Kidney Stone Sonography - Ultrasound Images, Cost & Report

Kidney stones are formed when minerals and salts crystallise and form hard deposits. The stones usually contain calcium oxalate deposits, uric acid, struvite and cystine. This happens when urine becomes concentrated. 

Those who don’t drink enough fluids are prone to getting kidney stones. Sometimes, certain medications can change urine composition, resulting in kidney stones. Also, improper diet, excess body weight and certain medical conditions may increase the risk of kidney stones.

Kidney stones may be formed in any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Pain in the abdomen, painful urination, sudden pain that subsides on its own after some time and sudden bouts of vomiting are classic symptoms of kidney stones. If you are suffering from kidney stones, you should contact your physician immediately if your urine becomes pink, brown, or red. 

Kidney stone sonography, or renal ultrasound, is a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve radiation.

There are several reasons why a doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan for kidney stones:

1. To diagnose kidney stones: Sonography can detect the presence of kidney stones, their size, location, and number. This information is important for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
2. To monitor kidney stones: Sonography can be used to monitor the growth and movement of kidney stones over time. This is particularly important for patients who have a history of recurrent kidney stones.
3. To evaluate kidney function: A kidney stone ultrasound can provide information on the size and shape of the kidneys and the flow of urine. This information can evaluate kidney function and diagnose conditions like hydronephrosis (kidney swelling due to urine buildup).
4. To identify other conditions: Sonography can also identify other conditions affecting the kidneys or urinary tract.
   1. Tumours
   2. Cysts
   3. Abscesses
   4. Fluid collection
   5. Kidney obstruction
   6. Infection in and around the kidneys.

You must follow the healthcare provider's instructions to prepare for the kidney stone ultrasound. The main key things to keep in mind (prerequisites) are:

1. Drink plenty of water: It is important to drink plenty of water before the test to ensure that the bladder is full. A full bladder helps to improve the visibility of the kidneys and urinary tract during the test.
2. Follow dietary instructions: Your doctor may give you specific dietary instructions before the test. This may include avoiding certain foods or drinks that can affect the appearance of the kidneys and urinary tract on the sonogram.
3. Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted for the test. You may be required to change into a hospital gown.
4. Bring your medical records: Bring any relevant medical records, such as previous sonography reports, to the appointment.
5. Inform your doctor of any medication: Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, as some medications can interfere with the accuracy of the test.
6. Arrive on time: Arrive on time for the appointment and plan to spend approximately 30 minutes to an hour at the imaging center.

To get the best imaging during a kidney stone ultrasound, go for the procedure as the first task in the morning after waking up.

A licensed radiologist uses an ultrasound transducer for an ultrasound scan for kidney stones. As mentioned earlier, kidney stone sonography is a safe and harmless procedure. Even a pregnant woman can take this test safely, as the ultrasound waves don’t cause any harm to the baby. If you are a patient with pre-existing health conditions, you must discuss them with your physician to ensure there is no harm in taking the ultrasound scan test. 

The procedure is as follows:

1. Step 1: An ultrasound gel is applied to the skin (This gel acts as a good conductive medium).
2. Step 2: The ultrasound transducer is used on the skin to send ultrasound waves at specific frequencies to study the kidney. 
3. Step 3: The ultrasound waves are bounced off by the organs to form an echo, which is read by the transducer. 
4. Step 4: These reflected waves are processed and converted into computer images. 
5. Step 5: The images are printed to generate a kidney stone ultrasound report pdf.

