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.

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.

Reflux sonography, as an alternative to micturating cystography (MCU), evaluates vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR), a common problem in children. Contrast enhanced pulse-inversion imaging shows best results. During the instillation of an ultrasound contrast agent into the bladder, (as for a conventional MCU) the lower ureters and renal pelves are scanned transabdominally as the bladder is filled to stimulate micturition.
Advantages for reflux sonography are a high sensitivity and the avoidance of X-rays. A disadvantage is the poorer depiction of the posterior urethra. However, for girls and for all follow-up studies, the ultrasound MCU has become standard in many pediatric ultrasound departments.

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Kidney Ultrasound, Ultrasound Safety, Ultrasound Imaging Modes.

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.