Ultrasound examination (US) of the bladder is widely used in the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system. This examination method is quite informative, has no contraindications and is completely safe, therefore it is allowed for use even in children.

Types of ultrasound diagnostics of the bladder

There are several ways to perform an ultrasound examination of the bladder. The choice of method is determined by the attending physician depending on the preliminary diagnosis and individual characteristics of the patient.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the bladder

this is the most popular way. It is suitable for both men, women (including pregnant women), and children.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the bladder is performed through the anterior abdominal wall using an external probe.

A mandatory requirement for conducting an examination using this method is a full bladder. Diagnostics allows you to assess the condition of the bladder as a whole: determine its shape, size, location, structure and the presence of pathologies.

Transrectal ultrasound of the bladder (TRUS)

performed through the rectum for women with an intact hymen, patients who have contraindications for transabdominal ultrasound and men (to identify the connection between prostate disease and the condition of the bladder). A special rectal sensor is used for the study;

Transvaginal ultrasound of the bladder (TVUS)

It is considered by many experts to be the most informative diagnostic method due to the absence of a layer of fatty tissue between the vagina and bladder.

In addition, TVUS is used as an alternative method (if there are contraindications to transabdominal ultrasound) and is performed on an empty bladder using a vaginal probe;

Transurethral ultrasound of the bladder (TUUS)

a type of diagnosis in which a sensor is inserted into the urethra to identify the connection between the pathology of the bladder and urethra.

Using TUUS, specialists determine the degree of damage to the urethra and surrounding tissues. This method is highly informative, but rarely used, as it requires special drug preparation of the patient (use of anesthesia). In addition, during transurethral ultrasound there is a risk of damaging the urethra.

Indications for ultrasound of the bladder

Which doctor prescribes the test and why?

A urologist usually prescribes an ultrasound of the bladder as part of a comprehensive examination of the pelvic organs. Indications for diagnosis are:

• frequent and/or painful urination;
• various impurities in the urine (sediment, blood);
• acute urinary retention;
• suspicion of urolithiasis;
• sharp nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

Real-time ultrasound imaging is used in the following surgical procedures:

• removal of bladder tumors;
• cystolithotomy (crushing and removal of stones);
• transurethral resection of the prostate (endoscopic removal of adenoma through the bladder);
• surgical intervention on the ureters and urethra.

For bladder tumors, ultrasound is performed dynamically before and after treatment. Also, regular ultrasound examination is necessary to detect metastases in the bladder due to cancerous lesions of neighboring organs (uterus, prostate, kidneys).

Ultrasound of the bladder plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of other diseases that are clinically similar to pathology of the urinary tract, for example:

• prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate);
• salpingitis, salpingoophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes);
• inflammation and developmental abnormalities of the ureters;
• renal pathology (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis), etc.

Contraindications

Contraindications to ultrasound of the bladder depend on the method of diagnosis.

Transabdominal method (through the abdominal wall):

• urinary incontinence (ultrasound is performed only on a full bladder);
• excess weight (a thick subcutaneous fat layer makes scanning difficult and reduces the diagnostic information);
• skin lesions in the lower abdomen (pyoderma, herpes, wounds, burns, infectious lesions due to syphilis and HIV);
• bladder defects (sutures and scars on the bladder wall).

Transrectal method (through the rectum):

• inflammatory bowel diseases in the acute stage (fissures, hemorrhoids, dysentery, Crohn's disease, etc.);
• absence of the rectum (as a result of surgery and replacement of this organ with an artificial anostomy to remove feces);
• narrowing (stricture) and obstruction of the rectum;
• intolerance to latex (medical rubber).

Transvaginal method (through the vagina):

• allergy to latex;
• the presence of a hymen;
• pregnancy more than 12 weeks;
• genital infections.

Transurethral method (through the urethra)

• intolerance to medicinal painkillers;
• inflammatory diseases of the urethra.

Preparing for an ultrasound

Preparation for a bladder ultrasound also varies depending on the method of examination.

Transabdominal ultrasound of the bladder is performed with a full bladder and empty bowel.

