is scanned.

If the examination is performed through the rectum or vagina, a special scanning probe is used. It is worth noting that the transabdominal method of research is still most often carried out.

The whole procedure is quite unsophisticated and simple, but at the same time it requires a certain way to prepare for it. If the doctor’s recommendations are not strictly followed by the patient, this will affect the accuracy of the results obtained: some formations may not be visible.

Sometimes a woman is asked to drink more fluid to fill the bladder in order to make the diagnostic results even more reliable.

In addition, this provides an opportunity to examine the organs lying directly behind the bladder.

Summary

For modern patients it has become a common action, and everyone knows how this procedure is done. Its appearance can be called a real breakthrough in medicine.

Such non-invasive examination of the body has become widespread. It enjoys general recognition because it shows results quickly and safely, and this is an important factor for diagnosing a number of diseases. The whole procedure is quite simple, however, it is necessary to remember that there are some nuances in preparation for men and women, but for both, it should be equally thorough, since this ensures the accuracy of the study.

Telemedicine in St. Petersburg http://medi-center.ru/telemedicina - online medical consultations without breaks or weekends. We interpret test results, give treatment recommendations, and help patients in other cities and abroad via video communication.

Ultrasound examination (US) of the bladder is widely used in the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system. This examination method is quite informative, has no contraindications and is completely safe, therefore it is allowed for use even in children.

Types of ultrasound diagnostics of the bladder

There are several ways to perform an ultrasound examination of the bladder. The choice of method is determined by the attending physician depending on the preliminary diagnosis and individual characteristics of the patient.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the bladder

this is the most popular way. It is suitable for both men, women (including pregnant women), and children.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the bladder is performed through the anterior abdominal wall using an external probe.

A mandatory requirement for conducting an examination using this method is a full bladder. Diagnostics allows you to assess the condition of the bladder as a whole: determine its shape, size, location, structure and the presence of pathologies.

Transrectal ultrasound of the bladder (TRUS)

performed through the rectum for women with an intact hymen, patients who have contraindications for transabdominal ultrasound and men (to identify the connection between prostate disease and the condition of the bladder). A special rectal sensor is used for the study;

Transvaginal ultrasound of the bladder (TVUS)

It is considered by many experts to be the most informative diagnostic method due to the absence of a layer of fatty tissue between the vagina and bladder.

In addition, TVUS is used as an alternative method (if there are contraindications to transabdominal ultrasound) and is performed on an empty bladder using a vaginal probe;

Transurethral ultrasound of the bladder (TUUS)

a type of diagnosis in which a sensor is inserted into the urethra to identify the connection between the pathology of the bladder and urethra.

Using TUUS, specialists determine the degree of damage to the urethra and surrounding tissues. This method is highly informative, but rarely used, as it requires special drug preparation of the patient (use of anesthesia). In addition, during transurethral ultrasound there is a risk of damaging the urethra.

Indications for ultrasound of the bladder

Which doctor prescribes the test and why?

A urologist usually prescribes an ultrasound of the bladder as part of a comprehensive examination of the pelvic organs. Indications for diagnosis are:

frequent and/or painful urination;
various impurities in the urine (sediment, blood);
acute urinary retention;
suspicion of urolithiasis;
sharp nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

Real-time ultrasound imaging is used in the following surgical procedures:

removal of bladder tumors;
cystolithotomy (crushing and removal of stones);
transurethral resection of the prostate (endoscopic removal of adenoma through the bladder);
surgical intervention on the ureters and urethra.

For bladder tumors, ultrasound is performed dynamically before and after treatment. Also, regular ultrasound examination is necessary to detect metastases in the bladder due to cancerous lesions of neighboring organs (uterus, prostate, kidneys).

Ultrasound of the bladder plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of other diseases that are clinically similar to pathology of the urinary tract, for example:

prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate);
salpingitis, salpingoophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes);
inflammation and developmental abnormalities of the ureters;
renal pathology (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis), etc.

Contraindications

Contraindications to ultrasound of the bladder depend on the method of diagnosis.

Transabdominal method (through the abdominal wall):

urinary incontinence (ultrasound is performed only on a full bladder);
excess weight (a thick subcutaneous fat layer makes scanning difficult and reduces the diagnostic information);
skin lesions in the lower abdomen (pyoderma, herpes, wounds, burns, infectious lesions due to syphilis and HIV);
bladder defects (sutures and scars on the bladder wall).

Transrectal method (through the rectum):

inflammatory bowel diseases in the acute stage (fissures, hemorrhoids, dysentery, Crohn's disease, etc.);
absence of the rectum (resulting from surgical intervention and replacing this organ with an artificial anostomy to remove feces);
narrowing (stricture) and obstruction of the rectum;
intolerance to latex (medical rubber).

Transvaginal method (through the vagina):

allergy to latex;
the presence of a hymen;
pregnancy more than 12 weeks;
genital infections.

