What can be expected with a bladder ultrasound?
The bladder is an organ made of smooth muscle that stores urine until ready for release. The most common reason for bladder ultrasound is to assess bladder emptying by measuring residual urine after urination. Many conditions may result in disorders of bladder emptying and these include an enlarged prostate, urethral stricture or bladder dysfunction. Bladder ultrasound may also provide information about the bladder wall, the presence of diverticula of the bladder, the size of the prostate, the presence of stones or large tumors in the bladder. Bladder ultrasound as performed for urologic purposes usually does not assess the ovaries, uterus or colon. Bladder ultrasound does not require fasting or bowel preparation. For diagnostic purposes other than measuring for post void residuals, a full bladder is required. Drinking several glasses of water one hour prior to the exam is the usual preparation for adequate bladder filling. The patient should not empty their bladder prior to arriving a