Bladder preparation:

• 2-3 hours before the procedure you need to drink about 1 liter of liquid and not urinate. Immediately before the test, the patient is given a diuretic tablet to speed up the formation of urine by the kidneys.

Bowel preparation:

• for 1-2 days before the examination, people suffering from flatulence and constipation must follow a diet that limits foods that stimulate gas formation in the intestines (raw vegetables and fruits, legumes, dairy products, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, sweet baked goods and black bread);
• on the eve of the procedure, the intestines need to be cleansed by administering microenemas or glycerin suppositories;
• To reduce the amount of gases, you can take activated carbon.

Preparation for transrectal ultrasound of the bladder involves emptying the rectum, which is carried out on the eve of the procedure by taking laxatives, administering a glycerin suppository or a cleansing enema.

Transvaginal ultrasound of the bladder does not require filling it and can be performed on any day of the menstrual cycle. The only recommendation for this type of study is that the intestines be cleared of feces and gases (in order to increase information content).

Transurethral ultrasound of the bladder is performed under local anesthesia, therefore, in order to avoid negative reactions of the body to the drug, you should:

• during the day before the procedure, completely eliminate alcohol intake, since its interaction with medications is unpredictable;
• on the day of the examination, in the morning, limit yourself to a light breakfast and do not smoke 1-2 hours before the ultrasound, because food and nicotine against the background of the action of the anesthetic can cause nausea;
• inform the doctor about the presence of cardiovascular and renal pathologies, diseases of the respiratory system, allergies to medications, alcohol abuse, and constant use of vital medications.

On a note: filling the bladder is not required only in one case - when performing transvaginal ultrasound in women. For all other research methods, the bubble must be full.

Methodology

The most common of all types of bladder ultrasound is the transabdominal (external) method. The doctor treats the head of the sensor with a special gel (to improve the transmission of ultrasonic waves) and scans the abdominal area above the pubis and below the navel. Other methods are used to clarify the results of an external examination.

In any case, the diagnostic method is determined by the attending physician, taking into account the gender and individual characteristics of the patient, age, diagnosis, concomitant diseases and other factors.

Ultrasound of the bladder in women

In women, an ultrasound of the bladder can also be performed transvaginally or transrectally (for virgins) in which the condition of the uterus and its appendages is additionally examined.

These types of studies allow us to obtain the most complete picture of the condition of the female genitourinary organs.

Ultrasound of the bladder in men

In addition to standard external ultrasound in men, pathologies of the bladder and prostate can be diagnosed using the transrectal method. If there is a suspicion of problems with the prostate, then during an ultrasound of the bladder in men, residual urine is calculated. For this procedure, the patient is asked to urinate and then undergoes an examination that measures the remaining amount of fluid in the bladder.

Transurethral ultrasound is carried out equally for both men and women.

Ultrasound of the bladder in a child

For children, ultrasound diagnostics are performed only transabdominally. The procedure is no different from an adult ultrasound.

Ultrasound of the bladder during pregnancy

Pregnant women up to 12 weeks can be examined using ultrasound using the vaginal and rectal method. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound is performed only transabdominally.

Ultrasound results

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that can be easily diagnosed by ultrasound if it is full.

The main parameters of the bladder, which carry important information for specialists, are:

• form;
• size (volume);
• structure;
• wall thickness and smoothness;
• degree of filling and emptying;
• the nature of the contents of the bubble;
• amount of residual urine.

Decoding these indicators allows the doctor to assess the condition of the bladder and, with a careful analysis of the clinical picture, make the correct diagnosis.

Norms for ultrasound of the bladder

• depends on the level of its fullness and the condition of the surrounding organs. On transverse photographs it is a rounded organ, on longitudinal photographs it is ovoid. The contours of the bubble are clear and even. In women, the shape of the bladder is influenced by the presence of pregnancy and the number of births. Unlike the male bladder, the female one is more compressed at the top and expanded at the sides. These factors must be taken into account when interpreting the ultrasound.

Structure

• Normally echo negative. The older the patient, the higher the echogenicity (due to chronic inflammatory diseases).

