Radiographer-performed abdominal and pelvic ultrasound: its value in a urology out-patient clinic

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of radiographer-performed ultrasound examination as a routine investigative procedure in a urological out-patient clinic.

Patients and methods: A total of 151 patients attending a District General Hospital Urological Out-patient Department underwent an ultrasound examination in the clinic.

Results: Diagnosis by ultrasound was achieved in 93% of patients. The remaining patients underwent further investigations. Two (1%) patients with normal scans had small bladder tumours. Subsequent intravenous urography in these individuals showed normal upper tracts.

Conclusion: Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examination performed in the urological out-patient clinic on unprepared patients was the only investigation necessary for evaluation of common problems such as non-specific urinary symptoms, recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder outlet obstruction.