An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body to help diagnose specific diseases.
Why Ultrasound Imaging is Done?
Your doctor may recommend ultrasound imaging to rule out any abnormalities of the abdominal area, pelvic area, and/or urinary tract.
An ultrasound scan may be used to help diagnose conditions that affect the urinary tract, such as:
- Kidney stones
- Bladder stones
- Infection
- Tumors or cysts
- Cancer
- Pain and/or bump in the scrotum
Types Of Ultrasounds Urologists Perform
- Renal Ultrasound
- Bladder Ultrasound
- Prostate Ultrasound
- Testicular Ultrasound
- Penile Ultrasound
- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
- Pelvic Floor Ultrasound
- Urodynamic Ultrasound
How to prepare
You may be asked to drink water before an ultrasound exam and not urinate until after the exam is complete or during a portion of the exam.
Before the ultrasound
The ultrasound technologist will:
- Ask you questions about your medical history including surgeries
- May have you get dressed into a patient gown prior to the exam
During an ultrasound
Ultrasounds harness high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures without the use of ionizing radiation. An ultrasound transducer, emitting high-frequency sound waves, is placed on the skin, and the transducer sends these waves into the body.
You usually lie on your back, but sometimes will need to lie on your stomach or side. The technologist will use ultrasound gel to help obtain detailed images and measurements of specific organs. Sometimes you will need to hold your breath at different times during the exam.
After an ultrasound
When your exam is complete, the technologist will remove any excess gel from parts of the body prior to you getting dressed if it is necessary to change into a patient gown.
Results
A Radiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease and injury, using medical imaging techniques such as ultrasounds, x-rays, and CT (computed tomography) scans. The radiologist will interpret the images from your ultrasound examination and send a report to your doctor. Plan to discuss the results with your health care doctor at a follow-up appointment.
Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology
The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.
From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, we will be there for you. Our team of dedicated urologists in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, have served residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.