• the average bladder capacity in women is 250-550 ml,
• for men - 350-750 ml.

Bladder walls

• they should be the same thickness over the entire surface: from 2 to 4 mm (depending on the degree of fullness). If local thickening/thinning of the wall is observed in one or more areas, then this phenomenon is considered a pathology.

Residual urine

• It is mandatory to measure it during ultrasound of the bladder. Normally, the amount of residual urine should not be more than 50 ml.

Interpretation of an ultrasound of the bladder can reveal serious pathologies, the treatment of which should be immediate:

• cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
• neoplasms, including cancerous tumors;
• stones in the bladder (urolithiasis);
• presence of foreign bodies;
• various vascular pathologies;
• vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters);
• inflammatory processes;
• congenital anomalies of bladder development in children and acquired ones in adults;
• hyperactivity (increased functionality) of the bladder;
• enuresis (urinary incontinence);
• diverticula of the bladder (protrusion of the wall with the formation of a sac-like reservoir for urine).

Where is an ultrasound of the bladder performed?

You can undergo a bladder diagnosis using ultrasound examination in any medical institution, but it is best to go to a specialized one that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases.

Since recently the number of exacerbations of bladder ailments (cystitis, sliding hernia, etc.) has been rapidly increasing, ultrasound examination is becoming a more popular diagnosis among the population. The medical procedure is based on the impact of sound waves that can penetrate the skin and scan the condition of internal organs.

When the “reflected” ultrasonic elements return to the receiver built into the sensor, a dark-light image appears on the computer monitor, from which key indicators are taken. Preparing for an ultrasound of the bladder does not involve any particular difficulties, but nevertheless, everyone who will subsequently undergo diagnostics should familiarize themselves with the basic rules of the preparatory stage for the procedure.

What abnormalities are detected using ultrasound?

The use of an echography apparatus allows professional sonologists to detect a certain range of ailments, among which the following can be identified:

• organ prolapse;
• atony;
• ureteral obstruction;
• sliding hernia;
• tumor formation;
• cystitis;
• increased tone;
• cystolithiasis;
• diverticulosis of the walls, etc.

If one of the diseases is identified, doctors issue a medical report to patients or their treating physicians, which serves as the basis for the treatment being developed.

Drinking fluids before diagnosis

Since liquid is a good conductor of ultrasonic waves, the patient is recommended to fill the bladder 1–1.5 hours before the ultrasound, resorting to safe drinks: compote, weak tea, clean water, fruit drink or juice. Adults will need approximately 1–1.5 liters of fluid to keep their bladder sufficiently full; very young children (up to 3–4 years old) can get by with half the volume.

You should not drink coffee before an ultrasound scan, as its main components inhibit kidney function.

If a person does not want to drink immediately before the procedure, then he can refrain from going to the toilet for 4-6 hours after the last drink. It is important to remember that you are not allowed to drink alcohol for 1–3 days before the test.

Preparation for the study, taking into account the type of procedure

At the moment, specialists use 4 main types of ultrasound, each of which is slightly different in the principle of preparation. If the patient has such an opportunity, he should discuss in advance with the doctor a method that is more suitable for his individual characteristics.

Abdominal method

This type of procedure is the most common type of ultrasound, which is performed superficially through the wall of the abdominal cavity. During the examination, the skin in the lower abdomen is lubricated with a transparent gel, which greatly facilitates the conduction of sound waves through a natural barrier. This is necessary to eliminate the so-called air cushion or layer between the sensor and the body. During an abdominal ultrasound, you do not need to prepare in any special way: all you need is a full bladder and a good psychological attitude.

Transrectal method

It is prescribed, as a rule, to men to study the condition of the prostate gland. During ultrasound, an oblong sensor is inserted into the rectum, thereby reducing the distance between the organ being examined and the scanning machine - this key factor often allows the specialist to timely determine whether the patient has a malignant tumor.

It is extremely rare that a referral for TRUS is given to female representatives: the basis for this is the suspicion of any pathology in the rectum or pouch of Douglas. To make the procedure easier, it is recommended to cleanse the intestines the day before using a laxative or enema.

