Abdominal and urinary system ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless examination. It allows precise visualization of internal organs and diagnosis of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and in men, also the prostate gland. The examination helps detect various abnormalities, especially in patients who exhibit concerning symptoms related to the urinary system. USG is an imaging test that relies on ultrasound waves of a specific frequency. These waves are emitted by a special probe, penetrate the body, and reflect off internal organs. The echo returns to the probe and is converted into images visible on the monitor. Abdominal and urinary system ultrasound allows for observation of selected organs, focusing on structures like the ureters, bladder, kidneys, and the prostate gland in men.

Indications for Abdominal and Urinary System Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the abdomen, bladder, and other structures of the urinary system is performed when a patient experiences concerning symptoms in the abdominal area or urinary system, such as:

• unexplained lower abdominal pain,
• frequent urination,
• nocturnal urination,
• weight loss,
• presence of blood in urine,
• pain and burning during urination,
• feeling of a tense, hard abdomen,
• prostate enlargement in men detected during a rectal examination,
• palpable lumps in the abdominal area. Abdominal and urinary system ultrasound is also performed as part of pre-surgical preparation and in patients with laboratory-detected urine abnormalities. It is also used for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

Contraindications for Abdominal and Bladder Ultrasound

There are no contraindications for performing ultrasound of the abdomen, bladder, and other structures of the urinary system. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure, so it can be performed safely in children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals whenever there are medical indications.

How to Prepare for Abdominal and Urinary System Ultrasound?

Ultrasound of the abdomen and bladder requires minimal preparation from the patient. It is not particularly complicated, but it is recommended to follow a light diet a few days before the examination and avoid gas-producing foods. The day before, it is advisable to take over-the-counter medications to reduce intestinal gas. The examination does not need to be performed on an empty stomach, but a light meal a few hours before is recommended. For urinary system ultrasound, it is important to drink about 1.5 liters of water and refrain from urinating for 2-3 hours before the examination. This ensures that the bladder is filled, allowing for a more precise analysis of its shape, size, and detection of any abnormalities.

How is Abdominal Ultrasound Performed?

Abdominal and bladder ultrasound is performed in a lying position on the back, usually in two stages. In the first stage, the doctor examines the patient with a full bladder, moving the probe across the abdomen. Next, the patient may empty the bladder, and the doctor continues the examination, asking the patient to turn on their left and right sides, and sometimes even lie on their stomach to accurately visualize the kidneys. The entire examination usually takes 20-25 minutes.