Kidney ultrasound for what? Preparation for kidney ultrasound in women. Decoding medical terms and concepts

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the kidneys is a classic diagnostic method that allows a patient to safely and painlessly assess the condition of the kidneys, identify possible pathologies and take timely measures to eliminate them.

There are two types of kidney ultrasound:

Ultrasonography is an ultrasound diagnostic method that reveals various changes in kidney tissue, inflammatory processes, tumors, cystic formations, stones and other pathologies;
Doppler ultrasound (USD) - ultrasound of the renal vessels visualizes various lesions of the renal blood vessels: thrombosis, stenosis (narrowing), trauma, etc.

On a note: An ultrasound examination of the kidneys does not cause any harm to the human body - it does not use X-rays or magnetic fields. Therefore, the procedure is prescribed for adults and children, including newborns, elderly people and pregnant women. It is allowed to perform ultrasound of the kidneys even in patients with pacemakers and insulin pumps. The frequency and number of examinations have no restrictions.

Indications

The attending physician (therapist, urologist, nephrologist, surgeon, oncologist) can prescribe an ultrasound of the kidneys if any pathology of the urinary system is suspected, as well as in the diagnostic program for the underlying disease, if disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys are its complication.

Very often, ultrasound of the kidneys is combined with ultrasound examination of the bladder and abdominal organs.

The main complaints that may cause an ultrasound of the kidneys:

periodic or constant pain in the lumbar region;
headaches due to increased blood pressure;
swelling of various localizations with unknown causes;
chronic or acute renal failure;
traumatic injuries in the ribs and lower back;
inflammatory processes;
suspicion of the presence of neoplasms;
emphysematous pyelonephritis (accumulation of gases in the renal parenchyma);
abnormalities in blood and urine tests;
examination before kidney surgery.

Kidney ultrasound is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Indications for mandatory ultrasound of the kidneys in pregnant women

Important! An ultrasound of the kidneys during pregnancy is not necessary, but due to the fact that during the period of bearing a child, the load on a pregnant woman’s kidneys increases many times, doctors often recommend undergoing an examination for preventive purposes.

It is necessary to undergo a kidney ultrasound during pregnancy in the following cases:

violation of the norm in urine tests and/or change in its color, identification of various impurities;
disturbance of urination (frequent, painful);
nagging pain in the lower back for a long time;
frequent severe swelling of the face and legs;
any injuries to the abdomen or lumbar region;
chronic kidney disease diagnosed before or during pregnancy.

There are no contraindications to kidney ultrasound.

Preparing for an ultrasound of the kidneys

To obtain the most accurate and informative results, the subject’s bladder must be full and the intestines must be free of feces and gases. This requirement is due to the property of ultrasound to freely penetrate liquid media and be reflected from voids (places where gases and air accumulate).

For 3 days before the kidney ultrasound, it is necessary to follow a diet that limits foods that increase gas formation in the intestines: milk and cream, brown bread, legumes, vegetables and sweet fruits, carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods, etc.;
1-2 days before an ultrasound scan of the kidneys, you can take medications that improve intestinal motility and eliminate flatulence (Motilium, Espumisan, Smecta, Enterosgel, activated carbon). Pregnant women should only be allowed to take these medications by a doctor;
Dinner on the eve of the procedure should be light and no later than 19.00;
If you have problems with the intestines (persistent constipation, bloating), before an ultrasound scan of the kidneys you need to do a cleansing enema or take a laxative the night before and in the morning, directly on the day of the examination;
1-2 hours before the test, you need to fill your bladder by drinking about 1 liter of still water and not urinate.

Methodology

The examination of the kidneys and urinary system is carried out in several positions: lying, on the side, standing or sitting. The sonologist applies a hypoallergenic water-based gel to the patient’s skin to ensure the most complete contact of the sensor with the surface of the patient’s body and increase the level of transmission of ultrasonic waves.

First, the kidneys are examined in the longitudinal direction (lumbar region), then transverse and oblique sections are studied, moving the sensor to the anterior and lateral surfaces of the abdomen. In this case, the patient is asked to alternately turn on the right and left sides. This technique allows you to determine the localization (location) of the kidneys, their size and shape, and assess the condition of the parenchyma, renal sinuses, calyces and pelvis.