In case of chronic flatulence, the patient must adhere to a diet for 2-3 days, which involves the temporary exclusion of milk, raw vegetables and fruits, beans, peas, baked goods, smoked and fried foods. In addition, instant food (crackers and chips, including) also falls under sanctions.

Transvaginal method

This type of diagnosis is characterized by careful insertion of a transducer into the vagina with further scanning of organs of the genitourinary system such as the ovaries and uterus. Since a special condom is placed on the sensor before the study, if you are allergic to latex particles, you should inform either your doctor or sonologist about this.

There are several important aspects that must be studied in order to better prepare for the upcoming event:

• The procedure should not be performed during menstruation: days 5–9 of the cycle are considered a more favorable time for examination.
• The bladder must be empty during diagnosis; if this condition is not met, the doctor may direct the patient to the toilet to empty the organ.
• Immediately before the ultrasound, you should take a shower or bath.

Excess weight is one of the main indications for transvaginal ultrasound

Transurethral method

TUS involves inserting a thin sensor device into the urethra. The main goal of rare diagnostics is to detect direct connections between diseases of the bladder and the urethra. Since this type of ultrasound is performed with anesthesia, the patient must:

• stop drinking any alcoholic beverages one day, or preferably 2–3 days before the examination;
• do not smoke 2–4 hours before the procedure;
• Eat a fairly light breakfast or give it up altogether.

Under no circumstances should the study be carried out on those who have:

• severe disease of the cardiovascular system;
• allergy to the components of the anesthetic drug;
• inflammatory process in the urethral area.

The bladder, as in most cases, should be filled with liquid, preferably plain water.

How to properly prepare a child for an ultrasound of the bladder?

There are no special differences in preparing children for the procedure. The only thing worth remembering is that children under 4–5 years old need to reduce the amount of liquid consumed to approximately 600–800 ml.

You should also take with you disposable wipes to remove medical gel from the surface of the skin and a special oilcloth that is placed under your back. If the patient has a number of questions related to the implementation of ultrasound, you need to come to an appointment with a specialist and discuss controversial or unclear issues with him.

For diseases of the urinary system, studies are prescribed using modern diagnostic methods. Worsening urine test results, changes in the color of the excreted fluid, pain in the lower abdomen are reasons for undergoing an ultrasound of the bladder in women.

How to prepare for the procedure? What foods reduce gas formation in the intestines? Are there any contraindications? The answers are in the article.

General information about the procedure

Examination of internal organs using ultrasound waves is a highly informative non-invasive diagnostic method. The procedure has virtually no restrictions and does not require lengthy preparation.

The doctor moves the nozzle over the abdomen or performs the procedure on women transvaginally (through the vagina). A special scanner emits waves, reflecting from the walls of the bladder; ultrasound transmits the image using a transducer to an ultrasound machine, creating a certain picture on the monitor.

Based on the results of the study, the patient receives a black and white image, which shows all formations (hyper- and hypoechoic, anechoic) identified during the procedure. Doppler sonography is performed to assess blood flow and vascular condition.

The sonologist issues a transcript with a preliminary diagnosis, a description of the size, condition of the bladder, and other organs (during an ultrasound, it is possible to examine the ovaries, uterus, and appendages).

With the results obtained, the specialist refers you to a urologist or nephrologist to make a final diagnosis and prescribe treatment if there are deviations from the norm.

Benefits of Ultrasound

Ultrasound examination has many positive aspects:

• the procedure is safe for patients of all ages, children and pregnant women;
• the examination takes no more than 15-20 minutes;
• minimum list of restrictions;
• no tissue damage, no risk of infection;
• preparation takes no more than three days: diet correction, drinking regime;
• according to the results of the study, all negative processes and diseases in the bladder are clearly visible in the photographs, including in the early stages;
• tumors, various inclusions, sand, anomalies in the structure of the organ can be clearly distinguished;
• the doctor sees the size of the bladder, the condition of the ureters, and the patency of the ducts;
• Ultrasound machines are available in almost all clinics, even in small towns.

