What is a Renal Kidney Scan?
A renal scan is the ultrasound examination of both kidneys and the urinary bladder. The location, size, shape and vessels of both kidneys are assessed as well as the urinary bladder walls, its pre-void volume and post-void volume.
Other Urinary structures such as the ureters are checked for dilatations. In men Prostate volume may be assessed if there are suspected signs of urinary bladder outlet obstruction or urinary incontinence.
Why I might need
this scan?
Renal scan can help us to diagnose a range of conditions, such as:
- Kidney stones
- Hydronephrosis
- Kidney enlargement
- Renal agenesis
- Horseshoe kidneys
- Renal insufficiency
- Ureteral obstruction
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Renal hypoplasia and atrophy
- Renal tumours and cysts
- Cystitis(inflammation of urinary bladder walls).
- Adrenal lesion
- Urinary bladder outlet obstruction and cause of urinary incontinence.
What to expect
during the scan?
Renal scan is a painless and non-invasive examination. You will be asked to lie down on the couch, exposing your abdomino-pelvic region and our highly qualified and experienced sonographer will use an ultrasound probe lubricated with warm ultrasound gel to obtain relevant diagnostic images of your renal tract.
How to
prepare?
You will be required to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water 1 hour prior to the examination to ensure you have a full bladder during the scan. Other than that no further preparation is required.
What do I get with
this scan?
A radiologist’s written report of the findings will be provided to your referring practitioner, with images where necessary, to demonstrate abnormal findings.