Transurethral method (through the urethra)

intolerance to medicinal painkillers;
inflammatory diseases of the urethra.

Preparing for an ultrasound

Preparation for a bladder ultrasound also varies depending on the method of examination.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the bladder is performed with a full bladder and empty bowel.

Bladder preparation:

2-3 hours before the procedure you need to drink about 1 liter of liquid and not urinate. Immediately before the test, the patient is given a diuretic tablet to speed up the formation of urine by the kidneys.

Bowel preparation:

for 1-2 days before the examination, people suffering from flatulence and constipation must follow a diet that limits foods that stimulate gas formation in the intestines (raw vegetables and fruits, legumes, dairy products, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, sweet baked goods and black bread);
on the eve of the procedure, the intestines need to be cleansed by administering microenemas or glycerin suppositories;
To reduce the amount of gases, you can take activated carbon.

Preparation for transrectal ultrasound of the bladder involves emptying the rectum, which is carried out on the eve of the procedure by taking laxatives, administering a glycerin suppository or a cleansing enema.

Transvaginal ultrasound of the bladder does not require filling and can be performed on any day menstrual cycle. The only recommendation for this type of study is that the intestines be cleared of feces and gases (in order to increase information content).

Transurethral ultrasound of the bladder is performed under local anesthesia, therefore, in order to avoid negative reactions of the body to the drug, you should:

during the day before the procedure, completely eliminate alcohol intake, since its interaction with medications is unpredictable;
on the day of the examination, in the morning, limit yourself to a light breakfast and do not smoke 1-2 hours before the ultrasound, because food and nicotine against the background of the action of the anesthetic can cause nausea;
inform the doctor about the presence of cardiovascular and renal pathologies, diseases of the respiratory system, allergies to medications, alcohol abuse, and constant use of vital medications.

On a note: filling the bladder is not required only in one case - when performing transvaginal ultrasound in women. For all other research methods, the bubble must be full.

Methodology

The most common of all types of bladder ultrasound is the transabdominal (external) method. The doctor treats the head of the sensor with a special gel (to improve the transmission of ultrasonic waves) and scans the abdominal area above the pubis and below the navel. Other methods are used to clarify the results of an external examination.

In any case, the diagnostic method is determined by the attending physician, taking into account gender and individual characteristics patient, age, diagnosis, concomitant diseases and other factors.

Ultrasound of the bladder in women

In women, an ultrasound of the bladder can also be performed transvaginally or transrectally (for virgins) in which the condition of the uterus and its appendages is additionally examined.

These types of studies allow us to obtain the most complete picture of the condition of the female genitourinary organs.

Ultrasound of the bladder in men

In addition to standard external ultrasound in men, pathologies of the bladder and prostate can be diagnosed using the transrectal method. If there is a suspicion of problems with the prostate, then during an ultrasound of the bladder in men, residual urine is calculated. For this procedure, the patient is asked to urinate and then undergoes an examination that measures the remaining amount of fluid in the bladder.

Transurethral ultrasound is carried out equally for both men and women.

Ultrasound of the bladder in a child

For children, ultrasound diagnostics are performed only transabdominally. The procedure is no different from an adult ultrasound.

Ultrasound of the bladder during pregnancy

Pregnant women up to 12 weeks can be examined using ultrasound using the vaginal and rectal method. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound is performed only transabdominally.

Ultrasound results

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that is well diagnosed ultrasonic method provided it is full.

The main parameters of the bladder, which carry important information for specialists, are:

form;
size (volume);
structure;
wall thickness and smoothness;
degree of filling and emptying;
the nature of the contents of the bubble;
amount of residual urine.

Decoding these indicators allows the doctor to assess the condition of the bladder and, with a careful analysis of the clinical picture, make the correct diagnosis.

Norms for ultrasound of the bladder

depends on the level of its fullness and the condition of the surrounding organs. On transverse photographs it is a rounded organ, on longitudinal photographs it is ovoid. The contours of the bubble are clear and even. In women, the shape of the bladder is influenced by the presence of pregnancy and the number of births. Unlike the male bladder, the female one is more compressed at the top and expanded at the sides. These factors must be taken into account when interpreting the ultrasound.

Structure

Normally echo negative. The older the patient, the higher the echogenicity (due to chronic inflammatory diseases).

the average bladder capacity in women is 250-550 ml,
for men - 350-750 ml.

Bladder walls

they should be the same thickness over the entire surface: from 2 to 4 mm (depending on the degree of fullness). If local thickening/thinning of the wall is observed in one or more areas, then this phenomenon is considered a pathology.

Residual urine

It is mandatory to measure it during ultrasound of the bladder. Normally, the amount of residual urine should not be more than 50 ml.

