Ultrasound examination of bladder and prostate

Transabdominal (suprapubic) sonography of the bladder and prostate is not limited to special indications but should be considered an integrated part of the urologic sonographic evaluation of the genitourinary tract. Information about many pathological conditions (e.g. residual urine, stone, tumor, diverticulum, enlarged prostate) is obtained without delay, without need of instrumentation or exposure to X-rays. Transurethral sonography has proven useful in the differentiation of superficial bladder tumors from deep infiltrating ones. Transvaginal or transrectal examination of the bladder neck has developed into a new modality for urodynamic examination. More than any other diagnostic modality, transrectal ultrasound of the prostate has become a valuable tool for the more correct detection and staging of prostatic carcinoma.