Ultrasound (sonography) is a fairly simple procedure to perform that is not stressful for the patient and can be used to assess the kidneys, urinary bladder, and prostate very well. It allows statements to be made about the shape, size and structure of the organs and allows changes such as cysts, stones and tumors to be detected. If it is necessary to remove a tissue sample (e.g., if inflammation of the renal corpuscles or a tumor is suspected), it is easier to target the suspicious site under ultrasound guidance.
Other imaging techniques
Other imaging techniques are usually reserved for more specialized questions:
- Urography: x-ray examination in which the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are visualized using contrast medium. This can either be injected into the vein (excretory urography) or introduced backward directly into the urinary system via a catheter inserted through the urethra into the urinary bladder (retrograde pyelography). First, an empty kidney image is taken as the initial image, i.e., the lower abdomen is x-rayed without contrast medium. The kidneys can be seen as shadows, thus already allowing conclusions to be drawn about their shape, position and size. Calcified stones can also be identified. After the contrast medium has been introduced, the images are repeated several times at specific intervals. These examinations are performed, for example, in unclear anatomical conditions such as malformations or drainage obstacles, but also in urinary stasis, suspected tumor, frequent inflammation of the renal pelvis and recurrent kidney pain.
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used primarily to assess the extent of a tumor that has been diagnosed by ultrasound, for example. These procedures have the advantage that small daughter tumors in other organs can also be detected. Injuries are also assessed with the help of CT and MRI.
- Angiography can be used to visualize the renal vessels, which is why it is used, for example, when calcification is suspected.
Cystoscopy
During cystoscopy, an endoscope is inserted through the urethra into the urinary bladder. This allows the mucosa and sphincter of the urinary bladder, urethra and prostate to be assessed from the inside and anatomical abnormalities, tumors, inflammation or stones to be detected. This procedure is mainly used in cases of unclear blood in the urine and prostate problems and has the advantage that it can be directly coupled with tissue sampling and therapeutic intervention.
