Diagnostic Ultrasound › Urogenital Ultrasounds
Urogenital Ultrasounds
Though medically these cases fall under one system, different ultrasounds are carried out for different aspects of the Genito Urinary System:
KIDNEY ULTRASOUNDS
These are carried out during an abdominal ultrasound. Here one can find out about:
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The size and position of kidneys
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The blood flow to and from the kidneys (Renal Artery Stenosis)
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Any blockages in the kidneys affecting urine flow
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Presence of certain stones, especially calcium stones
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Any tumours
Preparation for a transrectal ultrasound
Same preparations.
TESTICULAR ULTRASOUNDS
This is a separate ultrasound, booked as a scrotal, or testicular ultrasound. This investigates any swelling or pain in the testicles and can:
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Check for masses
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Check for fluid collection around the testis (hydrocoele)
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See cysts in the epididymis (spermatocoele)
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See large veins in the scrotum (varicocoele)
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Diagnose testicular cancer
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Diagnose testicular torsion
Preparation for a testicular ultrasound
No particular preparation required.
PROSTATE ULTRASOUNDS
The prostate size and volume may be assessed during trans-abdominal ultrasound. This is important when correlating with the PSA measured in the patient's blood.
Preparation for prostate ultrasound
No particular preparation required.
BLADDER ULTRASOUND
The bladder stores urine until it is released when you go to the bathroom. The most common reason for the bladder ultrasound is to check for bladder draining, the so-called post void Residual Urine. This measures the amount of urine that was not able to be passed out. This is an important measurement and indicates an enlarged prostate, urethral narrowing or bladder dysfunction.
The bladder ultrasound is carried out like a normal abdominal x-ray. Other things that can be assessed during the ultrasound include:
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The bladder wall, thickness, irregularities
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Diverticula (pouches) of the bladder
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Prostate size
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Stones
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Large tumours in the bladder
Preparation for a bladder ultrasound
The bladder has to be full. You must drink some water an hour before the examination.
Antenatal Monitoring
From confirmation and dating of pregnancy to monitoring development and health of the foetus.
Pelvic Ultrasounds
An integral part of gynaecological check ups, visualising uterus, ovaries and other pelvic conditions.
Abdominal Ultrasounds
A large group of investigations of the abdominal organs including liver, gall bladder, kidneys and spleen.
Cardiac Echo
An ultrasound of the heart assessing both structure and real-time function of this vital organ.
Doppler Ultrasounds
Detection of blood flow and blood flow disorders ranging from carotid artery narrowing to deep vein thrombosis.
Urogenital Ultrasounds
A group of ultrasounds ranging from the kidney-ureter-bladder investigations to the male genital system.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasounds
Investigation of joint injuries, muscle or tendon injuries, inflammations, hernias and lumps.
Neck Ultrasounds
Includes ultrasounds of the thyroid gland, salivary glands, lymphnodes and other neck structures.
