Urologic ultrasound includes the examination of the kidneys, renal vessels, urinary tract, bladder, prostate, and scrotum.
Usual gray scale ultrasound equipment and standard probes are sufficient to examine the kidney parenchyma and renal pelvis, the urinary tract and bladder. Doppler ultrasound is a useful adjunct to kidney ultrasound. High ultrasound system performance is desirable to show the arterial system, because advanced power Doppler is significantly more sensitive to blood flow than standard color Doppler.
Transurethral sonography may be used to examine the bladder and urethra. Transrectal sonography is used to scan and treat the prostate e.g., with brachytherapy or high intensity focused ultrasound. Very small probes are used for these applications. Reflux sonography is especially used in pediatric ultrasound.

See also Ultrasound Imaging Procedures, Ultrasound Picture, Ultrasound Imaging Modes, Lithotripsy, Thermotherapy, Brachytherapy and Ultrasound Therapy.

2D ultrasound imaging is a widely used technique in medical imaging that provides two-dimensional visual representations of internal structures. A handheld device known as a probe or transducer contains piezoelectric crystals that emit and receive ultrasound waves which penetrate tissues and bounce back as echoes. The echoes are detected and converted into electrical signals. These signals are processed and displayed on a monitor, creating a real-time 2D grayscale image, with different shades of gray representing various tissue densities. The brighter areas on the image correspond to structures that reflect more ultrasound waves, while darker areas represent structures that reflect fewer waves or are attenuated by intervening tissues. The 2D-mode (or B-mode) provides cross-sectional views of the scanned area, showing a single plane or slice of the scanned area at a time.

Key Features and Uses of 2D Ultrasound:

Comparison with 3D and 4D Ultrasound:
See also Ultrasound Technology, Sonographer, Ultrasound Elastography, Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound.

From Verathon Inc.;
'The BladderScan® is a portable, noninvasive ultrasound instrument that measures bladder volume. It is battery-operated, easy to use, and quickly provides accurate results. In less than five minutes, you can use the BladderScan® to obtain a precise reading of a patient's bladder volume. The BladderScan® supplies the information that caregivers need to diagnose, treat and manage urinary conditions.'

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Mirror Artifact, Pelvic Ultrasound, Transrectal Sonography and Ultrasonography.

From Verathon Inc.;
'The BladderScan® BVI 6100 is a handheld, noninvasive ultrasound instrument that measures bladder volume. It is easy to operate, so any staff member can scan patients quickly and accurately. To view ultrasound images from exams and print BVI 6100 exam results for patient records and reimbursement, just log on to ScanPoint®, Verathon Inc.'s (formerly Diagnostic Ultrasound Corp.) innovative online service. The BVI 6100 makes it easier to provide the best care for your patients.'

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Mirror Artifact, Pelvic Ultrasound, Transrectal Sonography and Ultrasonography.

From Verathon Inc.;
'The BladderScan® BVI 6300 Bladder Monitor is a handheld, noninvasive ultrasound instrument prescribed by the health care provider to enable patients to monitor bladder fullness on an ongoing basis. It is easy to use and quickly provides accurate results, so the patient can make informed decisions about when voiding is necessary.'

See also Urologic Ultrasound, Mirror Artifact, Pelvic Ultrasound, Transrectal Sonography and Ultrasonography.