Urological ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that allows the study of different organs of the urinary system, mainly the kidneys and bladder and, in certain examinations, the prostate.
It is frequently used to assess urinary symptoms, detect potential abnormalities, and monitor certain conditions. It is a safe, generally painless test that does not use ionizing radiation.
What is the purpose of a urological ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the body's internal organs and structures. During the examination, a gel is applied to the skin, and a small probe, called a transducer, is moved across the skin to obtain real-time images.
In urology, this technique provides information about the urinary system quickly and non-invasively. Depending on the reason for the consultation, it can be used to assess the kidneys, bladder, and prostate , as well as to measure the amount of urine that remains in the bladder after urination, known as post-void residual.
What can a urological ultrasound detect?
The information it provides depends on the area being studied and the reason for requesting the test.
Kidneys
Ultrasound allows doctors to assess the size, shape, and structure of the kidneys. It can help identify kidney stones, cysts, certain masses or lesions, and dilations of the urinary tract , such as hydronephrosis, which can occur when there is an obstruction to the flow of urine.
It is also a useful tool for monitoring some previously diagnosed kidney diseases.
Bladder
In the bladder, ultrasound allows for the assessment of its wall and contents, and can show stones, diverticula, some lesions or masses, and other structural abnormalities.
In addition, it can be used to measure post-void residual urine , that is, the amount of urine that remains in the bladder after urination. This data helps to assess whether bladder emptying is occurring correctly.
Prostate
In men, ultrasound can be used to estimate the size and volume of the prostate , a particularly useful piece of information in patients with urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
However, ultrasound alone cannot diagnose or rule out prostate cancer. When cancer is suspected, the evaluation is completed with other tests depending on the individual patient's characteristics.
Ultrasound provides very useful information, but it cannot diagnose or rule out all urological diseases on its own . Its results must be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's symptoms, medical history, and clinical condition.
When is a urological ultrasound recommended?
The urologist may request an ultrasound scan in cases of symptoms such as difficulty urinating, a feeling of incomplete emptying, blood in the urine, or pain in the kidney area, as well as when urinary stones are suspected or to monitor certain pathologies.
The indication and type of ultrasound depend on each individual case. For this reason, not all patients with urinary symptoms require the same tests.
How is it done and how should you prepare?
In most urological ultrasounds, the patient remains lying down while a gel is applied to the area to be examined and the transducer is moved over the skin.
The test is usually painless and, since it does not use ionizing radiation, it can be repeated when clinically indicated.
In some studies, it is necessary to have a full bladder for proper visualization. If post-void residual urine is also to be measured, an initial assessment is performed, and then the patient is asked to urinate to determine how much urine remains in the bladder.
Preparation may vary depending on the type of ultrasound, so it is important to follow the instructions provided before the scan.
Is a urological ultrasound sufficient to reach a diagnosis?
Not always. Ultrasound is a very useful tool in Urology, but it has limitations and its results must be evaluated within the patient's clinical context.
Depending on the symptoms, history, and findings, the urologist may consider it necessary to complete the study with other tests, such as urine or blood tests, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging.
The choice of these tests will depend on what is being investigated and the characteristics of each patient.
