What is a kidney ultrasound?
A minimally invasive procedure called a kidney ultrasound provides the pictures of the kidneys by using sound waves.
Kidney ultrasounds could also be referred to as renal ultrasounds because anything involving the kidneys is referred to as renal. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted through a device called a transducer, which is pushed towards the skin during an ultrasound.
The sound waves travel within the body, bouncing against organs and returning to the transducer. These echoes are captured and digitally processed to provide the video or photographs of organs and tissues chosen for investigation.
The bladder will often be examined during a renal ultrasound. Using ultrasound imaging, medical professionals can evaluate the overall health of the kidneys and search for the indication of damage, malignancy, and renal failure. This page provides information about renal ultrasounds, what they can detect, how to get ready for one, and other related topics.
Why are ultrasound pictures used?
Your doctor may use ultrasound pictures assess:
- Where your kidneys are situated.
- How big your kidneys are.
- Kidney structure.
- Circulation of blood to the kidneys.
Additionally, it can aid in identifying signs of:
- Injuries to kidneys
- Kidney stones
- Tumours in kidneys
Reasons for a kidney ultrasound
If your doctor suspects you have a kidney issue and needs more proof, they might suggest a kidney ultrasound. Your physician may look for the following issues:
- Renal infection
- Accumulation of urine in your kidneys due to an obstruction in your urinary tract (hydronephrosis)
- Renal cyst
- Renal disease
- Renal stone
- Kidney damage from a kidney tumour
To identify the physical indicators of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can result in renal failure, a kidney ultrasound can be employed. For instance, the kidneys of CKD patients can appear smaller than regular and show the weakening of specific renal tissues or develop cysts.
Kidney ultrasound can also help doctors in the following ways:
- Assist your doctor as they place a needle to take a kidney tissue sample
- Assist your doctor in finding a kidney cyst
- Assist your doctor to insert a renal drainage catheter
- Allow a transplanted kidney to be checked by a medical professional
Preparations required for a kidney ultrasound
Your doctor will provide you with precise information on how you should prepare and what is expected if they recommend a renal ultrasound. If any of the details they give is confusing, carefully get them clarified by asking queries. Several ounces of clear liquid should be consumed at least an hour before your visit to the lab for your ultrasound appointment. Before the ultrasound procedure, don’t empty your bladder. In most cases, there is no need for preparations such as fasting or anaesthesia.
You will receive an explanation of the procedure from your doctor and a chance to ask any queries you may have. A consent form authorising the process may be given to you for signing. Ask questions after reading the form carefully if anything on it is confusing. Your doctor could ask you to make other special preparations based on your health. Unless your doctor instructs you to stop, continue taking all of your prescribed drugs as usual.
What happens after a kidney ultrasound?
Following your examination, you can resume your normal diet. After leaving the diagnostic centre or hospital, you can resume your normal routine. A radiologist (a specialist in interpreting medical pictures, such as ultrasound imaging) will receive the results of the ultrasound from the technician. It usually takes the radiologist one or two days to examine the images and communicate their results to your doctor. The findings of your ultrasound will then be discussed with you by your doctor.
Risks of a kidney ultrasound
There are no potential hazards associated with using ultrasound. Ultrasound examinations don’t involve radiation like X-ray scans do. The kidney ultrasound scan is generally a non-invasive procedure. The lubricant (gel) and transducer may feel cold, and it may not feel comfortable to lie on the table. You might have a little discomfort due to a full bladder if you are instructed to drink water before your scan.
Additionally, you may experience some anxiety while waiting for the findings. Ask your physician about the time it will require for you to get your results. If this timeframe has passed and you have not heard from them, don’t hesitate to ask them about your results.