To determine the mobility of the kidneys and improve visualization of the organs, with each change in body position, the doctor asks the patient to inhale and hold his breath for a few seconds. As you inhale, the kidneys descend from under the costal arch and are much more visible. A standing ultrasound of the kidneys is done if nephroptosis (prolapse of one or both kidneys) is suspected.

Doppler ultrasound (ultrasound of renal vessels) is performed with the patient lying on his side or sitting. This procedure does not have any special features. The doctor also moves the sensor over the surface of the patient's skin, carefully studying the constantly changing images on the monitor.

The duration of the entire procedure is about half an hour.

Decoding the results

Interpretation of the study results is carried out only by a sonologist. In conclusion, the specialist indicates the number of kidneys, their anatomical position, mobility, size and shape, the number and condition of the ureters, describes the structure of the collecting apparatus and renal parenchyma.

What does a kidney ultrasound show?

the presence of benign or malignant neoplasms;
the presence of stones in the cavities of the kidneys (renal stone disease);
foci of inflammation, including purulent abscesses and cysts;
graft rejection;
the state of renal blood flow and various vascular defects;
accumulation of fluid in or near the kidney;
the presence of air in the renal pelvis system;
degenerative changes in the kidney;
congenital anomalies, etc.

Kidney ultrasound is normal if:

There are two kidneys, they are located retroperitoneally on both sides of the spinal column at the level of the XII thoracic and I-II lumbar vertebrae and are surrounded on all sides by a dense layer of fatty tissue;
- the left kidney is slightly higher than the right;
- slight mobility of organs in a vertical position is allowed (the norm of displacement at the height of breathing is up to 1.5-2 cm);
The buds are bean-shaped and have clear contours. Their normal size according to ultrasound is constant (length 10-12 cm, width 5-6 cm, thickness 4-5 cm), but may differ slightly in the left and right kidneys (permissible difference is up to 1 cm);
The thickness of the renal parenchyma varies from 1.5 to 2.5 cm, gradually decreases with age, and by the age of 60 it reaches 1.1 cm. or less;
The kidney tissue has a homogeneous structure; there are no pathological inclusions (stones or sand) in the renal pelvis.

Common variants of deviations from the norm

Congenital anomalies - one kidney (unilateral aplasia) or double kidney (additional organ, usually on one side);

Loss of pairing due to surgical removal of one of the organs;

Prolapse of the kidneys (nephroptosis) up to dystopia (atypical arrangement of organs in the pelvis);

An increase in the thickness of parenchymal tissue is inflammation or swelling, a decrease is organ degeneration (age-related or pathological);

An increase in the size of the kidney is a sign of pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis (less commonly);

Anechoic areas (volumetric formations containing air or liquid) - cavitary kidney cysts or abscesses, hyperechoic foci - a sign of ongoing sclerotic processes in the kidneys (glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, amyloidosis, tumors);

Microcalculosis, echo shadow, echogenic formation, hyperechoic inclusion - these terms refer to sand and stones of about 4-5mm. in the renal collecting system.

A form with the results of the study is given to the patient. It is accompanied by ultrasound images of the kidneys, in which the sonologist points with arrows to the detected pathologies (a “hint” for the attending physician). A video of a kidney ultrasound is provided to the patient if vascular abnormalities are detected or tumor formations are detected. However, such a service is not provided in municipal medical institutions.

Where is kidney ultrasound performed?

Kidney ultrasound is performed in multidisciplinary public clinics and hospitals, as well as in specialized private medical centers. Some non-governmental clinics provide the opportunity for examination at any time of the day on an outpatient basis and by calling a doctor with a portable ultrasound sonograph at home. The latter option is very convenient for patients whose motor activity is reduced or completely blocked.

Kidney ultrasound is one of the safest diagnostic methods. Ultrasound can detect virtually any abnormal processes and diseases of the renal apparatus. Other prerogative aspects of the procedure include:

lack of direct contact of medical instruments with the organ (non-invasive);
absolute painlessness of the process;
no contraindications to the examination (with the exception of damage to the epidermis in the area of the examined organs);
insignificant time costs for the procedure;
high information content.

