A suprapubic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to generate images of internal organs. A small device, called a transducer, is placed on the skin above the pubic bone. This method primarily visualizes the bladder and surrounding structures within the lower abdominal and pelvic regions, allowing medical professionals to assess their size, shape, and overall condition.
Why a Suprapubic Ultrasound is Performed
Medical professionals often recommend a suprapubic ultrasound to investigate concerns related to the urinary system and pelvic organs. It helps assess bladder function and identify potential abnormalities, such as the cause of frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or persistent pelvic discomfort. In men, this ultrasound provides insights into the prostate gland, evaluating its size and detecting issues contributing to urinary symptoms. For women, the suprapubic approach visualizes the uterus and ovaries, aiding in the investigation of pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or other gynecological conditions. The procedure also assists in evaluating blood in urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, or suspected kidney issues by observing bladder filling and emptying.
The Suprapubic Ultrasound Procedure
Preparing for a suprapubic ultrasound requires a full bladder for clear images. Patients drink several glasses of water or clear liquid approximately an hour before the examination. A full bladder displaces bowel gas, which can interfere with sound wave transmission, and provides a clear “acoustic window” for visualizing the bladder walls and surrounding organs.
During the procedure, you lie comfortably on an examination table. A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin over your lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. This gel eliminates air pockets between the skin and the transducer, ensuring optimal sound wave transmission. The sonographer gently presses and moves the transducer across the gel-covered area.
You might feel slight pressure, but the procedure is generally painless and does not involve radiation. Images are displayed in real-time on a monitor, allowing the sonographer to capture various views and measurements. The entire scan usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
What a Suprapubic Ultrasound Reveals
A suprapubic ultrasound provides visual information about the size, shape, and internal structure of the bladder and adjacent organs. It can detect foreign bodies like bladder stones, which appear as bright, reflective objects. This imaging method also identifies abnormal growths, including tumors or cysts, by revealing changes in tissue density or unusual masses. Fluid collections outside the organs can also be visualized, indicating potential inflammation or other issues.
The ultrasound measures bladder volume, both before and after urination, to assess emptying efficiency. This is useful in diagnosing conditions like urinary retention or overflow incontinence.
For the prostate, the scan measures its dimensions and evaluates for enlargement. For the uterus and ovaries, it shows their position, size, and detects conditions like fibroids or ovarian cysts. The images assist medical professionals in making an accurate diagnosis or determining if further diagnostic tests are necessary.