Indications for use

Ultrasound is prescribed for the following problems:

• painful sensations in the lower abdomen (in the area above the pubis);
• pain, burning when urinating;
• the color of urine is changed;
• the volume of fluid decreases sharply during urination;
• “flakes”, mucus, blood, sediment are noticeable in the urine;
• emptying the bladder too often;
• A urine test shows serious deviations from the norm.

Contraindications

Ultrasound is safe for all categories of patients, even infants and expectant mothers. The restrictions are not related to contraindications, but to the inconveniences that arise with certain diseases.

On a note:

• severe obesity is a factor that negatively affects the procedure. The doctor has to shift a certain area of ​​the abdomen in different directions in order to find the optimal position for the passage of ultrasound from the sensor;
• large tumors, adhesions, and fluid in the abdominal cavity also complicate the examination process using ultrasound;
• . With enuresis, it is difficult to wait until the bladder is full enough: uncontrolled urination disrupts the progress of the study.

Important! When identifying formations that interfere with external ultrasound in women through the abdominal wall, the doctor examines the bladder through the vagina using a special sensor on which a condom is placed.

How is the procedure performed?

How is an ultrasound of the bladder performed in women? Research procedure:

• Half an hour before the procedure, the patient drinks 500 ml of water. In the first trimester of pregnancy, be sure to fill the bladder; in later stages, you do not need to drink water;
• the patient lifts his clothes to free his stomach or undresses to the waist;
• the doctor places special napkins on the couch, the patient lies on his back;
• the sonologist treats the abdomen with a special gel;
• during the procedure, the doctor moves the sensor over the abdomen, monitors the image on the monitor, records and transmits the data to the nurse, who fills out a form with examination data;
• during the study, ultrasound passes through the bladder and neighboring organs, the image is reflected on the monitor;
• The duration of the session is up to a quarter of an hour. If pathological changes are suspected, the doctor asks the patient to empty the organ, takes new measurements, and determines the residual volume of urine;
• After the procedure, the doctor describes the image, gives a preliminary conclusion, and refers to a urologist or nephrologist.

In most cases, an external ultrasound of the bladder is performed. If there are restrictions or to confirm a serious pathology, an internal examination is prescribed. During a transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor inserts a special sensor into the vagina, which is covered with a condom for sterility. Before this type of examination, it is necessary to fill the bladder.

What does a bladder examination show?

Examination of the bladder using ultrasound allows you to see many problems in an important organ:

• inflammation of the mucous membrane (acute or chronic);
• sand or stones of any size;
• tumors of various kinds;
• blockage of ducts with stones;
• presence of foreign bodies;
• pathologies of development of the ureters and bladder;
• wall diverticula;
• reflux (backflow) of urine from the bladder into the ducts of the ureters.

When making an appointment for an ultrasound, the doctor tells the patient when to drink water before the procedure and how to cleanse the intestines. An important point is proper nutrition three days before the appointed date. The accumulation of gases in the intestines when eating inappropriate foods interferes with diagnosis: ultrasound does not pass through air bubbles well.

General rules:

• the study is carried out with a full bladder;
• Before the procedure, be sure to cleanse the intestines using laxatives;
• in case of increased gas formation, doctors prescribe activated charcoal for three days before an ultrasound of the bladder;
• If you have problems with stool, the doctor will tell you what medications will help you prepare for the examination. Sometimes a cleansing enema is prescribed;
• three times before the examination, change your diet, give up foods that increase the load on the digestive organs and increase bloating;
• it is important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations: improper preparation for an ultrasound examination makes it difficult to examine all parts of the problem organ and provokes incorrect results;
• eat low-fat food in the evening, come to the ultrasound room in the morning with an “empty” stomach;
• In the morning, be sure to cleanse the intestines;
• 50-60 minutes before examining the bladder, drink 500 ml of clean water: a larger volume is not needed so that the organ is not overfilled and too stretched.

Find out how it is performed and what it shows using a contrast agent.

