Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and urinary system

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Abdominal and urinary system ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method based on the use of ultrasound waves, which allows assessment of the structure and size of the abdominal organs and urinary system.

The examination allows assessment of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and urinary bladder, as well as other structures accessible to ultrasound examination.

Ultrasound can detect changes in the size and structure of organs, focal lesions, cysts, stones, signs of inflammation, changes in the bile ducts and renal collecting system, as well as the presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. During urinary bladder examination, its shape, size, wall thickness and contents can be assessed. When medically indicated, the post-void residual urine volume can also be determined.

The results are interpreted by the physician taking into account the clinical picture, the patient's symptoms and the results of other investigations.

Indications

• abdominal pain or discomfort;
• pain in the lower back region;
• a feeling of heaviness or persistent abdominal bloating;
• recurrent nausea or vomiting;
• urinary disorders;
• frequent or painful urination;
• changes in the color or appearance of urine;
• blood in the urine;
• laboratory abnormalities that may indicate impaired function of the abdominal organs or urinary system;
• suspected diseases of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys or urinary bladder;
• suspected kidney or gallbladder stones;
• monitoring of previously diagnosed conditions;
• assessment after abdominal trauma;
• assessment of post-void residual urine volume, when medically indicated;
• preventive examination as recommended by a physician.

Procedure

The patient is usually positioned lying on their back. The physician applies a special gel to the abdominal skin and gently moves the ultrasound transducer over the surface, examining the abdominal organs and urinary system in different planes.

To assess the kidneys, urinary bladder and other structures, the patient may be asked to change position or perform simple maneuvers during the examination.

The examination is painless and usually takes approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the purpose of the examination and the patient's individual characteristics.

Limitations

Ultrasound has certain limitations in visualization. The quality of the examination may be affected by intestinal gas, excess body weight, anatomical characteristics and the degree of urinary bladder filling.

Some abnormalities cannot be fully characterized by ultrasound alone. Depending on the findings and the clinical suspicion, the physician may recommend additional investigations, such as CT, MRI or laboratory tests.

Contraindications

Abdominal and urinary system ultrasound has no absolute contraindications. The examination can be performed in children, adults and older people and, when medically indicated, during pregnancy.

In cases of extensive skin lesions, infections or significant pain in the examination area, the physician may decide to postpone or adapt the procedure.

Advantages

• non-invasive and painless method;
• does not use ionizing radiation;
• allows several organs to be assessed during a single examination;
• allows simultaneous assessment of the abdominal organs and urinary system;
• can be repeated when dynamic monitoring is required;
• provides real-time imaging;
• allows assessment of the urinary bladder and, when medically indicated, determination of post-void residual urine volume;
• suitable for a wide range of patients.

Sources:

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urinary-tract-imaging
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4994-abdominal-ultrasound
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003777.htm
https://londonsono.com/abdomen-and-urinary-tract-ultrasound/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience pain or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic testing and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.