Kidney stones can be have no symptoms, cause blood in the urine or dark-coloured urine (haematuria) or cause abdominal pain. When the kidney stones are expelled into the ureter, that is when a person will experience pain and vomiting. A lodged stone in the ureter is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
In adults who experience frequent urinary tract infections, ultrasound plays a role in determining if the kidneys have been damaged or not. Similarly in children who have frequent infections, ultrasound is used to assess if there is any damage to the kidneys and if there is a kidney problem from birth (congenital defect). It is also used to monitor the kidney’s welfare and growth as the child grows.
Men over 45-50 years can complain of the inability to completely pass urine. A common reason for this is an enlarged prostate, which decreases the calibre of the urethra. Prostate is a gland below the urinary bladder. An enlarged prostate can be diagnosed on an ultrasound along with other changes in the urinary bladder and kidneys. A special type of ultrasound, known as a trans-rectal ultrasound allows us to clearly visualise the prostate and determine why the prostate is enlarged. A trans-rectal ultrasound involves the insertion of a special probe into the rectum. This type of ultrasound requires the patient to take laxatives for 2 consecutive nights, before the day of the ultrasound.
Another cause for blood in the urine could be a growth/tumour in the kidney or urinary bladder, which can also be seen on an ultrasound.
Ultrasound Instructions
1. Come to the ultrasound department, 15 minutes earlier than your appointed time.
2. Bring your previous ultrasound reports with you.
