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.

Brachytherapy is a radiation therapy in which radioactive material (radioisotopes) sealed in needles, seeds or wires is placed directly into or near a tumor. Brachytherapy uses ultrasound imaging to visualize the needles for accurate placement of the small seeds or pellets (capsules) directly into e.g., the prostate. Ultrasound imaging allows accurate planning, placement and implantation of the radiation sources. Implantation of the seeds is a minimally invasive procedure.
Radioactive seeds are inserted through the perineum skin (the area between the scrotum and the anus) into the prostate gland. With correct planning, the surgeon can implant the radiation sources for maximum benefits to effective cancer treatment.

See also EchoSeed™, Prostate Ultrasound, Thermotherapy, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, Urologic Ultrasound, Transurethral Sonography.

The usual applications of endocavitary echography (also called internal echography / endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)) are examinations of the pelvic organs through internally introduced probes, which give a more precise and correct image.
Transrectal ultrasound is a well established method for rectal or prostate carcinoma assessment.
A transvaginal echography uses a small transducer that is inserted directly into the vagina.
Used are high-frequency (10-12 MHz) for superficial organs, endocavitary echography, and intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound. A sterile cover is slipped over the probe, which is then covered with lubricating ultrasound gel and placed in the cavitary (see Equipment Preparation).

See also Endoscopic Ultrasound, Prostate Ultrasound, Interventional Ultrasound, Transurethral Sonography, Vaginal Probe, Rectal Probe.

Interventional ultrasound, also known as ultrasonography, encompasses a range of invasive or surgical procedures guided by ultrasound imaging. While its widest application lies in intravascular ultrasound imaging for measuring atherosclerotic plaque, it has proven valuable in various medical fields.
In urology, ultrasound-guided interventions are employed for treatments like high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in prostate conditions. The precise imaging provided by ultrasound aids in targeting the affected area and delivering therapeutic energy effectively.
In intraabdominal conditions, endoscopic ultrasound is frequently utilized. This technique combines ultrasound imaging with an endoscope to visualize and evaluate structures within the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for precise diagnoses and targeted interventions.
Ultrasound-guided procedures play a significant role in several medical specialties, including liver sonography, obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound, and thyroid ultrasound. These procedures involve interventions such as RF thermal ablation or biopsies, which are guided by real-time ultrasound imaging.
For instance, in liver sonography, ultrasound guidance is crucial for performing biopsies or RF thermal ablation, a technique used to treat liver tumors by delivering localized heat to destroy the abnormal tissue. The real-time imaging allows for precise needle placement and monitoring during the procedure.
In obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, such as biopsies, can be performed to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, ultrasound guidance is valuable during interventions like amniocentesis or fetal blood sampling, enabling accurate and safe procedures.
Thyroid ultrasound procedures often involve ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), which allows for the sampling of thyroid nodules for cytological examination. The ultrasound image helps guide the needle into the targeted area, ensuring accurate sampling and minimizing potential complications.
Overall, ultrasound-guided interventions provide minimally invasive and precise approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The real-time imaging capabilities of ultrasound contribute to enhanced accuracy, safety, and patient outcomes in procedures like biopsies, injections, and drainage.

See also Transurethral Sonography, Endocavitary Echography, and B-Mode Acquisition and Targeting.

(TRUS) Transrectal sonography (also called transrectal ultrasonography, transrectal echography (TRE), endorectal ultrasound (ERUS or EUS)) is an ultrasound procedure used to examine the prostate gland, the rectum or bladder.
A small, lubricated transducer placed into the rectum releases sound waves, which create echoes as they enter the region of interest. A computer creates a picture called a sonogram.
TRUS is commonly used for guidance during a prostate needle biopsy and may be used to deliver brachytherapy and monitor cancer treatment. Transrectal ultrasonography detects enlargement, tumors and other abnormalities of the prostate, rectal polyps, rectal cancer, perianal infection, and sphincter muscle injuries. TRUS is also performed on male patients with infertility to view the prostate and surrounding structures and on patients with suspected bladder conditions or disease to view the bladder.

See also Transurethral Sonography, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Rectal Probe, Biplane Probe, Endocavitary Echography and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound.