Ultrasound Specialist

What are Ultrasounds of the Bladder and Kidney Used for?

An ultrasound is employed to generate images of the kidneys, ureters, and the bladder. The ultrasound works by using sound waves which bounce back off the organ to create images. This is a safe and painless procedure. Doctors use ultrasounds to identify if there are any signs that the kidney or bladder has been affected by disease or trauma. The ultrasound can show:

• Cysts or tumors
• The size of the kidneys
• Signs of trauma to the kidneys
• Abnormalities present since birth
• Presence of blockages or kidney stones
• Complications from a UTI or urinary tract infection

These ultrasounds can assist to diagnose particular illnesses, examine how the kidneys and bladder are functioning, and can be used to help with the placement of instruments when a biopsy is being performed.

How is a Bladder and Kidney Ultrasound Performed?

The ultrasound will be performed in the office and patients will change into a hospital gown in most cases. Using a clear gel to improve the passage of the soundwaves, the technician will glide a transducer wand over the area to transmit the images of the organs to a screen. The high-frequency sound waves bounce off the internal organs and the computer uses the results to map out a black and white image of the organ. Patients should stay as still as possible throughout the exam and it generally takes roughly 30 minutes.

What Problems Could Require a Bladder and Kidney Ultrasound?

Imaging can assist a physician to determine the cause of:

• Kidney failure
• Blood in urine
• Urinary retention
• Blockage of urine
• Urinary frequency
• High blood pressure
• Urinary incontinence
• Pain in the groin or lower back
• Urinary urgency
• Abdominal mass

A single symptom can have several causes and the physician can use the ultrasound to identify the exact internal cause.