What is the purpose of this type of examination?
Before talking about how to make ultrasound of the bladder in women, we will consider the main indications for its conduct. To begin with, it should be noted that this type of examination, along with examination of other pelvic organs, is not the last place in the process of diagnosing gynecological disorders.
Most often, ultrasound is prescribed when there are symptoms that indicate the presence of a woman's genitourinary diseases in the body. In particular, when:
- pain slightly above the pubis (suprapubic region);
- quick urge to urinate;
- suspicion of kidney stones;
- the appearance of an admixture of blood in the urine;
- development of difficulties with urination, etc.
Ultrasound is also performed to determine the functioning of the kidneys, to detect diseases such as chronic cystitis and pyelonephritis.
How should preparation for ultrasound of the bladder in women be carried out?
This kind of procedure should be performed on a full bladder. This allows us to determine the shape and structure of the organ itself, to assess its state, wall thickness and other parameters.
Approximately 2 hours before the beginning of the study, a woman should drink 1-1.5 liters of liquid. As it can be used ordinary water, tea, juice, compote. A filled bladder allows you to better visualize the anatomical formations located behind it.
Also, along with the method of preparing for the study described above, there is also, so-called physiological. It consists in abstinence from urination for 5-6 hours. This is possible, as a rule, during the study in the morning. If the ultrasound is assigned for daytime, then the first method is used.
Very rarely, ultrasound of the bladder can be performed transrectally, i.e. the sensor is inserted into the rectum. At the same time on the eve of the study, a woman is given a cleansing enema.
How is the research conducted?
Understanding when the ultrasound of the bladder is prescribed for women and what it shows, and also what it takes to implement it, we will consider the sequence of the procedure.
During this study, as a rule, the so-called transabdominal access is used, i.e. the sensor is placed on the anterior abdominal wall. In those cases when there is severe obesity or if there is a tumor, for example, ultrasound is carried out through the rectum. Also, access can be carried out and transvaginally.
The patient is lying on the couch, lying on her back. In the suprapubic area, a specialist applies a special contact gel, and then places a sensor on it. The duration of the procedure, as a rule, is no more than 15-20 minutes.
Thus, as can be seen from the article, ultrasound of the bladder is a fairly simple study, but it requires some kind of preparation from the patient. In case of non-compliance with the above-mentioned instructions, some structures may not be visible on the screen of the ultrasound machine, which will require the procedure to be performed again, after a while. The woman is recommended to drink even more liquid, so that the bubble is fully filled and the ultrasound sensor can scan the organs located immediately behind it.