Kidney ultrasound
Ultrasound of the kidneys (ultrasound) is the most effective and at the same time the safest method for diagnosing diseases of the urinary system. The kidneys are well accessible for conducting just this type of study, and thanks to modern technologies, the specificity and accuracy of the method are not inferior even to computed tomography, and in some cases, for example, when assessing the state of renal blood flow, ultrasound with Doppler provides unique data.
An ultrasound of the kidney can determine the size, location, and shape of the kidneys, bladder, and ureter. In addition, research is performed to place biopsy needles for the subsequent extraction of fluid from an abscess or cyst, or to install a drainage tube if necessary. This procedure is also used to determine the blood flow in the kidneys or to evaluate the graft after a kidney transplant.
Indications for ultrasound of the kidneys
The doctor recommends doing an ultrasound of the kidneys for every patient with symptoms such as:
- endocrine system disease;
- enuresis;
- increased blood pressure;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- dysuric disorders;
- congenital pathology of the external genital organs;
- the presence of pathological formations;
- acute and chronic inflammatory processes;
- traumatic injury;
- impaired kidney function;
- infectious diseases and inflammatory processes;
pathological changes in urine tests
An ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenal glands is recommended for patients with persistently high blood pressure, which cannot be reduced by the treatment.
Despite the fact that during pregnancy, ultrasound of the kidneys in our country is not a mandatory study, it is recommended to do it for all women who are preparing to become mothers, especially if there are any complaints from the genitourinary system and kidneys. Considering that pregnancy itself is a factor that provokes an exacerbation of renal diseases and the occurrence of infections, the identification of kidney problems quite often occurs during this period of a woman's life. Therefore, ultrasound of the kidneys during pregnancy is of great importance for monitoring the health of the expectant mother.
In addition, all specialists need to do an ultrasound of the kidneys in order to obtain a medical book during a routine examination.
How to prepare for a kidney ultrasound
Patients undergoing the procedure are interested in the question of how to prepare for an ultrasound of the kidneys. In fact, there are no special requirements: there is no need for a special diet or bowel movement. Moreover, enemas are even contraindicated.
The only condition for an ultrasound of the kidneys is a full bladder. Therefore, approximately one hour before the procedure, the patient should drink 2-4 glasses of liquid (juice or water).
How is kidney ultrasound performed?
The patient is examined, as a rule, in the supine position, extremely rarely - while standing. The doctor applies a special gel to the area of study - a "conductor" of ultrasound, attaches the device's sensor and begins to visualize the organs.
The examination begins with the bladder, because in the empty state it is poorly visible, then they move on to the sections of the ureters, gradually move on to the kidneys.
To examine the second kidney, the patient will be asked to roll over on their other side. At the request of the doctor, you may need to take a deep breath, hold your breath, relax, or, conversely, inflate your stomach. In the course of the study, the specialist will take several short breaks in order to fix the picture on the monitor of the device and take the necessary measurements.
Kidney ultrasound in children
Kidney examinations for children are usually prescribed after standard laboratory tests in the presence of complaints of pain syndromes or for other indications based on medical history. The need for ultrasound of the kidneys in infants is determined by the doctor, and since ultrasound is absolutely safe and painless, this procedure can be performed even in the first month of a baby's life.
Ultrasound of the kidneys in children makes it possible to confirm or deny a particular disease, to establish the degree of its severity, and, if necessary, to determine the treatment regimen.
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