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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:
- adrenals;
- kidneys;
- ureters;
- bladder;
- urethra;
- prostate gland;
- testicles (testicles) and their appendages;
- 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).
