Kidney ultrasound: without pain and harm

Ultrasound examination usually does not cause concern in patients. After all, this method is non-invasive, that is, the skin with it is not damaged. Some, however, are afraid of radiation, but they can be calmed down - these are not X-rays, negative effects are absent in the procedure "ultrasound of the kidney." Deciphering the same image on the screen for a person without medical education is almost impossible, so trust the conclusions of your doctor.

What can I see on the ultrasound of the kidneys? Usually, a doctor can assess the location, shape and size of the kidneys based on this procedure. You can also assess the blood supply to the kidneys, as well as see the state of the urinary tract.

A special transducer sends sound waves of extremely high frequency (ultrasound) through the skin to the organs. These waves "bounce", reflecting from different structures of the body. The transducer catches these waves and transmits information in the form of an election, which the doctor sees on the screen during ultrasound of the kidneys.

Different tissues in different ways interfere with the penetration of ultrasonic waves. The fastest waves pass through the bone, and most slowly through the air-filled spaces. The transducer detects how quickly and in what volume the wave returns and so the doctor can see different results on the screen.

Before the procedure, a transparent gel is applied to the skin so that the contact with the transducer is maximal and there is no distortion, and to ensure a good sliding of the transducer over the skin.

Also, in a special ultrasound mode using the Doppler effect, blood supply can be estimated. The doctor will notice if there is a difficulty or a cessation of blood flow to certain areas of the kidney.

Ultrasound is not harmful to pregnant women and allergic people, since no radioactive rays or allergens are used.

What can detect ultrasound of the kidneys? Not only kidney problems. Disturbances in the ureters and bladder are also visible. You can identify cysts, fluid accumulations, abscesses, tumors, narrowing of the ducts, and sometimes you can suspect an infection. And not only kidneys, but also adjacent organs.

Also under the control of ultrasound can be taken a sample of tissues - a biopsy. For example, this is done when you need to open the cyst or when you need to put a drainage tube. After the transplant operation, ultrasound is also prescribed to observe how the tissues of the new kidney feel. In short, there are a lot of applications for this procedure.

Because the procedure is harmless, there are no risks of its application. But it may prove ineffective in a number of cases.

• With very pronounced obesity (grade 3-4);
• With the recent use of barium compounds (when they have not yet left the body);
• With large gas formation in the intestine.

However, in most cases, there are no obstacles to the use of ultrasound of the kidneys. The preparation is usually very simple, it does not require fasting or taking special substances. The only "but" - if the doctor plans to see the bladder, you need it to be filled, that is, you can not go to the toilet before the procedure, and you need to drink a lot of liquid.

Also, experienced people recommend not putting on the newest underwear, since the gel used for the procedure is sometimes poorly washed.

However, sometimes the doctor insists on preparation, but this is usually only for cases when ultrasound is combined with some other procedure.

As a rule, during the procedure the patient lies on his stomach. If you apply the Doppler effect, you will hear characteristic sounds. In the case when the doctor also examines the bladder, you will be asked to empty it, and then, perhaps, it will be examined in an empty state.

The only thing that is unpleasant in this procedure is the need to lie in one position. However, this method is much better than many, so settle for ultrasound of the kidneys, it will not harm, but the doctor can tell a lot about the state of the urinary tract and kidneys.