Why is this procedure done?
This ultrasound is done to help see your kidneys, bladder, and ureters. Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the back of your belly, just above your waist. Small tubes, called ureters, join the kidneys with a sac where your urine collects. This sac is called the bladder. It is found in the middle bottom part of your belly. An ultrasound uses sound waves to make images or pictures. The doctor may look for many things like: ‚
- The size and shape of your kidneys
- Any signs of harm to your kidneys
- Kidney stones, cysts, and other blockages
- Blood flow to your kidneys
- Problems from a urinary tract infection
- Changes in your ureters
- Changes in your bladder
What happens before the procedure?
You may need to have a full bladder. If so, you will be asked to drink a few glasses of water and not go to the bathroom until after the test. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie down on a bed. The technician will place a small amount of gel on your belly. It will help transmit sound waves inside your body.
- The technician will use a probe and will move it around your belly. The probe puts out sound waves. The sound waves bounce off of your organs. A computer picks up the sound waves. It changes them into pictures.
- You can see the pictures on a monitor beside the bed. The probe may move over your skin and change positions. This will help get clearer and more complete images. The technician may take still pictures or a videotape of moving images. Sometimes, the technician may press the probe more firmly to get a clearer view of an area. You may feel some discomfort. The technician may ask you to change positions or hold your breath for a few seconds.
What happens after the procedure?
- The technician will wipe off the gel. Your doctor will look at the printed images or videotape. You can go home right after your procedure. Talk to your doctor about when the results will be available.
- The results will show if there are any problems with your kidneys, bladder, or ureters. They will also show how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor will talk about the results with you.
What care is needed at home?
You may go back to your normal activities when you go home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- The results will help your doctor understand any problems with your kidneys. You may need other tests or procedures.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What problems could happen?
Ultrasound tests do not cause any problems to your health. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=40 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/renal_ultrasound.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