Ultrasonic Assessment of Residual Urine Volume

[Rezidüel idrar volümünün ultrasonograflk olarak değerlendirilmesi]

Abstract

The assessment of residual urine forms an essential part of the investigation of many urological patients, particularly those with suspected urinary outflow obstruction; the presence of residual urine may influence their management. Generally, it is necessary to measure the volume of residual urine to assess bladder function. The advantages of establishing a simple non-invasive method to measure bladder volume have long been recognized. Various methods of assessing residual urinary volumes exist, including abdominal palpation, the use of postvoiding films from excretory urography and excretion tests using phenolsulphaphtalein or radiolabeled compounds. The most commonly used and accurate technique, catheterisation of the bladder, has the risk of introducing infection and traumatizing the urethra. A method to assess residual urine that is simple, safe, easily repeatable, non-invasive and accurate would be considerable value in clinical practice. in our study we compared the ultrasonically measured residual volumes measured by catheterisation. We describe an ultrasound method for the measurement of residual urine that is quick, easy to perform, accurate and causes no discomfort to the patient.