Urinary Tract Ultrasounds

What are Urinary Tract Ultrasounds?

An ultrasound of the urinary tract uses high frequency sound waves to create a live image from inside of a patient’s body. It is a painless test that is very commonly used in the medical field today. An ultrasound is also sometimes referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography, or ultrasonography. The medical professional that performs an ultrasound is called a sonographer.

As an ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is regarded as being a safe scan. Because of this, it is the preferred method to use during pregnancy.

An ultrasound diagnoses problems with internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue structures within the body. Although generally associated with being used during pregnancy, an ultrasound is used to examine many other parts of the body including the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and many other internal structures.

A urinary tract ultrasound is used in urology, a branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.

Reasons for a Urinary Tract Ultrasound:

Ultrasounds are used for a multitude of reasons. A physician may order an ultrasound if a patient is experiencing any pain, swelling, or other abnormalities that require an internal view of the organs.

A urinary tract ultrasound can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a biopsy. They are important in planning for certain types of therapy and surgery, as well as in the aftermath to determine whether the patient’s body is responding to treatment.

Ultrasounds can be used to detect cysts, obstructions, and infections in the body. They can also measure blood flow in the arteries to detect blockages.

An ultrasound may be used to check for certain cancers in various different ways including to detect abnormal tumors, growths or lumps.

A Urinary Tract Ultrasound may help diagnose (find):

An ultrasound of the urinary tract can be seen through an abdominal ultrasound, which creates images of the entire urinary tract.

A urinary tract ultrasound can diagnose damages or abnormalities in the urinary tract.

An ultrasound of the urinary tract can help detect the cause of urinary retention, urinary frequency, urination urgency, urine blockage, and urinary incontinence.

An ultrasound of the urinary tract can also help detect the cause of abdominal masses, pain in the groin or lower back, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, or kidney failure.

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Getting an Ultrasound:

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Before the Ultrasound

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During the Ultrasound

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After the Ultrasound

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