Dr. Costin Petcu, primary urologist Regina Maria: “A modern urological consultation must necessarily include ultrasound of the urinary system!”
Ultrasound of the urinary system is a simple, safe, accessible, non-radiating investigation with the potential to save lives, through the early identification of urological conditions. “Patients should present themselves to the urologist in good time, for any small embarrassment when urinating. An early diagnosis can save their lives”, he draws attention Dr. Costin PetcuUrology primary doctor at Nativia, part of the Queen Maria Health Network.
Ultrasound of the urinary system, which includes the ultrasonographic examination of the kidneys, urinary bladder, but also of the prostate in the case of men, is a non-invasive investigation that uses sound waves to establish the most accurate diagnosis. “Ultrasound remains a cornerstone for the evaluation of the urinary tract due to its non-invasive nature, lack of radiation, wide availability, but also the ability to visualize in real time the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and, in certain situations, the ureters”.
This investigation helps to identify conditions such as renal lithiasis popularly known as kidney stones, prostate adenoma, obstructions of the urinary tract or, in serious cases, tumors of the urinary system. “A modern, up-to-date consultation must necessarily also include urinary tract ultrasound — or scrotal ultrasound, depending on the patient's allegations,” explained Dr. Costin Petcu.
Who should do the ultrasound and when?
Ultrasound of the urinary system is recommended in several situations, including:
- suspicion of renal, ureteral, bladder or urethral stones
- urinary tract infections or suspected infections;
- the presence of red blood cells in the urine;
- obstructions (blockages) in the urinary system, for example dilatation of the upper urinary tract (“hydronephrosis”).
“Urinary tract ultrasound it is very useful in the diagnosis of patients who present themselves to the urologist with certain accusations“said Dr. Petcu. Patients' complaints that may suggest a disease of the kidneys, ureters, bladder or prostate are:
1. Pain
- Lumbar pain may indicate the presence of a kidney stone, an infection (pyelonephritis) or a urinary obstruction.
- Suprapubic pain – cystitis/prostatitis, urinary retention, [C1] bladder tumors, bladder stones.
2. Urinary disorders
- Itching when urinating
- Frequent urination (pollachuria) or frequent urination at night (nocturia)
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Urinary retention (incomplete emptying of the bladder)
3. Changes in urine
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine (possible infection)
- The presence of proteins, nitrites or other abnormalities in urine tests
4. General symptoms
- Fever, chills (suspected urinary tract infection)
- Increase in blood pressure
- Increased fatigue, weight loss.
Ultrasound is also indicated in monitoring of renal cysts, measurement of the volume of urine remaining in the bladder after urination (residual volume), suspected tumors, abscesses, stones, follow-up after urological operations, detection of congenital malformations (especially in children).
Symptoms such as frequent urination at night, weak urine stream or the feeling that the bladder does not empty completely can be alarm signals and a specialist medical consultation is important.
With the help of renal ultrasound, the doctor can check the size, shape, position, vascularity of the kidneys, but also confirm the presence of a tumor, a stone, an abscess or other renal pathology.
“Women go to the doctor more often”, stated the urologist, who also urges men over 45 to have a urological consultation at least once a year, which includes ultrasound of the urinary system, blood tests (PSA) and urine (urine summary, urine sediment and urine culture).
Urinary tract infections and hematuria – require extra attention
“A patient presenting for a simple urinary infection can also associate other types of pathologies: urinary lithiasis, prostatic adenoma, but also tumors of the urinary system,” the doctor explained.
“The presence of blood in the urine is an aggravating factor and always has a cause that must be identified. A patient with hematuria must always see a urologist for an ultrasound,” said Dr. Petcu.
Smoking, an underestimated risk factor for bladder and kidney cancer
“Smoking is a very important risk factor for the occurrence of all neoplastic pathologies in the urinary system. These aromatic amines, once in the urine, produce an important irritation, acting as a carcinogen on the urothelial mucosa,” explained Dr. Petcu.
To prevent such problems, adopt a healthy lifestyle, pay attention to the body's signals and regularly go for urological check-ups.
Article endorsed by Queen Mary