A page is written about the rules and methods of treating kidney pyelonephritis at home.

Go to the address and read about how to take Urolesan for kidney and bladder diseases.

What you can eat:

• boiled lean fish, meat or poultry;
• seafood;
• porridge with water;
• hard cheese (low-fat varieties).

What not to eat:

• baked goods, white bread, any baked goods made with yeast;
• smoked meats, pickles, pickled vegetables;
• milk and dairy products, especially those with high fat content;
• legumes, nuts;
• sweets, desserts, chocolate, any candy;
• fruits, vegetables, especially raw;
• seasonings, spices;
• salt (leave a minimum amount - no more than three grams per day).

Drinking regime:

• alcohol, sparkling mineral water, and fizzy drinks are prohibited;
• You cannot drink whole milk, kefir, milkshakes, cocoa, or strong coffee;
• Unsweetened drinks are useful: green tea, dried fruit compote, berry jelly.

Decoding the results

Normally, ultrasound results should show certain indicators:

• bubble shape: in transverse photographs - round, longitudinal photographs should show the shape of the egg;
• contours: clear, even;
• normal wall thickness - up to 3 mm;
• echogenicity is not increased;
• the average volume for women is 300-500 ml;
• the volume of residual urine according to the results of the study is up to 50 ml.

Deviations (bladder pathologies):

• wall thickening;
• echogenic formations: polyps, stones, foreign body, blood clot;
• an increase in the size of the organ due to injuries of the urethra;
• in an acute image, small echogenic particles are visible - an accumulation of red blood cells, epithelium, and leukocytes. The entry “sediment in the bladder” appears on the transcript sheet;
• with chronic cystitis, thickening of the walls is noticeable, and sediment (“flakes”) also appears in the lumen.

Ultrasound examination of the bladder is an accessible method for early diagnosis of pathologies of an important organ. In women, ultrasound is performed externally and internally. With the results of the examination, it is important to go to a urologist/nephrologist, get a consultation, find out the condition of the bladder and neighboring organs. When pathological processes are identified, the doctor develops a treatment regimen.

Pathologies of the urinary system in many cases require ultrasound examination of the bladder. This procedure will identify the presence of problems and confirm a certain diagnosis.

To make the diagnosis accurate, special attention should be paid to preparing for an ultrasound of the bladder. This issue will be discussed in detail below.

The examination is carried out as prescribed by a doctor if the patient has signs characterizing the development of diseases of the pelvic organs. After the initial examination, the doctor sends an ultrasound to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. Ultrasound can also reveal hidden diseases.

You should visit an ultrasound room if you are concerned about the following signs:

• change in urination pattern;
• pain in the urethra;
• pain when going to the toilet;
• painful sensations in the lower abdomen;
• formation of foreign impurities in urine (sediment, flakes, blood);
• frequent urge to urinate, without urine output;
• reduced daily urine volume;
• pronounced swelling.

ADVICE: an accurate diagnosis should be made using combined methods: a full examination, ultrasound of the diseased organ, testing. It is difficult to determine the disease based on one method.

Purpose of ultrasound

Ultrasound examination can detect the following diseases:

• bladder tumor;
• inflammation of the organ mucosa;
• pathology of the development of the bladder or ureters;
• Bladder reflux (reflux of urine from the bladder into the ureters);
• blockage of passages with stones;
• the presence of a foreign body in the bladder cavity;
• bladder diverticulum.

If necessary, ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound is performed.

With the help of an extensive examination, you can identify the subtleties of the urinary system:

• direction of urine movement through the ureters;
• symmetry of the process;
• form of urine flow.

Types of ultrasound of the bladder

In medicine, ultrasound of the bladder can be performed in several ways. All of them are used, the doctor selects the most suitable method for the patient.