The last point is largely ensured by proper preparation. To get objective results, you should know what to do before a kidney ultrasound. Separate examination of the kidneys is rarely performed. For the most part, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity with kidneys or an ultrasound of the urinary system is prescribed. Based on this, preliminary preparation for the procedure is carried out.

The main recommendations for preparing for a kidney examination using ultrasound are aimed at correcting nutrition a few days before the procedure. For people who have difficulty with regular bowel movements and flatulence, preparation should begin 5-7 days in advance; for other patients, three days will be enough.

About food

Changing your eating habits will make it easier for your organs to function. An unloaded digestive system and kidneys are easier to study. This will help the doctor make the most accurate diagnosis possible. The diet is made up of products that are easily processed by the digestive tract.

You can eat the following ready-made meals and products:

porridges cooked in water (milk and cream bases are excluded);
chicken, turkey, rabbit, lean fish, cooked by stewing or boiling;
cheese and cottage cheese with low fat content;
boiled or stewed vegetables;
boiled eggs;
light, non-rich soups.

The diet before a kidney ultrasound is aimed, first of all, at avoiding foods that cause flatulence. The accumulation of gases in the intestinal cavity is an obstacle to the free passage of ultrasound, and distorts the image of the digestive organs and urinary system on the monitor of the ultrasound machine.

Before the study, you should exclude from your diet:

legume source of vegetable protein (peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans);
pickled, raw, pickled cabbage;
whole fresh milk;
yeast baked goods;
fruits: pears, apples, grapes;
raw vegetables: radishes, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes;
sweet dessert dishes;
chocolate;
sausage, frankfurters;
whole grain flour products, including bread.

The consumption of heavy foods is also subject to restrictions. Not recommended: fatty pork, fish and meat prepared by smoking, potato dishes, canned foods, including marinades and pickles, fatty mayonnaise-based sauces and ketchups, seeds, dried fruits, any nuts.

Dietary nutrition for 2–6 days will allow the doctor to assess in detail the condition of the abdominal cavity and kidneys, and speed up the examination process itself. Meals include small portions at 3-4 hour intervals.

The culinary method of processing food by frying is not recommended. Meat, vegetables, fish should be boiled, stewed or baked in foil, and steam cooking should also be used. Herbal and vitamin decoctions will be useful.

The main question of the preparatory period is whether it is possible to eat before an ultrasound? In the case when an ultrasound examination of the kidneys is prescribed in conjunction with ultrasound diagnostics of the abdominal cavity, it is necessary to maintain a fasting regime of 8 to 12 hours. During this time, the gastrointestinal tract will have time to process food. In this case, the evening meal should be light and consist of easily digestible dishes.

This can be any water-based porridge, boiled or steamed fish of not very fatty varieties (pollock, hake), stewed vegetables (excluding cabbage). Is it possible to eat before an ultrasound of the kidneys, when a separate examination of these organs is performed? If the ultrasound is scheduled for the afternoon, a breakfast that is easy on the stomach is allowed. When diagnosing in the morning, it is better to refuse breakfast.

For preschool children, the food restriction before diagnosis is at least five hours. Breastfed babies are examined no later than half an hour after feeding. To avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should not overeat after the procedure. A large meal after a diet can cause dyspepsia (painful and difficult digestion) and difficulties with bowel movements.

Limiting certain foods is necessary to prevent gas formation in the intestines.

About the liquid

The drinking regime during the preparatory period should be plentiful and regular. You are allowed to drink water, green or weak black tea, diluted fruit drinks and juices without pulp. It is prohibited to consume sweet soda and kvass containing yeast, as these drinks provoke gas formation. Immediately before diagnosis, the bladder should be full.

This recommendation is especially relevant if examination of this organ is planned along with the kidneys. It would be a good idea to prepare water in advance so that you can drink it immediately before the ultrasound diagnostic room.

How much water should you drink for the procedure to show optimal results? Doctors are of the opinion that one liter will be enough. The main thing is not to empty your bladder, otherwise drinking beforehand loses its meaning.

If the digestive tract is stable, before the study it is enough to take carminatives for two days: activated carbon (1 tablet per 10–15 kg of weight) or Espumisan (capsule three times a day).

