Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free diagnostic test that typically lasts for less than 30 minutes.Ultrasound equipment consists of a transducer (a device that creates sound waves) connected to a computer. The sound waves reflect off of internal tissues and return as echoes that a computer translates into a two-dimensional black-and-white image.

Some of the common applications of ultrasound in urology include:

• Renal ultrasound;
• Urinary bladder ultrasound;
• Prostate ultrasound; and
• Pelvic ultrasound.

Patients who may be unsuited for ultrasound include those who:

• Are morbidly obese (more than 100 lbs. overweight);
• Have just undergone an operation (if the area to be examined is located near the incision);
• Have abdominal scars (if the scar is near the area to be examined); or
• Have a large amount of gas in the bowel.

PRE-TEST GUIDELINES

Patients can undergo an ultrasound on an outpatient basis or as part of an inpatient hospital stay. There is no need for any special preparation for most ultrasound tests.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A skilled radiographic technician, or ultrasonographer, instructs the patient to lie down on a table and applies a conductive gel to the area of the body being examined. The technician will request that the person remain still during the test to ensure that images are clearly captured. The technician glides the transducer over the gel-covered area and may move it back and forth to emit sound waves through the skin, which bounce back to the transducer as echoes.

POST-TEST GUIDELINES

Following ultrasound, patients can resume normal activities.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Ultrasound carries no identified risks and can be repeated as often as necessary.