Ultrasonography of the kidneys (renal ultrasound) is part of a complete examination of the abdomen. Ultrasound is used to determine the size, shape, and exact position of the kidneys. Renal ultrasound provides important information regarding kidney function, related blood vessels, kidney stones, renal cysts, tumors, or hydronephrosis (suggestive of obstruction or blockage of the kidney).
The kidneys are scanned on longitudinal and transverse planes. Patients should avoid carbonated drinks such as soda or seltzer the day before, and have a full bladder for the test.
Lithotripsy is a therapeutic ultrasound procedure used to shatter simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract.

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Reflux Sonography.

From Verathon Inc.;
'The Pediatric BladderScan® is the newest addition to Verathon Inc.'s trusted family of BladderScan® instruments. By enabling health care providers to measure a child's bladder volume noninvasively, this easy-to-use, handheld tool aids in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary conditions.'

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Pediatric Ultrasound, Mirror Artifact, Pelvic Ultrasound, Reflux Sonography and Ultrasonography.

Ultrasound is the ideal tool to examine children of all ages. It is fast, painless, uses no ionizing radiation, and does not require a baby to remain still for long periods. Real-time modes show movement of internal tissues and organs. Advanced ultrasound imaging techniques such as color Doppler, 4D ultrasound, harmonic imaging, and higher resolution, as well as the application of ultrasound contrast agents broaden the potential of ultrasound.
Pediatric [paediatric, Brit.] ultrasound can be used in all body regions and reduce the number of more invasive or radiating examinations that often additionally need sedation or intravenous iodinated contrast agents.

See also Fetal Ultrasound, Reflux Sonography, Ultrasound Safety, Abdominal Ultrasound and Pregnancy Ultrasound.

Pregnancy ultrasound plays a crucial role in monitoring the health and development of the fetus throughout pregnancy. It serves as a screening tool with various applications, including:

See also Doppler Fluximetry in Pregnancy, Fetal Ultrasound, Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound and Vaginal Probe.

Transurethral echography or sonography is used to detect small tumors of the urinary bladder or to visualize the urethra and surrounding muscles with special transducers. The bladder neck can be visualized using a transrectal probe.
In addition, high intensity focused ultrasound provides treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Small catheter-based sectored tubular or planar transducers with highly directional energy deposition and rotational control are used for precise treatment. Regions of the prostate can be selective coagulatet while monitoring and controlling the treatment with MRI.

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Lithotripsy, Reflux Sonography, Ultrasound Therapy, Interventional Ultrasound and Thermotherapy.