A test that uses sound waves to study the renal system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and ureters
PARTS OF THE BODY INVOLVED
- Kidneys
- Bladder
- Ureters
- Abdomen
- Back
REASONS FOR PROCEDURE
- To look for changes in the bladder wall
- To look for changes in the kidney size or structure
- To detect a kidney stone, cyst, mass, or other obstruction in the kidney
- To look for stones in the urinary tract
- To look for changes in the ureters
- To examine the kidneys before performing a renal biopsy (removal of tissue from the kidney for exam)
- To examine the circulatory system of the kidneys (a Doppler ultrasound)
RISK FACTORS FOR COMPLICATIONS DURING THE PROCEDURE
Obesity can make this examination more difficult to perform and less accurate
WHAT TO EXPECT
Prior to Procedure:
- Your doctor will do a physical exam
- Avoid carbonated drinks, such as sodas and seltzers
- You must have a full bladder for the test; do not empty your bladder until after the ultrasound
During Procedure – sound-conducting jelly, ultrasound transducer, video screen
Anesthesia – None
Description of the Procedure - This procedure can be done in an examination room in a doctor's office or in a hospital room. You lie on a table and the doctor applies a sound-conducting jelly to your abdomen over your bladder and kidneys.
The ultrasound machine has a hand-held instrument called a transducer, which looks like a microphone or wand. The transducer is passed over the skin where the jelly was applied. The transducer sends sound waves into the body, which bounce off the internal organs and echo back to the transducer. The echoes are converted to images that are displayed on a screen. The doctor examines the images on the screen and may make a photograph for further assessment.
After Procedure – A radiologist examines the ultrasound image for abnormal masses or blockages
How Long Will It Take? 30-45 minutes
Will It Hurt? Ultrasound is a painless procedure
Possible Complications – None
Average Hospital Stay – None
Postoperative Care – There is no special postoperative care
OUTCOME
If the doctor or radiologist detects an abnormal mass or obstruction, additional tests will be done to determine the exact problem and cause.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS
There are usually no reported complications after this procedure
SOURCE:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
