Ultrasound of the bladder is an important part of the diagnosis, which is regularly used in modern medicine. It is with the help of this study that you can determine if there are any violations in the bladder, whether there are changes in its structure and size. Based on the data received, the doctor can make a final diagnosis.
Ultrasound of the bladder: the main indications for
A similar study can be prescribed for completely different reasons:
- It is prescribed to patients who consulted a doctor with various kinds of urination disorders, for example, rapid urge to excrete urine, the content of blood elements in the urine, etc.
- In addition, ultrasound of the bladder is an integral part of the diagnosis for those patients who consulted a doctor with complaints of symptoms of kidney and urethra diseases.
- The study is prescribed for men with possible diseases of the seminal vesicles or prostate gland.
- Women can also be sent for ultrasound if you suspect ovarian disease.
In addition, an ultrasound scan is mandatory in cases where the results of the patient's tests indicate the possibility of developing any disease of the genitourinary system.
Ultrasound of the bladder: preparation
The results of an ultrasound examination also largely depend on proper preparation . In order to achieve maximum visibility, the bladder needs to be filled - its volume should be at least 250 - 350 milliliters. There are two ways to achieve this state:
- Two hours before the study, the patient is recommended to drink 1.5 - 2 liters of fluid without emptying the bladder.
- There is also a physiological way to fill the bladder - the patient should refrain from urinating for 4 to 6 hours before the diagnosis.
With insufficient filling of the bladder, the doctor will not be able to clearly analyze the size and structure of the organ. In such cases, the patient is usually asked to wait, or to drink some more liquid.
How do ultrasound of the bladder?
The procedure for ultrasound diagnosis is quite simple and takes no more than 10 - 15 minutes. The patient receives the results of the study immediately after the examination. In most cases, ultrasound of the bladder is carried out by the transabdominal method. First, contact gel is applied to the patient’s stomach, after which the organ is scanned with a special device through the front abdominal wall.
In some cases, transrectal diagnosis is performed. In this case, a special probe is inserted into the anus of a person, which scans an organ through the walls of the rectum.
It is worth noting that the ultrasound diagnostic procedure is completely safe for human health. In addition, it is painless. The patient can only complain of discomfort associated with an overflowing bladder.
Ultrasound of the bladder: what can I find out?
First, the doctor must examine the organ, determine its size and shape, and also study the structure and thickness of the wall. It is also important to find out the exact location of the bladder relative to other organs.
In addition, during the study, you can determine the presence of any tumors, neoplasms. Ultrasound also makes it possible to see and measure the size of kidney stones. The ureters are examined in the same way and checked for extensions.
With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, the doctor gets the opportunity to notice the inflammatory process or any other changes in the structure and functions of the genitourinary system.
Ultrasound results must be delivered to the attending physician - they will allow him to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the optimal treatment regimen.