For patients with digestive problems (regular bloating, constipation), it is recommended to add an enema procedure to the medications the evening before the ultrasound (enema is prohibited on the day of diagnosis). You can do a regular enema, 2 liters in volume, or use the modern Microlax microenema. If it is not possible to give an enema, then you should resort to the help of mild laxatives (Guttalax, Fitolysin).

For the smooth functioning of the digestive tract, it would be useful to use enzyme medications that improve digestion. Mezim, Pancreatin, Festal should be taken one tablet during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Correctly fulfilled preparation conditions enable the doctor to easily diagnose diseases of the kidneys and other organs responsible for the process of urine excretion.

If the doctor suspects the presence of not only renal pathologies, but also a deviation from the norm in the functioning of adjacent vessels, a special type of diagnosis is prescribed - ultrasound with Doppler (duplex). Double examination is more effective. It allows you to identify changes directly in the organ, the speed of blood flow and the cleanliness of blood vessels (the presence of blood clots, atherosclerotic growths on the vascular walls, expansion or narrowing of the vascular system of the kidneys).

The doctor will tell the patient about the necessary preparation before the test

Ultrasound evaluates the general anatomical structure of the organ in the same way. In the postoperative period, ultrasound is performed to monitor the results of the intervention. Duplex scanning of the kidneys is not performed if examination of other organs of the digestive system is scheduled on the same day, as well as if there are lesions on the epidermis in the area of the organs being examined. If Doppler sonography was prescribed, compliance with preparatory measures for the procedure remains unchanged.

You should not eat before vascular examination, regardless of whether the procedure is morning or evening. Duplex allows you to identify diseases in the initial period of their development, when the patient may not be aware of their presence. Ultrasound is performed on an outpatient basis. Treatment is prescribed by a therapist or nephrologist in accordance with the examination results. If the disease cannot be determined by ultrasound, the doctor refers the patient to tomographic diagnostics of the kidneys (MRI and CT).

Kidney ultrasound is a method for diagnosing the organs of the genitourinary system, analyzing their structure and pathological changes. For an accurate result, before the procedure it is necessary to follow a regimen and a special diet to reduce gas formation for 5-7 days.

Ultrasound of the urinary system and kidneys is a non-invasive ultrasound examination that examines the physiological state of organs and identifies their features. It can accurately and quickly detect developmental abnormalities and the presence of injuries.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for ultrasound:

chronic kidney disease;
the presence of protein and leukocytes in the urine;
blood pressure is higher than normal;
painful urination;
modification of urine;
high body temperature;
loss of appetite;
lumbar pain;
mechanical trauma of the abdominal cavity;
increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate;
swelling of the limbs and face.

Only a doctor can accurately determine the indications for the genitourinary system and kidneys based on examination and complaints of the patient.

Contraindications:

Increased gas formation. Recommendations: find out the reason why this happened and go on a special diet. It is better to postpone the next appointment for 6-9 days.
Full stomach. You must go to the procedure hungry so that leftover food does not interfere with visualization of the organ.
Presence of burns or scars. The sensor can cause pain in the patient. Also, any irregularities reduce the contact of the device with the skin.
Obesity. The layer of fat interferes, like food, and prevents accurate visualization of the organ. Ultrasound sensors have a certain penetration depth: the organ will be examined partially.
The presence of barium in the intestines after the appropriate procedure.

Which doctor conducts

Diagnosis of the urinary tract and kidneys is carried out by highly specialized specialists:

urologist - deals with surgical treatment of the kidneys;
nephrologist - prescribes medications.

A local physician can also prescribe an ultrasound examination to perform a preventive examination.

How long does the examination take?

The procedure lasts from 3 to 7 minutes. The duration of the study may increase if the doctor needs to diagnose other organs.

How often can the procedure be done?

For an adult, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract is performed as often as the doctor recommends. The study is harmless and does not cause disturbances in the functioning of the body.

How to prepare for the procedure

To conduct a quality study, the patient must listen to all the doctor’s recommendations and begin to prepare in advance. Usually the specialist issues them in printed form for convenience.

Preparation for an ultrasound examination, in addition to diet, includes:

drinking regime
taking enzyme (mezim) and sorbet (activated carbon, enterosgel) drugs;
abstain from smoking for 3 hours before the procedure;

Ultrasound is performed only on an empty stomach; the last meal should be no later than 7 hours before diagnosis.

