[Clinical, multimodal sonography of the kidneys and urinary tract - Update 2025]

Modern ultrasound diagnostics holds a firm position as the first and ubiquitously available imaging modality in urology. The era of pocket ultrasound devices enables their highly mobile use at the bedside for any urological issue. In addition, technical advances in mid-range and high-end ultrasound devices are leading to improvements in existing B-mode sonography, particularly with high-resolution ultrasound probes with greater penetration depth, and give significant improvements in Doppler sonography for vascular imaging. Contrast-enhanced sonography allows the bedside examination of tissue microperfusion. This is helpful not only for perfusion issues in emergencies, but also for the differential diagnosis of renal lesions, and provides important diagnostic input to uro-oncological image conferences. Standardised examination protocols, electronic image documentation, and training of medical staff enable the efficient, reliable, and reproducible use of ultrasound diagnostics.