While some ultrasound studies require little user experience, others, such as ultrasound of the kidneys, testicles, or prostate, require more skill. Whether you are a part of a department in a large hospital or you own your own private practice, you need an ultrasound system designed to fit your urology workflow.nnA bladder ultrasound is most commonly performed to check bladder draining. If urine remains in the bladder, this can lead to problems such as an enlarged prostate, bladder dysfunction, or urethral stricture. The remaining urine in the bladder after urinating is measured during the ultrasound, but a bladder ultrasound provides additional information about the prostate size, bladder wall, diverticula of the bladder, stones, or large tumors in the bladder.
While renal ultrasound can show the size and position of the kidneys, it can also reveal obstructions, tumors, or stones. During the ultrasound, many images may be collected to assess renal problems. Color and pulsed wave (PW) Doppler imaging is essential In order to evaluate blood flow within the kidney and in the assessment and diagnosis of kidney diseases.nnUltrasound of the scrotum is useful to detect swelling, pain, and masses in the scrotum or testes. A scrotal ultrasound can reveal fluid that has collected around the testes or other concerns such as cysts in the epididymis, large veins in the scrotum, or solid masses that may be a sign of testicular cancer. Doppler sonography should be used in examinations of the scrotum, particularly when pinpointing acute scrotal pain. Color Doppler is necessary when evaluating for torsion, trauma, solid or cystic masses. Additionally, obtaining side-by-side images in grayscale and color Doppler of both testicles helps evaluate symmetry of flow. Choosing a high frequency probe is optimal for increased resolution and definition. When needed, a larger field of view may be used.
A prostate ultrasound is commonly used to check men who might be at risk for prostate cancer. While early cancer cannot be easily diagnosed by ultrasound alone, prostate ultrasound can measure the size and volume of the prostate to help with treatment. Additionally, this test is helpful when planning prostate surgery and can measure prostate-specific antigen density. Color and power Doppler sonography may also be helpful in detecting areas of increased vascularity to select potential sites for biopsy.