Shortly before the examination, the local doctor sends the patient to undergo the necessary tests so that a diagnosis can be made with greater accuracy.

Tests that a doctor may prescribe before performing a kidney ultrasound:

general urine analysis;
urine analysis according to Zimnitsky;
urine analysis according to Nichiporenko;
general blood analysis;
blood chemistry.

Diet

The following products should not be consumed:

unprocessed vegetables;
dairy and fermented milk products;
bakery products;
fat meat;
any types of beans;
carbonated drinks;
alcohol.

Can be used:

cereal porridge with water;
meat broth;
scrambled eggs;
boiled chicken meat (steamed);
skim cheese;
vegetable soups.

Meals should occur every 3-4 hours.

Drinking regime

It is necessary to take 2 liters of water per day throughout the diet. It is advisable to drink water an hour before meals, or 40 minutes after eating.

How is a kidney ultrasound performed?

Kidney ultrasound is most often done with the patient lying on his back. If the subject is overweight, the condition of the organ can only be correctly diagnosed on the side.

The doctor prepares the device and applies gel to the sensor. It allows ultrasound waves to penetrate deep into the body and glide painlessly over the skin.

The ultrasound technician may ask you to breathe in air and stop breathing for a short time. This improves the contact of the sensor with the skin, which makes visualization of the kidneys clearer.

Are kidney ultrasounds different for men and women?

There are no differences in the methods of performing ultrasound in men and women. They must follow the same doctor's instructions before and during the procedure.

Advantages of ultrasound with echo contrast agent

The advantages of examination with a contrast agent are:

opportunities to examine in detail the pathological disorders of the organ;
indications of inflammatory processes in organs;
assessing the functionality of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
determining the location of foreign bodies;
low cost.

Ultrasound with an echo contrast agent is a modern technique for studying the functioning of the vessels of internal organs. An iodine-containing substance is administered to the patient intravenously, and is released into the vessels of the renal system. A series of x-rays of the abdomen are then taken. On them, the doctor will evaluate the ability of the kidneys to secrete contrast.

Ultrasound with contrast reveals the following diseases:

polycystic disease;
hydronephrosis;
urolithiasis;
pyelonephritis;
developmental anomalies;
nephroptosis;
renal hypertension;
glomerulonephritis;
cysts;
kidney tuberculosis;
malignant formations.

Radiography with contrast is contraindicated if:

diseases of the thyroid gland;
severe renal failure;
allergies to the substance;
blood clotting disorders;
decompensated pathologies of the kidneys and heart.

When should the examination be performed standing?

The examination is carried out in a standing position if the doctor suspects kidney prolapse. In this case, the organ changes its position if the person is in motion. That is, the patient will not have to stand for a long time: he will be asked to change position from a horizontal position to a vertical one for 1-2 minutes.

Description of results

The diagnostic results are interpreted by a sonologist:

number of kidneys;
description of shape and size;
patency of the urinary tract;
number of ureters;
CHLS structure;
structure of the kidney parenchyma.

After studying all the data obtained, the specialist informs the patient about the norms or possible diseases.

The location and size of the kidneys are normal

Normal kidney values for different ages:

Age	Bud	Width, mm	Thickness, mm	Length, mm
Newborn	Right	13,6 — 29,4	15,9 -27,4	36,8 — 59
	Left	14,1 — 26-9	13,6 — 27,3	36,2 — 60,6
1-2 months, boy	Right	15,9 — 31,5	18 — 29,5	39 — 68, 9
	Left	15,9 -31	13,6 — 30,2	40 — 71
1-2 months, girl	Right	16 — 29,6	17,7 — 29,7	42 — 61,3
	Left	15,8 — 29	17,3 — 28,1	40,9 — 63,7
1-3 years	Right	20,9 — 35,3	20,4 — 31,6	54,7 — 82
	Left	19,2 — 36, 4	21,2 — 34	55,6 — 84, 8
5-7 years	Right	26,2 — 41	23,7 — 38,5	66,3 — 95,5
	Left	23,5 — 40,7	21,4 — 42,6	67 — 99,4
10-14 years	Right	28 — 48,7	25,5 — 43,1	74,4 — 113,6
	Left	27, 2 — 47,7	27 — 46,3	74,4 — 116
Adult	Right	33 — 41	13 — 17	90 — 105
	Left	35 — 43	14 — 18	92 -110

Parenchyma of healthy kidneys

Parenchyma is a two-layer tissue that makes up the kidneys. The first layer is the cortex, where the renal glomeruli are located, the second is the medulla, which performs the function of transporting urine.

