Ultrasonography in emergency urological practice

Role of ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is the first and most readily available bedside imaging modality. It allows rapid assessment of:

• the presence of hydronephrosis;
• kidney size and renal parenchyma;
• large stones;
• urine volume in the bladder;
• free fluid in the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum.

Limitations

• Limited sensitivity for small ureteral stones.
• Dependence on operator skill and patient body habitus.
• The precise level of obstruction cannot always be determined.

Management

When obstruction is suspected and CT cannot be performed, ultrasonography is the modality of choice to guide the decision to drain.

Algorithm