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Methods of ultrasound of the kidneys and ureters
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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Technique for scanning kidneys and ureters
The right kidney is visualized in the position of the patient on the back, while the liver is used as an acoustic window.
Scanning is always carried out while breathing is held in deep inspiration: ask the patient to take a deep breath and hold his breath. Do not forget to tell the patient to relax and breathe normally after that.
Start with longitudinal scanning through the anterior abdominal wall of the upper right abdomen, and then proceed to the transverse scan. Then, rotate the patient to the position on the left side to visualize the right kidney in the front section.
To visualize the left kidney, apply the gel to the skin of the upper left abdomen. Scan the left kidney in the same sequence.
If the left kidney is not visualized (usually with the phenomena of flatulence), try to conduct a study in the patient's position on the right side.
The intestinal gas can also be displaced if the patient drinks 3-4 glasses of water. In this case, the left kidney can be visualized through a liquid-filled stomach in the patient's position on the back.
If you do not get an adequate image of the kidneys, scan through the lower intercostal spaces. Turn the patient to the stomach and apply the gel to the kidney area on the right and left. Do longitudinal and transverse sections along the entire area of the kidneys.
Both kidneys can be examined in the patient's position while sitting or standing.
Whichever position is used, remember that it is necessary to do both longitudinal and transverse sections.
When studying the kidneys it is very important to evaluate the symmetry of the kidneys. The difference in size, condition of the contour and internal echostructure can mean the presence of pathology.
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