The normal ultrasound results for this indicator are:

Pyelocalyceal system (PSS)

PLS is the section of the kidneys where urine, which was formed by the parenchyma cortex, enters. Next, this organ must direct urine to the ureters - the channels leading to the bladder.

The results of an ultrasound scan of the chest joint are normal if:

no deformations in the structure;
the system is not expanded;
no inclusions;
the cup is empty.

ChLS dysfunction is diagnosed by the following symptoms:

slow urination process;
frequent but ineffective urge to go to the toilet;
bloating;
lumbar and groin pain;
blood in urine;
symmetrical pain (in both kidneys).

The normal size of the renal pelvis in a child is 6 mm, in an adult - 10 mm, in a pregnant woman this figure can increase to 27 mm.

Pathological formations

Pathological formations in the kidneys do not cause pain or discomfort in humans, so they are difficult to detect. They come in two types: benign and malignant. The doctor tries to diagnose their origin in order to make a prognosis for the development of the tumor.

Benign formations:

myoma;
cyst;
fibroma;
papilloma;
dermoid;
adenoma;
angioma;
hemangioma.

Malignant formations, interpretation of results:

Hyperechoic. Easily distinguishable on an ultrasound machine due to the high density of tissue. In the picture these are large white spots - kidney stones.
Hypoechoic. Less dense, liquid formations are cysts or cancer. Arise due to acute kidney disease.
Isoechoic. Very well visualized on ultrasound. This diagnosis is a serious disorder in the functioning of the organ; on the monitor it appears as a heterogeneous spot.
Anechoic. It is difficult to diagnose due to its low density: on the monitor they appear as dark spots above the kidney. More research is needed to confirm the disease.

Kidney ultrasound is performed for acute symptoms, as well as as a routine annual examination. The indication for this may be chronic pathology or a primary preventive examination. Single ultrasound examination of the kidneys is rarely performed. More often, this paired organ is examined together with adjacent organs located in the peritoneum and pelvis.

The ultrasound wave perfectly visualizes the anatomical structures of the kidneys. The only thing that can prevent this is excess gases in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, the patient needs to prepare for a kidney ultrasound examination. Doctors are always happy to explain to the patient how to prepare for a kidney ultrasound.

The procedure can also be carried out as part of a comprehensive examination of the abdominal organs (liver, pancreas) and retroperitoneal space, as well as in conjunction with an examination of the bladder and prostate gland. Each of them may have its own reasons for diagnosis.

Ultrasound for studying various pathologies of the kidneys is divided into 2 types:

Echography. This diagnostic procedure shows the structure of the kidneys, their size and size, but does not evaluate the blood flow in the kidneys.
Dopplerography. This procedure allows you to directly study the flow of blood in the renal vascular system. It can be used to diagnose narrowing of arterial and venous vessels, blood clots, plaques, blockages and aneurysms.

The nephrologist who observes the patient sets the goals of the examination, and in connection with this, one of the ultrasound diagnostic methods is selected.

Preparing the child

If a child is undergoing an examination, parents should ensure that he or she is properly prepared for the ultrasound. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys is mandatory for all newborns until they are 1.5 months old. For older children, ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder and other adjacent structures is prescribed if there are specific complaints.

If older children have normal bowel movements and flatulence, then it is enough for them to follow the recommendations for proper nutrition before the ultrasound. If, however, increased flatulence is observed, then two days before the ultrasound, the child is prescribed Colicid, Espuzin, Metsil and other drugs that can suppress gas formation.

The biggest challenge in preparing young patients is filling the bladder. Older children, who may not relieve themselves for up to several hours, and if the urge appears, can be patient, before an ultrasound scan of the kidneys, you should not empty the bladder for 2-3 hours. A child who pees uncontrollably should be taken to the toilet 2–2.5 hours before the examination, and then given a little tea, compote or juice to drink.