Interpretation of an ultrasound of the bladder can reveal serious pathologies, the treatment of which should be immediate:

cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
neoplasms, including cancerous tumors;
stones in the bladder (urolithiasis);
Availability foreign bodies;
various vascular pathologies;
vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters);
inflammatory processes;
congenital anomalies of bladder development in children and acquired ones in adults;
hyperactivity (increased functionality) of the bladder;
enuresis (urinary incontinence);
diverticula of the bladder (protrusion of the wall with the formation of a sac-like reservoir for urine).

Where is an ultrasound of the bladder performed?

You can undergo a bladder diagnosis using ultrasound examination in any medical institution, but it is best to go to a specialized one that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases.

Ultrasound scanning plays an important role in the diagnosis of diseases of the bladder and other pelvic organs. Before the examination, the doctor gives the patient some instructions, because during an ultrasound of the bladder, preparation is big influence on diagnostic results.

This method is characterized by its simplicity, absence of complications and contraindications, and quick results.

Indications for ultrasound examination

This diagnostic method is prescribed to patients who have symptoms of any genitourinary diseases:

pain in the suprapubic region,
increased urge to urinate,
suspicion of kidney stones in the bladder,
discharge of blood in the urine,
difficulty urinating,
suspicion of vesicoureteral reflux, etc.

Additional indications

Ultrasound scanning is also necessary to assess kidney function, to diagnose chronic or acute cystitis, chronic pyelonephritis. In men, a simultaneous prostate examination is often performed if prostate adenoma or inflammation is suspected.

Ultrasound of the bladder in women, if necessary, is supplemented with examination of the genital organs located in the pelvis. This may be required for differential diagnosis, adnexa and uterus.

Preparation for ultrasound examination

1.5 or 2 hours before the test, you must gradually drink about 2 liters of non-carbonated liquid: plain water, tea, juice, compote, etc. This is necessary to ensure that the bladder is full during the procedure.

Thanks to this technique, it is possible to more clearly determine the shape of the organ, contours, wall thickness and other parameters.

When simultaneously examining the prostate or female genital organs, filling the bladder is necessary for better visualization of the anatomical structures located behind it.

There is also a physiological method of preparing for the study, which consists of abstaining from urination for 5-6 hours.

Advice: if during preparation you are tormented by strong urges and find it difficult to restrain yourself, then you can partially empty your bowels. Then you need to drink an additional amount of fluid so that by the time of the study the bladder is full again.

Sometimes ultrasound of the prostate and bladder is performed transrectally. In this case, in addition to the described preparation, you should do a cleansing enema the day before and several hours before the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

For ultrasound scanning, transabdominal access is more often used, that is, through the abdominal wall. If there is a significant degree of obesity, as well as if a prostate tumor is suspected, an ultrasound scan is performed through the rectum. In women, if transabdominal examination is difficult, transvaginal access is used.

The duration of the procedure is usually no more than 10-15 minutes. In this case, the patient lies on his back. The specialist applies a contact gel to the suprapubic area, and then scans the bladder using a special device.

For transrectal and transvaginal diagnostics, a special probe is inserted into the rectum or vagina, respectively. If prostate disease is suspected, after a routine scan, the subject is asked to urinate, then the residual volume of urine in the bladder is determined.

Recommendation: if you still have questions about the bladder ultrasound procedure - how the results are assessed, whether you need additional preparation - ask your doctor about the points that interest you. The specialist must explain to you in detail what kind of access will be used in your case and how the procedure will be carried out.

The ultrasound diagnostic procedure is safe and painless

What can be determined by ultrasound examination?

During an ultrasound scan, a specialist evaluates the following parameters:

shape (with various neoplasms, the bladder becomes asymmetrical);
size (small bladder with fibrosis of its wall, recurrent cystitis, schistosomiasis; enlarged with prostate adenoma, urethral strictures, urethral stones and other pathologies);
external and internal contours;
the nature of the contents (urine, blood clots or hematoma, pus, which manifest themselves as hyperechoic structures);
the presence of tumor formations and foreign bodies in the bladder cavity, their mobility and shape;
traumatic damage to the walls and violation of their integrity.

Ultrasound data of the bladder in cystitis or neurogenic bladder are characterized by uneven contours and thickening of its walls. Also, stones can be detected in the organ cavity, their shape, quantity and size can be determined. With prostate adenoma and its inflammation, the outflow becomes difficult, so the residual amount of urine increases.

On the inner wall of the organ, you can see diverticula (protrusions), polyps, tumors, cysts, and determine the nature of their connection with the wall (on a thin stalk or a wide base). When scanning, changes in the orifices of the ureters are detected due to their inflammation or tumors.

When assessing the final sections of the ureters, the following pathologies can be identified:

dilatation of the ureter (megaureter),
ureterocele (entry of the terminal ureter into the cavity of the bladder),
abnormal number of ureters, etc.

After an ultrasound of the bladder, interpretation of the examination data and diagnosis are made by a qualified specialist - a urologist or nephrologist, taking into account complaints, symptoms, medical history and the results of additional studies.