Interpreting kidney stone sonography reports requires the expertise of a trained healthcare provider, typically a radiologist or urologist. However, there are a few key terms and concepts that may be included in a typical kidney stone sonography report:

1. Stone size: The report may include measurements of the size of any kidney stones detected. This information is important for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Larger stones (> 5-7mm) show hydronephrosis.
2. Stone location: The report may indicate the location of any kidney stones detected, such as within the kidney, ureter, or bladder.
3. Stone characteristics: The report may describe the appearance of the stones, such as their shape, texture, and density. Posterior shadowing indicates hyperechoic stones.
4. Obstruction: The report may indicate if the presence of a stone obstructs the kidney or urinary tract. This information is important for determining the urgency and type of treatment needed.
5. Kidney size and shape: The report may describe the size and shape of the kidneys, as well as any abnormalities or conditions affecting them.
6. Urinary tract abnormalities: The report may indicate any abnormalities or conditions affecting the urinary tract, such as cysts, tumors, or obstructions.

After completing the ultrasound scan for kidney stones, the radiologist will develop sonography report that you have to discuss. The next steps after a kidney stone sonography depend on the test results and the reason for performing the test. Here are some possible scenarios:

1. Kidney stones are detected: If kidney stones are seen on the sonography, the healthcare provider may recommend further tests, such as a CT scan or an X-ray, to determine the size and location of the stones more accurately.The healthcare provider will also determine the appropriate treatment plan based on the size, location, and number of stones. Treatment options may include medication to help pass the stone, lithotripsy (a procedure that uses shock waves to break up the stone), or ureteroscopy, or nephrolithotripsy to obliterate large stones.
2. No kidney stones are detected: If no kidney stones are seen, the healthcare provider may investigate other possible causes of symptoms, such as urinary tract infections or other conditions affecting the urinary tract. Additional tests or treatments may be recommended based on the findings.
3. Abnormalities are detected: Further tests or referrals to a specialist may be recommended if abnormalities are detected in the kidneys or urinary tract. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of action based on the specific condition and severity of the abnormalities.

In general, it is important to discuss the results of the kidney stone sonography with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate next steps. The healthcare provider can provide guidance on any necessary follow-up tests or treatments to ensure optimal health and well-being.

As with any diagnostic test, kidney stone sonography has several benefits and also potential risks and limitations that should be considered. Some of these include

Benefits of Kidney Stone Sonography

1. Non-invasive: Kidney stone sonography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract. It does not involve radiation or require any incisions or needles.
2. Safe: Kidney stone sonography is a safe procedure that does not expose the patient to any harmful radiation or other risks associated with invasive procedures. It is suitable even for pregnant women
3. Accurate: Kidney stone sonography is an accurate diagnostic tool that can detect the presence, size, and location of kidney stones accurately.
4. Quick and convenient: Kidney stone sonography is a quick and convenient test that can be performed in an outpatient setting. The test typically takes less than an hour to complete.

Risks of Kidney Stone Sonography

1. Limited view: Kidney stone sonography may not provide a complete view of the urinary tract and may miss smaller stones or other abnormalities.
2. Operator-dependent: The accuracy of kidney stone sonography can depend on the skill and experience of the sonographer performing the test.
3. False positives or negatives: Like any medical test, kidney stone sonography can produce false positives or negatives, which can lead to unnecessary testing or delayed diagnosis.
4. Discomfort: Patients may experience some discomfort or pressure during the test, especially if the bladder is full.

A kidney stone ultrasound costs vary from ₹500 to ₹2500. It depends on the city and the hospital where the ultrasound is performed. In Delhi, the cost starts from ₹1500. If additional tests such as urine and blood tests are taken with ultrasound, it can add to the total cost.

However, compared to a CT scan, a stone ultrasound is much cheaper. Depending on the health insurance coverage, you can ask the insurance company to cover the cost of a daycare ultrasound procedure. 

Worldwide, 1-13% of adults suffer from different stone diseases. The risk of stones in men is 11%, while in women, the risk is 9%. When you are experiencing pain in the lower back, nausea, fever, etc. or blood in urine/bad-smelling urine, the physician may recommend a stone ultrasound to detect kidney stones. 

HexaHealth provides financial relief for patients with kidney stones. You don’t have to worry about kidney stone ultrasounds and treatment costs. HexaHealth will connect you to top urologists, nephrologists and andrologists to easily detect, diagnose, and treat kidney stones.