Ultrasound of the kidneys

  • Patient preparation: full bladder (clamp Foley)
  • Contrast used: none
  • Technique: position the patient in supine and then prone positions
  • Images to obtain: sagittal and transverse grayscale images of the kidneys in both supine and prone positions, sagittal and transverse images of the bladder
  • Looking for: renal length – symmetrical or not, collecting system – single or duplicated, hydronephrosis, hydroureter, vesicoureteral reflux, ureterocele, bladder stone, in patients with decreased urine output make sure to rule out renal vein thrombosis using spectral doppler
  • Post procedure tasks: none