In current medical practice, ultrasound (US) has been used for over 50 years and has become one of the most widely used methods for diagnosis in modern medicine. It uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the structures of internal organs. It is a safe method, as it does not use ionising radiation, and it can also be used for diagnosing disorders in pregnant women or children.

In terms of technology costs, it is an inexpensive, portable, and repeatable method as compared to other imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance.

It is a painless investigation, with the exception of cases of acute disorders (for example, kidney stone with ureteral migration, bladder globe), when mild discomfort or slight pain may be experienced when the transducer is pressed against certain areas.

The examination is performed by “passing” a probe over the area under investigation. The probe produces the ultrasound waves that bounce off different tissues in the body, which are sent to a computer generating images. Before starting the procedure, the doctor will apply a gel on the area that will be examined. The gel facilitates the contact between the transducer and the skin or mucosae. In most cases, the patient must lie down on a flat surface (a bed) while the procedure is being performed.

Patient’s preparation for a transabdominal ultrasound examination

In is important that the bladder is full during the examination, therefore it is recommended to drink liquids (500 – 750 ml of non-carbonated water) approximately 1-1 ½ hours before the examination, and the patient must refrain from urinating for 1 ½ – 2 hours before the ultrasound is performed.

In urology practice, sometimes special ultrasounds may be performed – testicular ultrasound, a quick and simple investigation which does not require special preparation, or endorectal ultrasound.