Ultrasonography of the kidneys and bladder

An ultrasound scan of the urinary system is a quick, painless and safe diagnostic method that helps doctors obtain important information without complicated preparation or discomfort. At our Avicenna Med medical centre in Kyiv, at 48 Degtyarivska Street, ultrasound scans of the kidneys and bladder allow us to assess the structure, size and position of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, so that inflammation, obstructed urine flow, stones and other changes can be detected in good time. As the method involves no radiation exposure and is well tolerated by patients, it can be used repeatedly during treatment and is also suitable for examining young children.

Warning signs: when should you have a kidney ultrasound?

If you experience discomfort in your lower back, do not wait until the pain worsens. A kidney ultrasound helps to quickly assess the condition of the organs and determine whether there is any inflammation, impaired urine flow or other changes that already require medical attention. It is particularly important not to delay the examination if the pain is a dull ache, radiates to the groin, or is accompanied by a general deterioration in your well-being. In many cases, a kidney and bladder ultrasound Kyiv is the first logical step, helping to avoid speculation about the cause of symptoms and providing an accurate picture. So, what symptoms indicate that an ultrasound is needed:

•       aching pain in the lower back, especially if it radiates to the groin;
•       a body temperature above 37 °C for no apparent reason;
•       morning swelling of the face and hands;
•       worsening of high blood pressure;
•       a change in the colour of urine or a reduction in its volume;
•       back injuries;
•       suspected pyelonephritis.

Such symptoms should not be attributed solely to fatigue, exposure to the cold or a temporary disruption in the body’s functioning. If you notice one or more of the signs on this list, our Avicenna Med clinic advises you not to delay an examination and, if necessary, to consult a urologist immediately to receive clear recommendations and determine the next steps in your treatment.

Indications for ultrasound of the bladder and ureters

Disorders of the bladder often begin with symptoms that seem tolerable but quickly start to affect daily life. If you experience pain, a burning sensation, a feeling of incomplete emptying or frequent urges to urinate, you should not delay getting checked, as a bladder ultrasound helps to detect inflammatory changes, the presence of sand or stones, and other possible causes of discomfort in good time. In many cases, the doctor will recommend an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder to assess the condition of the entire urinary system straight away and ensure that any associated disorders are not overlooked. The following symptoms and changes are usually the reason for booking an examination:

•       pain and difficulty when urinating;
•       frequent urge to urinate, especially at night;
•       uncontrolled urination;
•       discomfort or a feeling of heaviness above the pubic bone;
•       blood or sediment in the urine;
•       abnormal laboratory test results;
•       suspected cystitis.

Even just one of these symptoms is reason enough not to delay a visit to the clinic. The sooner a bladder ultrasound is performed, the easier it is for the doctor to identify the source of the problem and determine whether the kidneys, ureters and residual urine need to be assessed further.

What does an ultrasound scan of the urinary system show?

The examination provides the doctor with important and fairly detailed information about the condition of the organs of the urinary system. During the examination of the kidneys, their position, size, possible displacement, parenchymal thickness, the presence of stones, cysts, tumours, signs of glomerulonephritis and impaired urine outflow are assessed. When examining the bladder, the specialist pays attention to the thickness of its walls, the presence of sand and stones, the severity of inflammatory changes in cystitis, as well as benign and malignant growths. This is precisely why a kidney and bladder ultrasound Kyiv helps not only to confirm the patient’s complaints, but also to obtain an objective picture and select the correct course of action.

Proper preparation for the examination: diet and fluid intake

Proper preparation directly affects the accuracy of the results, so it is important to approach the examination carefully. Preparation for a kidney ultrasound is divided into two stages: three days before the procedure, it is recommended to exclude from your diet foods that increase gas formation – rye bread, pulses, cabbage, fermented milk products, plums, grapes and sweets, as the accumulation of gas in the intestines impairs the passage of ultrasound waves and prevents the doctor from obtaining a clear image. The second stage begins 1–1.5 hours before the appointment: you must drink 1–1.5 litres of still water and arrive for the scan with a full bladder, as this is essential for accurately assessing the condition of the bladder and surrounding structures.

How an ultrasound scan is performed: stages of the examination and assessment of residual urine

The procedure is calm, painless and involves no complicated manoeuvres, so there is no need to be afraid of it. An ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder is performed transabdominally, i.e. through the front wall of the abdomen, and during the examination the doctor systematically assesses the condition of the organs and, if necessary, asks the patient to change their body position slightly. The examination usually proceeds as follows:

1. First, the patient lies on their back whilst the doctor carries out an initial examination.
2. The doctor may then ask you to turn onto your side or onto your stomach.
3. In some cases, you may need to stand up or take a deep breath to get a better view of the organs.
4. The first part of the examination is carried out with a full bladder.
5. After this, the patient is asked to go to the toilet.
6. The examination then continues to assess the volume of residual urine.

This approach helps to obtain a more complete picture and to see not only the condition of the organs at rest, but also how well the bladder empties. On average, a kidney ultrasound and a follow-up assessment after urination take around 15–20 minutes, so the procedure is quick and does not disrupt your daily routine.

Benefits of having an ultrasound scan at the Avicenna Med medical centre

At our Avicenna Med medical centre, patients receive not just a referral for tests, but a clear and comfortable diagnostic pathway. When booking an ultrasound scan of the bladder or other examinations, it is not only the quality of the equipment that matters, but also who is conducting the diagnosis, how smoothly the appointment is organised, and whether it is possible to move on to the next stage quickly without wasting time. This is precisely why the clinic’s advantages are particularly evident in practice:

•       the examination is carried out using modern, high-precision equipment;
•       appointments are conducted by qualified diagnostic doctors;
•       appointments are scheduled by time, with no queues or long waits;
•       tests can be taken immediately after the examination;
•       if necessary, the patient can consult a specialist, including a urologist.

This approach is convenient for people who value precision, peace of mind and the ability to resolve their concerns in one place. When an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder is performed at a clinic with a well-organised appointment system, modern equipment and access to relevant specialists, patients receive answers to their questions more quickly and can proceed to further diagnosis or treatment without delay.

To register for ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder in the Center for Progressive Medicine «AVICENNA MED» you can call:

(050) 100 34 02
(096) 100 34 02
(044)337 90 30