Abdominal + urinary system ultrasound examination (kidney, bladder, prostate)

An abdominal and urinary tract ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging examination used to visualize the abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen) as well as the structures of the urinary system (kidneys, urinary bladder, and, in men, the prostate gland). This examination helps assess the size, shape, and structure of these organs and detect possible pathological changes.

What is an Abdominal and Urinary Tract Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves that reflect off organs and tissues to create real-time images on a monitor. This method is safe because it does not use ionizing radiation.

During the examination, the following structures are assessed:

• Abdominal organs: liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen.
• Urinary system: kidneys, ureters (partially visualized), urinary bladder.
• For men: prostate gland.

This comprehensive examination allows multiple important organs to be evaluated during a single procedure.

When is an Abdominal and Urinary Tract Ultrasound Performed?

This examination is commonly performed when the following conditions are suspected or diagnosed:

• Abdominal pain: abdominal pain or discomfort of unknown origin.
• Digestive disorders: nausea, vomiting, or digestive problems.
• Liver diseases: enlarged liver, cirrhosis, tumors, fatty liver disease.
• Gallbladder diseases: gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).
• Pancreatic diseases: pancreatitis, cysts, tumors.
• Kidney diseases: kidney stones, cysts, tumors, infections (pyelonephritis), hydronephrosis.
• Urinary symptoms: frequent urination, painful urination, blood in the urine, urinary incontinence.
• Bladder diseases: cystitis, bladder stones, tumors.
• Prostate diseases (for men): enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostatitis, tumors.
• Trauma: injuries to the abdominal or lower back region.
• Preventive health screening: as part of a general health check-up.

Examination Procedure at the Clinic

The ultrasound examination is performed while the patient lies on their back. The physician applies a special gel to the skin to improve the transmission of ultrasound waves and moves the ultrasound transducer over the area being examined. Images are displayed in real time on a monitor.

The procedure is painless and usually takes approximately 20-40 minutes.

Preparation for the Examination:

• Before an abdominal ultrasound, it is recommended not to eat or drink for at least 6-8 hours to ensure better visualization of the gallbladder and pancreas.
• Before a bladder and prostate ultrasound, the urinary bladder should be full; therefore, patients should drink fluids and avoid urinating before the examination.

Interpretation of Results

The ultrasound images are analyzed by a radiologist, who evaluates the size, shape, structure, and blood flow of the organs and looks for possible pathological changes, such as stones, cysts, tumors, inflammatory processes, or fluid collections. The findings are provided in a written report. These results are an important source of information for the treating physician, helping to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.