Ultrasound in urology

Do you suffer from pain in the lower abdomen or discomfort when urinating? Sign up for a painless and completely safe sonography procedure. In Moscow, ultrasound of the kidneys, adrenal glands and retroperitoneal space, you can go to the multidisciplinary medical center "K+31".

Urological ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic technique based on the ability of tissues and body fluids to reflect and absorb high frequency sound waves. Based on its results, therapy for diseases of the genitourinary system is prescribed.

Why is ultrasound performed in urology?

With the help of ultrasound, the genitourinary system (MPS) in men and the urinary tract in women are examined. This imaging method is simple and accessible and has virtually no contraindications.

Diagnosis is not related to radiation exposure and exposure to electromagnetic fields, so if necessary, it can be carried out as many times as needed.

The transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations and receives sound waves reflected from tissues. After processing the data, a clear picture immediately appears on the monitor, allowing the diagnostician to assess the condition of the organs of a certain area of the body.

In urology, the following organs are visualized on the screen using ultrasound:

  1. adrenals;
  2. kidneys;
  3. ureters;
  4. bladder;
  5. urethra;
  6. prostate gland;
  7. testicles (testicles) and their appendages;
  8. vas deferens.

The listed organs can be examined in combination or separately, depending on the patient's complaints and preliminary diagnosis.

During the procedure, the blood supply to organs and tissues and hemodynamic disorders are assessed. Ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary tract with Doppler allows you to detect abnormalities in the position of blood vessels, their narrowing, varicose veins and thrombosis.

Important: Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder and urethra in women can be performed during pregnancy, regardless of gestational age, without fear for the health of the fetus.

Indications for ultrasound of the genitourinary system

Ultrasound scanning is used for almost any pathology of the urogenital system. Urologists refer the patient to an ultrasound scan for any injuries of the lumbar and inguinal region.

Other indications:

  • pain in the side or lower back, accompanied by prolonged hyperthermia (increased overall body temperature);
  • urinary retention or incontinence;
  • pain and/or weak pressure when urinating;
  • the likelihood of the presence of foreign bodies in the urethral canal and bladder;
  • suspicion of urolithiasis (presence of stones);
  • central and peripheral edema;
  • history of sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc.);
  • persistent arterial hypertension (high blood pressure that does not stabilize after taking antihypertensive drugs);
  • deviations in the indicators of general clinical and biochemical blood tests;
  • macro- or microhematuria (admixture of blood in the urine).

Urological male ultrasound is prescribed for varicose veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele), orchitis (inflammation of the testes), erectile dysfunction, curvature of the penis (Peyronie's disease) and the detection of blood in the ejaculate (semen).

What diseases can be detected?

Ultrasound of MPS in men helps to diagnose pathologies such as prostatitis (with acute and chronic course), overgrowth of prostate tissue (adenoma), as well as malignant tumors of the prostate, scrotum and pelvic structures.

Scrotum sonography assesses the size of the testicles, their blood supply and the structure of the appendages. During the ultrasound of the urethra in men, congenital anomalies of the structure and position, stenosis and strictures are determined.

Sonography reveals:

  • renal artery stenosis and other disorders of blood flow in the pelvis;
  • polyps;
  • cysts;
  • torsion of the spermatic cord;
  • testis infarction;
  • testicular atrophy;
  • diverticula and bladder inflammation;
  • urolithiasis (urolithiasis).

The urologist can view hyperechoic areas (zones of increased density) on the monitor. For example, with cystitis, it may be a "sediment" consisting of dead epithelial cells and blood cells. Large hyperechoic inclusions may indicate tumors or calculi (stones).

Ultrasound of seminal vesicles (formations responsible for the production of seminal fluid) is included in the prostate scan protocol. The procedure is prescribed, in particular, to establish the causes of male infertility. Their size is determined. symmetry and uniformity, as well as structural pathologies (including vesiculitis).

Important: According to the results of sonography, the diagnostician may suspect cancerous tumors, but the diagnosis can be confirmed only after a biopsy of the neoplasm, followed by histological and cytological examination of tissue samples in the laboratory.

Hypoechoic formation indicates structural changes. Dark areas on the screen are usually caused by liquid buildup. They appear, for example, with cystic formations and hydrocele (hydrocele).

How is the procedure carried out?

Non-invasive examination can be performed transabdominally, i.e. through the anterior abdominal wall. This is how, for example, an ultrasound examination of the kidneys is performed.

The patient is in a horizontal position. He can lie on his back or on his side (during a translumbar examination). The only contraindication is the presence of a wound surface in the area being examined.

To improve the glide of the transducer and the passage of the sound wave, a special gel is applied to the skin of the subject. The diagnostician moves the device in the desired area, carefully examining the image on the monitor. This technique is not associated with discomfort.

With ultrasound of the urethra and reproductive system in women, transvaginal (with the insertion of a probe into the vagina) may be indicated. They may occasionally have pathologies that require the advice of a specialist in the field of gynecology.

Please note: Transvaginal ultrasound is not performed on an intact hymen (hymen).

In male patients, ultrasound of the bladder and prostate can be performed using a transrectal technique, which involves placing a transducer in the rectum. This method of examining the structures of the small pelvis is more informative, but is associated with discomfort.

Preparing for scanning

2-3 days before the procedure, a person needs to exclude from the diet foods that contribute to increased gas formation in the intestines.

These include:

  • beans, lentils and other legumes;
  • rye and rye-wheat bread;
  • spicy dishes and spices;
  • sausages and smoked meats;
  • uncooked fruits and vegetables;
  • any sweet soda and sparkling mineral water;
  • kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese and other fermented milk products;
  • fatty meats and fish.

In preparation for the study, it is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol, as they can affect intestinal motility.

Without special restrictions, you can eat hard cheese, cereals (boiled in water); beef, chicken and wheat bread. Boiled eggs can be included in the diet, but not more than 1 pc. per day. Fractional meals are recommended (small portions 5-6 times a day).

Immediately before the study, a light breakfast is allowed. If transrectal sonography is to be done, it is advisable to give a cleansing enema or take a laxative the night before.

An hour before the ultrasound of the ureters and other MPS structures, you need to drink 800-1200 ml of water without gas, but do not visit the restroom, because the bladder must be full. No special preparation is required before a scrotal scan.

Please note: When determining the volume of residual urine, an ultrasound examination must be performed twice - with a full bladder and immediately after visiting the restroom.

The K+31 clinic is equipped with modern high-precision expert-class equipment. Equipment from the world's leading manufacturers allows you to make or verify a preliminary diagnosis.

We employ experienced doctors who regularly improve their qualifications at special courses and seminars. They strictly follow diagnostic protocols and standards of modern evidence-based medicine. The testimonials of grateful patients left on the site testify to the high quality of the work of our diagnosticians.

In our multidisciplinary center, low prices (from 1500 rubles) are set for the study of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis. Promotions are regularly held and a flexible system of discounts operates. You can make an appointment for an initial appointment (consultation) and clarify the cost of procedures by phone or online.

Service record

Services



Specialists

All specialists
Rasner
Pavel Ilyich

Consultant in urology, urologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD, professor

Osmolovsky
Boris Evgenyevich

Head of the Department of Urology, Urologist

PhD

Tereshchenko
Suren Alexandrovich

Doctor urologist-andrologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD

Kamalov
Armais Albertovich

Chief Consultant in Urology, Urologist

Academician, professor, Doctor of Sciences, PhD