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Ureteroscopic Ultrasound
What is
Ureteroscopic Ultrasound?
This
is a procedure in which high-energy sound waves
(ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or
organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are
shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine,
forming a picture of body tissues called a
sonogram. This is also called ultrasonography.
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Effects
of Ureteroscopic Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to
aid in diagnosis.
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Candidates for Ureteroscopic Ultrasound
Those who are suspected to have a ureteral
disorder should have an ultrasound for
diagnostic purposes.
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Your Consultation
Before
your test, you will be asked to drink plenty of
fluid so that your bladder is full and a clear
picture can be seen. Once you are lying
comfortably on your back, a special gel is
spread over your abdomen.
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The
Ureteroscopic Ultrasound Procedure
An
ultrasound probe is a housing structure for an
ultrasound transducer and the associated wiring
for connection to a console with a computer. The
probe is shaped for the desired application,
e.g., cylindrical for endorectal use. The
transducer generates high-frequency sound waves
(typically 5-10 MHz) and directs them through
body tissues by means of a probe held against
the skin. Various probes and transducers are
available for examination of different organs
and body parts. The probe also contains a
receiver to detect sound waves (called echoes)
reflected from tissues.
Through a process called acoustic-electric
conversion, the transducer transforms the sound
energy into electrical energy. The electrical
energy is processed by the computer in the
ultrasound console to generate an image of
minute white dots (pixels) corresponding to the
returning signals. Displayed on a black
background, the white pixels produce an image of
assorted shades of gray. When the sound waves
travel easily through uniform substances (e.g.,
water, oil, urine), no echoes are generated. The
ultrasound image seen on the screen is therefore
black; no echoes are present. When the sound
waves encounter tissues of different densities,
the sound waves are absorbed, reflected back to
the probe, or transmitted through the tissue at
different velocities. When this happens, the
ultrasound image is white or gray depending on
the intensity of the reflection.
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Recovery
After
treatment, you will have regular follow-up
appointments with your specialist to monitor how
you are recovering after treatment. Follow-up
will usually include a physical examination. It
may also involve taking some urine or blood
samples. You will also have regular cystoscopies
to detect any changes in the ureter. If you have
any problems, or notice any new symptoms between
these times, let your doctor know as soon as
possible.
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Risks
There are no
serious risks associated with this procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the ureter?
A:
The ureter is a thick-walled
tube that conveys urine from the
kidney
to the urinary bladder. It is approximately 10
in. (25.4 cm) long, with the upper half located
in the abdomen and the lower half in the pelvic
region. Urine is transported down this tube
under the impetus of gravity assisted by
contractions of the smooth muscles that line the
ureteral walls.
Q:
What happens during an ultrasound?
A:
Scan using sound waves to build up a picture of
the inside of the body. A gel is put on the skin
and a microphone passed back and forth over the
area to be scanned. A computer converts the
reflected sound waves into a picture on a
screen.
Q: Who
performs ultrasound?
A:
Ultrasonography is
mainly performed by radiologists. However,
nonradiologist clinicians commonly perform and
interpret specific types of ultrasound (eg,
obstetricians, fetal ultrasound; urologists,
transrectal ultrasound of the prostate). The
ideal ultrasound examination is one in which the
clinician interprets it in real time while it is
being performed. Therefore, physicians should
observe ultrasound studies during the
examination.
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The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
please click the links to find out more:
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