There are certain norms for the amount of fluid for proper filling of the urinary tract at different ages:

children under 2 years old – 100 ml;
from 3 to 7 years – 0.2 liters;
from 8 to 11 – 0.3 liters;
after 12 years – 0.4 liters.

The child needs to drink the entire amount at once, not relieve himself before the examination, and not drink anything additional. Very young children are weak in this matter, so you can give them a sippy cup a quarter of an hour before the examination and try to convince them to drink at least 50 ml. Newborns can have an ultrasound scan regardless of how full the bladder is. They are fed breast milk or given formula, and after 20 minutes they are sent for diagnostics.

Excess urine in children is just as undesirable as too little, since it can negatively affect diagnostic results

Adult preparation

Preparing for a kidney ultrasound in adults includes the following steps. If the patient does not suffer from constipation, then there is no need for enemas. It is enough to empty your bowels in the usual way the night before or in the morning before the scheduled ultrasound.

If there are problems with stool, then it is necessary to cleanse the intestines. However, it is incorrect to perform an enema on the day of the examination immediately before the ultrasound. Colon cleansing should be done 1–2 days before the test.

A good way is to take Fortrans or give a mini-enema Normacol. The procedure should be performed on an empty stomach. You can have your last meal no later than 8–12 hours before the scheduled ultrasound. And it’s better to choose something light and quickly digestible. This rule should especially be followed if an ultrasound examination of the kidneys is combined with an examination of the peritoneal organs.

If the ultrasound is scheduled after lunch, you can eat early in the morning. 60 minutes after breakfast you need to drink activated carbon or any other sorbent drug. To improve the functioning of the digestive tract and reduce gas formation, combined enzyme preparations of the Unienzyme type are indicated. It immediately contains papain, simethicone, charcoal and nicotinamide.

One hour before the scheduled ultrasound, you need to drink 400-800 ml of pure water without carbon or lightly brewed green tea. You cannot relieve yourself before an ultrasound examination.

Nutrition

You also need to prepare for the procedure of ultrasound examination of the kidneys in terms of diet. 3 days before the examination, the patient will be asked to eat a diet that prevents gas formation. It is necessary to temporarily exclude fatty protein foods from the diet, as well as foods rich in cellulose and lignin (green peas, cabbage, apple peels).

What can be included in the daily diet:

porridge cooked in water (buckwheat, pearl barley, oatmeal);
boiled lean meat;
low-fat cutlets cooked in a double boiler;
lean fish, boiled or steamed;
low-fat hard cheese;
boiled chicken egg (piece);
white bread crackers.

For patients with good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, it is enough to adhere to a gentle diet for 3 days. If there is a tendency to flatulence, then you should exclude products that promote gas formation and take sorbent preparations for 7 days.

If an x-ray of the kidneys is planned with the use of contrast, then after that an ultrasound can be performed no earlier than 2-3 days later

Adrenal glands

Preparing for an ultrasound scan of the adrenal glands is no different from preparing for an examination of the kidneys and bladder. In this case, a gentle diet is also recommended. And before the ultrasound examination, you should ensure that the bladder is full. Although in some cases the diagnostician may claim that preparation for an ultrasound scan of the adrenal glands is not necessary at all.

In any case, it would be good for the patient, in preparation for an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and adrenal glands, 8 hours before the procedure to avoid eating sweets, baked goods, legumes, whole milk and other foods that cause bloating and may interfere with the visualization of the examined organs.

Preparing pregnant women

Pregnant women need to prepare for a kidney ultrasound, just like all other patients. But expectant mothers should absolutely not use laxatives or give enemas, as this can increase the tone of the uterus. All that remains for a pregnant woman is to prepare with a diet that will need to be followed for 3 days.

During the preparation period, a woman must exclude from the menu everything that causes increased gas formation - sauerkraut, legumes, whole milk, black bread, sweets. A pregnant woman can also take sorbents and carminatives.

In terms of filling the bladder, a woman must clearly cooperate with the diagnostician. In some cases, they may not torture her, forcing her to drink 1.5 liters of water while prohibiting her from going to the toilet. But most often there is no way around this and you will have to be patient, especially if the kidneys are examined together with the bladder. If the patient manages to make all the necessary preparations, then he can count on accurate examination results that will help select effective treatment for the kidneys and related organs.