To assess

Assess the urinary bladder for wall hypertrophy, intraluminal findings, and urinary retention (as applicable).

 

Limitations

None

 

Patient's Preparation

• Patient should be well hydrated.

• The patient should be kept from voiding 30 minutes before the study.

• If the patient has a suprapubic or Foley catheter, the catheter should be clamped 1 hour before the exam to allow for bladder filling unless otherwise contra-indicated based on provider instructions/preferences.

 

Equipment Setup

Curvilinear transducer with a frequency range of 2-9 MHz that allows for appropriate penetration and resolution of anatomy, depending on patient’s body habitus

 

Common Pathology

• Postrenal acute kidney injury

• Voiding dysfunction

• Estimation of bladder volume

• Haematuria

• Confirmation of proper urinary Foley catheter placement

• Malfunctioning Foley catheter

 

Scanning Technique

1. Longitudinal View

• Place the transducer with the indicator pointing towards the patient’s head in the patient’s midline, right above the pubic symphysis.

• Rock the probe so that it points down towards the pelvic cavity.

• Observe the lateral borders of the bladder by tilting the probe left and right.