Renal Ultrasound in Colorado
Our experienced radiologists at The Women’s Imaging Center use renal ultrasound to evaluate the kidneys and urinary system, helping identify possible causes of urinary symptoms, kidney abnormalities, and changes in urinary drainage.
Evaluate Kidney Health With Renal Ultrasound
Your kidneys play an essential role in maintaining your body's health. Located toward the back of the abdomen, the kidneys filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure, and maintain the balance of important minerals and electrolytes.
When the kidneys or urinary tract develop structural problems, symptoms may include pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, or changes in normal urinary function.
A renal ultrasound, also called a kidney ultrasound, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the kidneys and, when included in the examination, the urinary bladder.
Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation. It allows radiologists to assess kidney size, shape, and internal structures without an incision or injection.
Your physician may recommend renal ultrasound to investigate urinary symptoms, abnormal laboratory findings, or an abnormality identified during another examination.
What Can a Renal Ultrasound Detect?
Renal ultrasound can help identify or evaluate several kidney and urinary tract conditions, including:
Kidney cysts
Certain kidney stones
Hydronephrosis (swelling caused by impaired urinary drainage)
Kidney enlargement or shrinkage
Certain kidney masses
Structural abnormalities of the kidneys
Bladder abnormalities
Incomplete bladder emptying (urinary retention)
Kidney cysts are fluid-filled structures that commonly develop with age. Many are simple cysts that do not require treatment. However, cysts with complex features may need further imaging.
Kidney stones are another potential finding. These are hard deposits formed from minerals and salts in the urinary tract. Ultrasound can identify some stones and may detect swelling of the kidney when a stone obstructs urine drainage. However, smaller stones and stones within the ureters may not always be visible.
Understanding Hydronephrosis and Urinary Obstruction
Hydronephrosis occurs when urine cannot drain normally from the kidney, causing dilation of the urine-collecting system.
Possible causes include urinary tract stones, narrowing of the urinary tract, or other conditions that interfere with normal urine flow.
Renal ultrasound can show dilation within the kidney and help your physician determine whether further investigation is needed.
Hydronephrosis does not always indicate a complete obstruction, and ultrasound may not identify the exact cause. Depending on your symptoms and imaging findings, your physician may recommend additional testing.
What to Expect During a Renal Ultrasound
Renal ultrasound is a noninvasive examination that is generally well tolerated and requires little preparation.
Most renal ultrasound examinations do not require fasting or other extensive preparation.
If your bladder will be evaluated, you may be asked to drink water before your appointment and arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
Your imaging team will provide preparation instructions appropriate for your examination. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to your abdomen and lower back.
You will lie on an examination table while the technologist applies a clear, water-based gel to your skin.
A handheld transducer is moved over the abdomen, sides, and back to obtain images of the kidneys from several angles. You may be asked to turn onto your side or briefly hold your breath to improve visualization.
The technologist will examine the kidneys and document their dimensions and appearance, along with any visible abnormalities.
If bladder imaging is included, you may be asked to empty your bladder so that additional measurements can be obtained.
Once the examination is complete, you can return to your normal daily activities.
A radiologist will review the images and prepare a report for your referring physician. If a kidney stone, obstruction, mass, or another abnormality is suspected, your physician may recommend additional imaging or consultation with a specialist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Renal Ultrasound
A renal ultrasound may be ordered to investigate pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, suspected kidney stones, urinary retention, or abnormal kidney findings. It can also help monitor certain known kidney conditions.
Yes. Ultrasound can identify some kidney stones and may detect signs of urinary obstruction. However, it may miss small stones or stones located in the ureters. CT imaging may be recommended when more detailed evaluation is necessary.
A renal ultrasound evaluates the kidneys' anatomy, including their size, shape, and structural appearance. It does not directly measure how effectively the kidneys filter blood. Kidney function is usually assessed through blood and urine tests.
You may need a full bladder if the examination includes bladder imaging. Your imaging team will provide instructions about drinking water and whether you should avoid urinating before your appointment.
Renal ultrasound is usually painless. You may experience mild pressure when the transducer is moved over your abdomen or back, particularly if an area is already tender. The examination does not normally require needles, injections, or anesthesia.
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