The following types are distinguished:

1. Transabdominal– carried out through the anterior abdominal wall of the abdomen, always with a filled bladder.
2. Transrectal– carried out by inserting a special rectal sensor into the rectum. In this case, the filled bladder and adjacent structures are clearly visible through the intestinal wall. The procedure is carried out after a cleansing enema, so as not to provoke bowel movement during an ultrasound.
3. Transvaginal– a method typical for women, performed by inserting a vaginal sensor into the vagina. It is carried out using a special sensor onto which a disposable condom is placed.
4. Transurethral– a painful method that requires anesthesia before inserting the sensor into the urethra. It is prescribed extremely rarely.

Each type has certain contraindications that must be taken into account before issuing a referral.

Table - Contraindications:

Preliminary actions

Preparation for a bladder ultrasound is very simple. There is no need to do this several days before visiting the clinic. You just need to come to the procedure with a full bladder.

This can be done in two ways:

1. An hour and a half before the examination, you need to drink one and a half liters of clean water without gas. It is forbidden to urinate until the end of the ultrasound. If a person cannot stand it, he is allowed to urinate, but then drink 2-3 glasses of water at once.
2. You don’t have to forcefully drink liquids, just don’t go to the toilet for 4–5 hours, endure it the whole time. The bladder will fill on its own. If the ultrasound is scheduled in the morning, you do not need to urinate after waking up; it is better to do it in the middle of the night, on the alarm clock.

TIP: filling the bladder is necessary for a clear picture, otherwise there will be no clear lines on the screen and it will be impossible to see pathologies.

For people suffering from increased gas formation and flatulence, it is necessary to follow a special diet: exclude gas-forming foods (legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, milk, carbonated drinks and alcohol). The day before, it is recommended to do a cleansing enema.

Many people are interested in whether it is possible to eat shortly before coming to the hospital? After a cleansing enema, you should not fill your intestines. If the procedure is scheduled for the morning, you should refrain from breakfast and limit yourself to water. When performing an ultrasound at later hours, you can eat a small amount of light food.

Preparing children

Ultrasound of the bladder is often prescribed to children, in conjunction with a kidney examination.

For children, slightly different preparation rules, depending on age:

1. It is enough for infants to drink breast milk, formula or water 15 minutes before the test. During this time, the bladder will have time to fill.
2. Older children need 1.5 hours for the bladder to fill with liquid. First, you should take the child to the toilet, then give him a certain amount of liquid to drink, wait the allotted time, avoiding urination.
3. Children, especially newborns, have a strong tendency to form gas in the intestines. It is necessary to give the child a drug based on Simethicone, which will cope with the emerging problem. An older child should not be given foods that cause gas formation for 3 days.

The volume of water required is calculated based on the child's weight multiplied by 10 ml.

Table - approximate calculation of liquid in ml:

TIP: to ensure that the baby drinks the required amount of liquid before the ultrasound, you can use your favorite drinks (juice, compote), convenient dishes (a bottle with a pacifier, a sippy cup). You should not give milk to an adult child, as it causes bloating.

When arriving for an ultrasound of the bladder, the patient should have the following things with him:

• a diaper that is laid on the couch;
• wet wipes to cleanse the skin of gel after examination;
• a bottle of clean water (just in case).

The procedure takes about 20 minutes, it is painless and safe. A distinctive feature of ultrasound is that the results can be collected immediately and taken to the attending physician, who will prescribe the correct treatment. The most commonly used method is the transabdominal method, through the abdominal wall. If there are contraindications, internal examination options are considered.

TIP: when performing an ultrasound examination, you can additionally examine the uterus and ovaries in women, and the prostate gland in men.

Process:

1. The patient undresses to the waist, exposing the lower abdomen.
2. The person lies down on the couch, stomach up.
3. The doctor applies a special gel to the surface in question.
4. He uses the sensor, examines the internal organs, and takes measurements.

Sometimes the doctor asks you to empty the bladder in order to do a re-examination. This way you can identify some pathologies by determining the level of residual urine.

In some cases, the external ultrasound method is not informative. Then a decision is made to use internal examination using special sensors.

Indications for the use of several methods:

1. Suspicion of a serious illness.
2. Obesity of internal organs.
3. The presence of adhesions or tumors inside.
4. The presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Based on the results of the examination, the urologist makes a verdict based not only on the numbers obtained as a result of measuring the organ, but also taking into account the symptoms that bother the patient. Thus, examination of the bladder using ultrasound waves is a necessary procedure that helps to identify developing diseases at the initial stage (after preliminary preparation) painlessly and quickly.

