Urinary system examination
In order to obtain the most accurate picture of the state of the patient's urinary system, not only the bladder ultrasound is usually performed, but also the kidneys, and in men the prostate gland. Depending on the condition your doctor suspects or wants to rule out, they may also order you to undergo tests, such as a general urine test or a urine culture. The first one provides general information about the functioning of the urinary system. The second - is more accurate and aims to detect bacteria and determine their species. Such a comprehensive examination of the urinary system allows for the detection and effective treatment of many serious diseases.
The bladder ultrasound is completely painless and lasts only several minutes, just like the abdominal ultrasound. However, in order for the doctor to be able to carry out the examination without any interruption and for the image to come out correctly, it is worth knowing how to properly prepare for the ultrasound of the bladder.
Why do an ultrasound of the bladder?
Bladder ultrasound allows detecting abnormalities in the structure of organs and their functioning. Your doctor may recommend this test if you complain of severe pain, difficulty passing urine, or if urine laboratory tests show any abnormalities. The indications for ultrasound of the bladder are also: hematuria, palpable tumors in the abdominal cavity or suspected kidney stones. Ultrasound examination is non-invasive and completely safe for the patient.
Bladder ultrasound - what does it look like?
The examination visit usually lasts about a dozen or so minutes. During this time, the patient is lying on his back (in some cases, the doctor may ask you to lie on your side). The skin on the abdomen is covered with a special ultrasound gel. Then the doctor puts the head of the device against it and moves it to get the most complete picture of the organ under examination. During the ultrasound examination, the size of the bladder, its structure, shape, and wall thickness are determined and any abnormalities are checked. Ultrasonography is safe, painless and has virtually no contraindications to its performance. Bladder ultrasound can also be performed in pregnant women.
How to prepare for an ultrasound of the bladder?
In order for the technician to perform the ultrasound correctly, it is imperative that the patient's bladder is full of urine during the examination. We should feel the pressure on the bladder and the urge to urinate. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient drink one and a half liters of water (preferably spring water) about an hour before the examination. The water must be still - avoid sugary drinks with bubbles. In order to properly prepare for a bladder ultrasound, you also need to refrain from eating heavy and bloating foods. Gases can disturb the image on ultrasound, as well as faecal content, so it is worth having a bowel movement before the examination. The patient should come on an empty stomach if the examination takes place in the morning, or not eat for at least 4 hours if in the afternoon.
