Ultrasound of the kidneys

Ultrasound is a modern and effective method for examining the organs of the urinary system, providing accurate information about a person’s health. This non-invasive and safe procedure allows doctors to assess the morphological features of the kidneys and bladder, detect possible pathologies, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

A kidney ultrasound helps identify stones, tumors, inflammations, and structural changes in the organs at an early stage, preventing complications. The procedure is performed for both diagnostic purposes and routine health monitoring.

Ultrasound diagnostics offer numerous advantages, making it one of the most widely used diagnostic methods:

1. The procedure is completely safe and suitable for pregnant women and children
2. Ultrasound is a relatively affordable examination method available in most medical facilities
3. The diagnostic process takes no more than 20 minutes, and results are available immediately after the examination
4. Ultrasound accurately detects pathologies, stones, cysts, tumors, and inflammatory processes
5. The method is ideal for monitoring chronic diseases, post-surgical recovery, trauma assessment, and routine health check-ups

The procedure is painless and does not cause discomfort, so no special preparation is required.

A kidney ultrasound is recommended to assess the condition of the urinary system. The main indications for the procedure include:

• Discomfort or acute pain in the kidney area
• Frequent, painful, or difficult urination, urinary incontinence, or retention
• Presence of blood, cloudiness, sediment, or color changes in urine
• Fluid retention in the body, swelling of the face, hands, or legs
• High blood pressure
• Suspected inflammation
• Severe cramping pain that may quickly move downward
• Tumors or abnormalities in the structure or position of urinary system organs
• Prolonged fever without an apparent cause
• History of back injuries
• Abnormalities in a general urine test
• Suspected tumors

People with chronic urinary system conditions, those who have undergone surgery or experienced trauma, and those looking to detect diseases early are advised to schedule a kidney ultrasound.

Proper preparation ensures accurate and reliable results. Key recommendations include:

• Avoid foods that increase gas formation (such as beans, cabbage, fresh vegetables and fruits high in fiber, carbonated drinks, milk, and dairy products) for 2–3 days before the examination
• To reduce gas formation, activated charcoal, Espumisan, or other sorbents can be taken as per a doctor’s recommendation
• Before undergoing a kidney ultrasound in Kyiv, it is recommended to drink at least one liter of non-carbonated water about an hour before the examination and refrain from emptying the bladder. This is especially important if the examination includes both the kidneys and the bladder
• If the procedure is scheduled for the morning, it is best to avoid breakfast. If it is scheduled in the afternoon, avoid eating for 4–6 hours beforehand

Following these guidelines helps reduce intestinal gas and improves the visualization of internal organs.

A kidney ultrasound is a painless and safe procedure that takes about 10 minutes. The examination process includes:

• The patient removes clothing covering the lower back and lies down on the examination table. The bladder should not be emptied for optimal accuracy
• A special transparent gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen, sides, and lower back to enhance contact between the ultrasound probe and the skin, ensuring a clear image on the screen
• The patient may be asked to change positions, such as lying on the back or side, to allow better visualization from different angles. The doctor moves the probe over the skin in the examined area and observes the images on the monitor
• After the procedure, the gel is wiped off with a tissue, and the patient can resume normal activities

The doctor provides the results immediately after the procedure, including details on kidney size, structure, the condition of the renal pelvis, and any detected pathologies. A kidney ultrasound does not cause discomfort, making it an optimal method for diagnosing urinary system disorders.

The New Life International Medical Clinic is a modern multidisciplinary center offering a wide range of high-quality medical services. The clinic employs more than 24 specialists in various fields, including doctors of medical sciences, candidates of medical sciences, and top-category physicians. New Life follows the principles of family medicine and an individualized approach to patient care, ensuring prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases.

Kidney ultrasound diagnostics at the clinic are performed by highly qualified specialists using the latest equipment, ensuring high accuracy of results. The advantages of ultrasound at New Life include professional medical staff, a personalized approach to each patient, comfortable conditions, and accessibility of the procedure.

The clinic also provides real-time consultations with leading foreign specialists, helping to make informed and accurate medical decisions.