How is an ultrasound of the bladder performed in women and how to properly prepare for the examination? Although the issue of preparation may not seem so significant, it should not be underestimated, since the quality of preparation affects the reliability of the result. Therefore, any recommendations given by the doctor must be followed, otherwise the study may show inaccurate data. Such a study is prescribed if a number of diseases of the genitourinary system are suspected: cystitis, urolithiasis (), pyelonephritis, etc., as well as in the order of differential and preventive diagnosis. An ultrasound scanner is also important for research; it is better to choose the most modern devices from sonomedica.ru.

It is worth saying that the ultrasound research method is one of the main ones in diagnosing diseases of the pelvic organs and genitourinary system.

In addition, this method is quite simple, has no contraindications, and results are obtained quite quickly.

The process of preparing for an ultrasound of the bladder

It is necessary to properly prepare for a study of this kind, since a lot depends on this stage.

The general one is the same for both women and men. All preparation can be reduced to three basic rules that must be followed:

1. Special diet.

The composition of the diet is selected in such a way that it effectively cleanses the intestines and prevents bloating and gas formation. Preparations begin 2–4 days before the study.

1. Empty stomach and intestines.

One day before the examination, preferably in the evening, you need to have a bowel movement. If bowel movements do not occur, it is recommended to use laxatives or glycerin suppositories.

1. Full bladder.

This is necessary to obtain an accurate picture.

To maximize the fullness of the bladder, doctors recommend that the patient refrain from going to the toilet 6-8 hours before the test.

Or, immediately before the ultrasound (2-3 hours), drink 1 liter of water or any other non-carbonated liquid.

Sometimes preparation for men and women is different due to anatomical features. When an ultrasound of a woman’s bladder is prescribed, how to prepare is a completely normal question, since in certain cases the preparation may have its own nuances.

For example, with the transvaginal method, the specialist asks to warn about menstruation. Then the transabdominal method is used. In addition, examination of the bladder through the vagina does not require a full bladder, because the image on the screen is already quite clear. At the same time, the doctor can examine the uterus and its appendages.

In all other respects, the diagnosis is no different for men and women.

How does the examination take place?

Most often, ultrasound scanning is done transabdominally - through the wall of the abdominal cavity. But there is another method used if a person has a significant degree of obesity. Such an ultrasound will be done transrectally, and in women a transvaginal examination method can also be used. For more serious pathologies, transurethral scanning is used - a probe is inserted directly into the urethra.

How does the whole process happen? It does not last long, only about 15 minutes, and sometimes less. The subject is in a supine position with his stomach exposed. The area above the pubis is lubricated with a special gel, which is called contact gel. After which the bladder itself is scanned.

If the examination is performed through the rectum or vagina, a special scanning probe is used. It is worth noting that the transabdominal method of research is still most often carried out.

The whole procedure is quite unsophisticated and simple, but at the same time it requires a certain way to prepare for it. If the doctor’s recommendations are not strictly followed by the patient, this will affect the accuracy of the results obtained: some formations may not be visible.

Sometimes a woman is asked to drink more fluid to fill the bladder in order to make the diagnostic results even more reliable.

In addition, this provides an opportunity to examine the organs lying directly behind the bladder.

Summary

For modern patients it has become a common action, and everyone knows how this procedure is done. Its appearance can be called a real breakthrough in medicine.

Such non-invasive examination of the body has become widespread. It enjoys general recognition because it shows results quickly and safely, and this is an important factor for diagnosing a number of diseases. The whole procedure is quite simple, however, it is necessary to remember that there are some nuances in preparation for men and women, but for both, it should be equally thorough, since this ensures the accuracy of the study.

Telemedicine in St. Petersburg http://medi-center.ru/telemedicina - online medical consultations without breaks or weekends. We interpret test results, give treatment recommendations, and help patients in other cities and abroad via video communication.