Evaluation of a non-invasive method to determine bladder volume in children

D. E. Padmore1, P. A.M. Anderson, D. S. Tooth

  • 1Department of Urology, Dalhousie University, IWK-Grace Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Insights

Portable ultrasound scanners offer a comfortable and accurate alternative to urethral catheterization for measuring bladder urine volume in children. This study validates their use in pediatric urology, showing good correlation with the gold standard method.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Diagnostic Technology

Background:

  • Urethral catheterization is the standard for bladder urine volume measurement but causes discomfort, especially in pediatric patients.
  • Portable ultrasound has shown promise in adults, but data on its pediatric application is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy and tolerance of a portable ultrasound scanner for bladder urine volume measurement in children.
  • To compare ultrasound measurements with the gold standard urethral catheterization.

Main Methods:

  • A portable ultrasound scanner with automatic bladder urine volume calculation was utilized.
  • Forty separate bladder urine volume determinations were performed using the scanner.
  • Measurements were correlated with volumes obtained via urethral catheterization.

Main Results:

  • A strong coefficient of correlation (0.759) was observed between ultrasound and catheterization measurements.
  • The portable ultrasound scanner demonstrated reasonable accuracy in assessing bladder urine volume.

Conclusions:

  • Portable ultrasound is a well-tolerated and useful alternative to urethral catheterization for pediatric bladder urine volume measurement.
  • This technology can improve patient comfort and streamline urologic practice in children.

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