Transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate

Ultrasound examination is a widespread and quite popular diagnostic method nowadays. It is based on the action of ultrasonic waves to the surface of the body and the transmission of an impulse through the sensor in the opposite direction. We can see the resulting waves on the monitor screen, thanks to their transformation, an image is obtained that can be interpreted.

Advantages of the method

The spread of the method is associated with low economic costs.

• Since for the study it is enough to have an apparatus and a specialist who conducts diagnostics and interprets the result. The cost of the device is currently not too high, so almost all medical institutions are equipped with it.
• Non-invasiveness is another advantage of using ultrasound in the practice of a doctor of any specialty. Diagnostics of any organ is carried out without violating the integrity of the skin. This is especially important as many patients may be intimidated by the potential for pain.
• No side effect. The level of modern ultrasound devices allows the study to be carried out quite often, in contrast to the well-known X-ray. That is why, it is fundamental during pregnancy. There is only an assumption that ultrasound with prolonged and continuous contact with the human body in the same area can cause disruption of the integrity of cell membranes and lead to a local increase in temperature. Modern equipment and the level of specialists allow it to be carried out in an extremely short time, which excludes the creation of such an effect.

Types of ultrasound examination

Currently, ultrasound can be performed on all organs of a person, some restriction is introduced only on the brain, since there is a great obstacle to the effect of ultrasound in the form of the bone tissue of the skull. Scanning of the prostate is also of great importance for the male reproductive system. And therefore, many male representatives to whom it is shown are concerned about the method, procedure and features.

The most popular among men is the convex probe, which allows transabdominal ultrasound to be carried out through the anterior abdominal wall. Based on this, the method is also called transabdominal. This method got its name thanks to the translation from the Latin word to understand the belly. In this case, more experience of the specialist conducting the examination is required, since in this case the visualization of the organ can interfere with the bladder, which in some cases leads to false negative or positive conclusions.

Many men are more concerned with the question of penetration into the rectum, therefore, when prescribing a method, they ask for a transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate, this is how and what kind of access to the organ.

In ultrasound practice, it is possible to use several types of transducers, which transmit ultrasonic waves through themselves and perceive them back. Among them, the most popular and necessary for this type of research are convex and transrectal. It is with the help of these elements that the best and, possibly, the only receipt of information is provided. A trans rectal probe captures an image of the prostate gland by inserting it into the rectum.

Despite the fact that it has the greatest information content and allows you to get the most complete information about the body. But at the same time, it presents for a man some inconveniences associated with psychological or religious, as well as social problems in conducting this type of examination. It should be noted that it is absolutely painless for the patient, as well as safe, since the integrity of the rectum is not damaged.

Preparing for an ultrasound of the prostate

Transabdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs in men does not require any mandatory training of specialists. For its implementation, it is advisable to empty the intestines so that the rectum or other areas are not in a filled state and thereby do not shade the gland tissue. And filling of the bladder can also be used. In some cases, on the contrary, its complete emptying is required so that the liquid filling it does not screen the tissue.

Prostate

The prostate gland is one of the internal organs of the small pelvis, which is found only in the male body. It belongs to the glands of mixed secretion, since it throws out its produced secretion into the environment and into the blood. The organ is located in the pelvic area. Anatomically, it borders directly on the rectum in the region of its anterior wall and the bladder. The urogenital diaphragm also adjoins the prostate.

The gland performs several functions, the main of which is precisely the production of secretions, which are the main components of the semen. It preserves the viability of the sperm, and also ensures their delivery as close as possible to the cervix. In a small amount, the main hormone required for the male body, testosterone, is produced.

The shape of the organ is quite specific, the appearance of the prostate is described by many urologists as chestnut-shaped. When the bladder is full, it is located directly below it, covering the urethra from all sides. It is in not that the excretory duct from the gland opens. When carrying out an Ultrasound examination, it is possible to single out individual zones in the area of a given organ, according to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure. When conducting ultrasound, the organ resembles a triangular shape with certain landmarks, in particular the lumen of the urethra and the urethral duct.

Normally, the structure of the gland is homogeneous and resembles a reflection from the liver. They differ in a slightly different reflection from the upper section, since there, in addition to the glandular component, there is a large number of muscle fibers. At high magnification of the scanning fragment, a slight "roughness" of the fabric pattern can be noted. This is due to the fact that the organ is a glandular tissue, which means that it is histologically divided into separate areas.

Technique

In order to perform a transabdominal ultrasound of the prostate gland, the patient needs to take a prone position, the position of the legs will not matter. In cases of difficulty in interpretation, the lateral lying method can be used. Transabdominal ultrasound may take slightly longer.

Indications for ultrasound of the prostate

The indications for transabdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs are:

• Suspicions or palpable mass in the area of the prostate gland. It can be a benign formation, or a suspicion of an oncological process.
• Violation of urination. Any dysuric conditions require exclusion from the prostate gland. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs can reveal other pathology from the side of the adjacent organs.
• Presence of pain in the lower abdomen.
• Conducting an examination to identify a diagnosis of infertility in a young couple.
• When there is a deviation in the level of the prostate of a specific antigen, etc.

Research using a method such as transabdominal ultrasound can provide a lot of information that will help in choosing further tactics.