Bladder ultrasound with post-void residual measurement
A Bladder Ultrasound with Post-Void Residual Measurement
A bladder ultrasound with post-void residual measurement shows how the bladder stores and empties urine. In simple terms, the doctor examines not only the bladder itself but also how much urine remains in it after you urinate.
This measurement is important. If urine remains in the bladder, it means that the bladder is not emptying completely.
Why is this examination needed?
Post-void residual urine is more than just a number on the screen. If urine regularly remains in the bladder, it can lead to stagnation, bacterial growth, stone formation, and inflammation. Over time, this may result in cystitis, pyelonephritis, and impaired kidney function.
The examination helps determine whether this problem is present, how significant it is, and whether treatment is needed.
What does the examination show?
• The size and shape of the bladder
• The thickness of the bladder walls and whether they are enlarged
• The presence of stones, sediment, or abnormal growths
• The amount of urine remaining after urination
• Indirect signs of inflammation
When should you have a bladder ultrasound?
• If you need to urinate frequently, including at night
• If you have difficulty starting to urinate or your urine flow has become weak
• If you feel that your bladder has not emptied completely
• If you experience urinary incontinence
• If you have pain in the lower abdomen
• If abnormalities are found in your urine tests
• After inflammation of the bladder
• For follow-up after surgery on the bladder or prostate
How is the examination performed?
The ultrasound is performed in two stages. First, the doctor examines the bladder while it is full. You will need to arrive with a full bladder. Usually, this means drinking about one liter of water one to one and a half hours before the examination and avoiding urination until the procedure.
After the first scan, you will be asked to use the restroom. The doctor will then examine the bladder again to measure the amount of urine remaining inside.
The examination is quick, painless, and takes about 20 minutes.
A bladder ultrasound with post-void residual measurement shows how the bladder stores and empties urine. In simple terms, the doctor examines not only the bladder itself but also how much urine remains in it after you urinate.
This measurement is important. If urine remains in the bladder, it means that the bladder is not emptying completely.
Why is this examination needed?
Post-void residual urine is more than just a number on the screen. If urine regularly remains in the bladder, it can lead to stagnation, bacterial growth, stone formation, and inflammation. Over time, this may result in cystitis, pyelonephritis, and impaired kidney function.
The examination helps determine whether this problem is present, how significant it is, and whether treatment is needed.
What does the examination show?
• The size and shape of the bladder
• The thickness of the bladder walls and whether they are enlarged
• The presence of stones, sediment, or abnormal growths
• The amount of urine remaining after urination
• Indirect signs of inflammation
When should you have a bladder ultrasound?
• If you need to urinate frequently, including at night
• If you have difficulty starting to urinate or your urine flow has become weak
• If you feel that your bladder has not emptied completely
• If you experience urinary incontinence
• If you have pain in the lower abdomen
• If abnormalities are found in your urine tests
• After inflammation of the bladder
• For follow-up after surgery on the bladder or prostate
How is the examination performed?
The ultrasound is performed in two stages. First, the doctor examines the bladder while it is full. You will need to arrive with a full bladder. Usually, this means drinking about one liter of water one to one and a half hours before the examination and avoiding urination until the procedure.
After the first scan, you will be asked to use the restroom. The doctor will then examine the bladder again to measure the amount of urine remaining inside.
The examination is quick, painless, and takes about 20 minutes.
2026 © Elena Konovalova
Bladder ultrasound with post-void residual measurement
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