Indications for a bladder ultrasound scan: symptoms and complaints
A bladder ultrasound scan is prescribed by a doctor when clinical signs appear that suggest possible abnormalities in the functioning of this organ. This diagnostic procedure is often the first stage of an examination, enabling the cause of the discomfort to be visualised and the course of further treatment to be determined.
The main complaints warranting this examination include: In addition to pronounced symptoms, a bladder ultrasound is performed in the event of abnormalities in urine laboratory tests, following abdominal trauma, or to monitor the patient’s condition after surgical procedures. Timely diagnosis enables the detection of pathologies at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
- Abnormalities in the frequency and nature of the urge to urinate. Frequent, painful or sudden (urgent) urges to urinate, which occur abruptly and are difficult to control.
- Pain. Discomfort, cramps or pain localised in the lower abdomen and the suprapubic region.
- Changes in the composition of urine. Visible cloudiness of the fluid, the presence of sediment or the appearance of blood in the urine (haematuria).
- Problems with emptying the bladder. A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying after using the toilet.
- Difficulty passing urine. A weak urine stream or the need to strain to start and maintain the flow.
- Urinary incontinence. Involuntary leakage of urine during physical exertion, when coughing, or whilst at rest.
What conditions does a bladder ultrasound detect?
The examination is carried out using the transabdominal method — through the anterior abdominal wall using an ultrasound probe. During the scan, the doctor assesses the organ’s key anatomical parameters: its shape, volume and contours, and also examines the thickness and structure of its walls in detail. The diagnosis makes it possible to identify characteristic wall thickening, which is the main sign of an inflammatory process, such as cystitis.
The ultrasound method allows for the detection of calculi (stones), determining their exact size, shape and mobility, as well as identifying the presence of a fine suspension or sediment within the organ’s cavity. In addition, the examination visualises polyps, diverticula (abnormal protrusions of the walls) and various types of neoplasms. The specialist assesses not only the presence of a tumour, but also the location and depth of the lesion in the bladder wall, which is critically important for determining the subsequent course of treatment.
Preparing for a bladder ultrasound
The main rule for preparation is to drink about one litre of still liquid approximately one hour before the scheduled examination time. Drinking still liquids specifically helps to avoid excessive gas build-up in the bowel, which can cause acoustic interference and make visualisation difficult.
The main aim of this preparation is to ensure that, by the time the procedure begins, the patient feels a strong urge to urinate. In this state, the bladder expands and its folded mucous membrane stretches, allowing the doctor to examine the entire surface of the bladder walls in detail and assess their structure for minor defects or growths.
Without a sufficient volume of fluid, the walls of the organ remain folded, which significantly limits the examination and may lead to the omission of early signs of pathology.
Whilst waiting for your appointment, it is extremely important not to empty your bladder before entering the consultation room. In situations where the discomfort caused by a full bladder becomes unbearable, it is permissible to pass a small amount of urine, but not completely, in order to maintain the volume of fluid required for a high-quality diagnosis. Adherence to these guidelines allows the specialist to carry out a comprehensive examination and obtain reliable data on the patient’s state of health.
Ultrasound scan to measure residual urine: key features
To assess the bladder’s functional ability to completely empty accumulated fluid, an ultrasound scan is carried out to measure residual urine. This allows the specialist not only to examine the organ’s anatomy, but also to understand how effectively its muscles are working and whether there are any obstructions to the normal outflow of fluid.
The diagnostic procedure takes place in three consecutive stages: Normally, after urination, the bladder should be virtually empty, although a minimal amount of urine — up to 30–50 ml — is permissible. A significant volume of fluid indicates the presence of a medical condition. This may be due to a mechanical obstruction, such as a prostate adenoma or a stricture (narrowing) of the urethra, or the result of weakness in the organ’s muscular wall — atony. Prolonged urine retention is hazardous to health, as it creates a favourable environment for the development of chronic infections and the formation of stones (calculi).
- Initial examination. The scan is performed when the bladder is fully filled to record its initial volume and the condition of the tissues.
- Emptying. The patient uses the toilet to completely empty the bladder.
- Follow-up measurement. Immediately after using the toilet, a repeat scan is performed to accurately determine the volume of residual urine.
To assess the condition of the organ as accurately as possible, the CDM (colour Doppler mapping) mode is often used. This technology allows the doctor to examine, in real time, the blood supply to the bladder walls and any structures identified. The method helps to distinguish between tumours or polyps, which have their own blood vessels, and blood clots or dense sediment, which lack blood flow. This significantly improves the reliability of the examination and helps to avoid diagnostic errors.
How a bladder ultrasound scan is performed
In the diagnostic room, the patient lies on their back on a couch. The doctor applies a special hypoallergenic, water-based gel to the lower abdomen; this is necessary to ensure the probe glides smoothly and that ultrasound waves pass unimpeded to the internal structures. The procedure takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes.
By moving the probe across the skin’s surface, the specialist examines the images on the monitor in detail, takes the necessary measurements and records the findings in the report.
Due to the anatomical proximity of the organs, during this examination the doctor can also visualise the contours of neighbouring structures: the prostate in men or the uterus and ovaries in women. This allows for the early detection of associated conditions; however, specific specialist investigations, such as prostate ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound, are required for targeted diagnosis and to establish an accurate diagnosis. Immediately after the examination, the patient is given a medical report containing the results of the examination.
