Ultrasound examination of the kidneys, indications and methodology
Ultrasonography of the kidneys is a modern method of diagnosing various pathologies of the kidneys and urinary system. By means of ultrasound examination it is possible to reveal the structure of the vessels of the kidney and the kidney itself. Now almost every examination of the kidneys begins with ultrasound, and for the diagnosis will not require special training.
Preparation for diagnosis
In the morning before the start of the examination, do not consume more than 100 ml of liquid or take diuretics. If the patient has excess weight or increased gassing in the intestine, then a couple of days before the survey should be abandoned the use of rye bread, raw vegetables and fruits, milk.
No special preparation is required before the test, but in any case it is recommended to consult a physician beforehand. Just before the procedure, a special gel is applied to the skin, allowing the transducer to move more easily over the skin.
Indications for examination
The main indications for the ultrasound examination include:
- changes in the composition of urine;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- renal colic;
- frequent blood pressure jumps;
- various bruises and other kidney injuries;
- assessment of the condition of the transplanted organ;
- revealing the presence of neoplasms in the kidneys;
- preventive diagnostics to detect the size, structure and position of the kidneys;
- acute and chronic kidney disease is inflammatory.
Conducting the
Survey To implement ultrasonic renal diagnostics, a device called a transducer is used that sends ultrasound waves of very high frequency so that they can be heard.
If the transducer is placed in the abdominal area at a particular location, supersonic waves penetrate the skin and other tissues to the organs.
The organs reflect sound waves according to the echo principle, and the waves return back to the transducer, which receives them, transforming in turn into an electronic image of the organs.
Different tissues of the human body have different rates of transmission of ultrasonic waves through them. The fastest transmission speed is noted when waves pass through bone tissue, and the slowest speed is when passing through the air. Before the diagnosis, a special gel is applied to the skin of the patient in the area of the examination, which allows improving the movement of the transducer, and also to get rid of air between the skin and the apparatus.
Ultrasound examination of the kidneys can be carried out on an outpatient basis or when the patient is in the hospital. The procedure varies depending on the doctor's recommendations.
This method of diagnosis does not cause pain, during the examination the patient should lie still, there may be a slight discomfort, because the gel is moist and cool. If possible, the process will be most comfortable and takes a little time to reduce discomfort.
There is no need for special rules to be followed after ultrasound has been completed. The patient is allowed to resume his usual diet, if the doctor gave permission to do so. Also the doctor can give additional advice in each specific situation.
Complications of the
survey No ultrasound examination requires the use of radiation, and there are no negative effects at the points of contact between the skin and the sensor. But sometimes there are some risks, depending on the individual situation, so a preliminary consultation with the doctor is required.
Conditions that make it difficult to conduct an ultrasound study include:
- presence in the intestine of barium after a recent diagnosis procedure with barium;
- presence of gases in the intestine;
- pronounced obesity.