Ultrasound Paediatric Renal

A Renal ultrasound is an ultrasound  used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the kidneys and related structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to the kidneys.

An ultrasound of your child/baby kidney may be performed to:

• Assess the size, location, and shape of the kidneys and related structures (ureters and bladder).
• To detect cysts, tumours, abscesses, obstructions, fluid collection, and infection within or around the kidneys.
• To assess or detect calculi (stones) of the kidneys and ureters .
• To assist in placement of needles used to biopsy the kidneys, to drain fluid from a cyst or abscess, or to place a drainage tube.
• To determine blood flow to the kidneys through the renal arteries and veins.
• To evaluate the transplanted kidney after a kidney transplant.
• Follow up of findings from obstetric scans before your child was born.

There may be other reasons for your child’s physician to recommend a kidney ultrasound.

Renal Artery Studies looking for Renal Artery Stenosis are not offered at Liverpool Hospital. This is a very different ultrasound which takes a very long time to do, compared to standard renal ultrasound.

 Last toilet 2 hours prior to examination.

1. Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour prior the scan. Small children will need to drink 300 ml (not 1 litre).
2. DO NOT empty bladder until the sonographer asked you to

Your child baby will be placed on the ultrasound examination table . A clear gel (which can be cold and wet) will be placed on the skin and the transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area of the kidneys.

In some circumstances the bladder is examined and you may be asked to empty your bladder and additional images of your empty bladder may be made.

At the end of the procedure the gel will be wiped off.

The specialised doctor will carefully analyse the images and make a report to the referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If they are not then the clerks will be able to burn the results on a disc.