Retroperitoneal ultrasound

Lower back pain, swelling, changes in urine tests, or increased blood pressure may be associated with the functioning of the kidneys, adrenal glands, and other structures of the retroperitoneal area. To find out the cause of such symptoms, the doctor may recommend ultrasound of the retroperitoneal space — a painless and safe examination that provides important diagnostic information.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, ultrasound is performed on modern expert-class equipment. The examination helps assess the condition of internal organs, notice possible changes, and determine whether the patient needs additional diagnostics or treatment. To undergo ultrasound at a time convenient for you, schedule an appointment through the clinic’s contact center.

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space at the «Oxford Medical» medical center includes assessment of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and adrenal glands. Combining ultrasound of the abdominal organs with examination of the retroperitoneal area helps the doctor comprehensively assess structures that may be associated with pain in the abdomen or lower back, digestive disorders, changes in urination, or abnormalities in tests.

During ultrasound, the doctor sequentially assesses:

• the liver — its size, contours, tissue structure, and the presence of possible focal changes;
• the gallbladder — shape, condition of the walls, signs of bile stasis, sediment, or stones;
• the spleen — size, structure, and homogeneity of the tissue;
• the pancreas — size, contours, and features of echostructure;
• the kidneys — location, size, structure, and condition of the calyceal-pelvic system;
• the adrenal glands — the area of their location, size, and tissue structure.

After the examination, the patient receives a conclusion with a description of the condition of the organs that were assessed during ultrasound. The final diagnosis is established by the doctor who prescribed the examination: urologist, gastroenterologist, nephrologist, family doctor, or therapist.

Ultrasound is also prescribed before planned treatment, after previous diseases, or to monitor the condition over time. The examination may be included in a general body check-up program, which allows checking the main health indicators and paying timely attention to possible changes.

Ultrasound helps to see structural changes, but does not replace laboratory diagnostics and other examinations. For example, if an inflammatory process is suspected, the doctor may additionally prescribe a urine test, a complete blood count, biochemical indicators, or other tests. This approach makes it possible to understand the possible cause of deviations and determine further tactics.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend seeking a consultation if lower back pain is combined with fever, changes in urination, swelling, or increased blood pressure. Such symptoms may have different causes, so it is important not only to undergo ultrasound, but also to assess the conclusion together with the results of tests and existing complaints.

Preparation for ultrasound of the retroperitoneal space helps reduce gas formation, which improves visualization of the organs during the examination. Usually, 2–3 days before the procedure, it is recommended to adjust nutrition, and on the day of the ultrasound — to maintain a break in eating.

A few days before the ultrasound, it is advisable to temporarily limit foods that may increase bloating:

• legumes, cabbage, radish, grapes;
• fresh baked goods, black bread, sweets;
• carbonated drinks and alcohol;
• fatty, fried, and too heavy for digestion dishes;
• milk, if it provokes discomfort in the abdomen.

During this period, it is better to choose simple dishes that are easily digested: porridges cooked in water, lean meat or fish, light soups, boiled or baked foods. On the eve of the examination, dinner should be moderate, without foods that increase gas formation.

On the day of the procedure, it is usually necessary to come on an empty stomach. If the ultrasound is scheduled for the second half of the day, the last light meal should preferably be taken no later than 6 hours before the examination. This is stated in the guideline of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine regarding ultrasound examination.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain that the drinking regimen before ultrasound depends on which organs need to be assessed. If the examination covers the kidneys or urinary system, a moderately filled bladder may be needed. If the main focus is on the abdominal organs, it is more important to avoid foods and drinks that increase bloating. The exact preparation rules are better clarified with the specialist who prescribed the examination.

The price of ultrasound of the retroperitoneal organs at the «Oxford Medical» medical center is affordable for most patients. You can find out the current cost of ultrasound and prices for other medical services here. If you need to undergo an examination, you can schedule an appointment at a time convenient for you by the phone number indicated on the website or by requesting a callback.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• МОЗ України
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• National Health Service