Ultrasonography of the urinary tract in general practice
Bratland, S.Z.; Nordshus, T.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 105(28): 1948-1950
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 3907004 Document Number: 266878
When disease of the urinary tract are suspected in general practice, referring the patients for further investigations will be necessary in minor extent. However, in cases of urolithiasis, recurrent urinary tract infection, prostatism or urinary retention, more than plain urine and blood analysis will be needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of diagnostic ultrasound in general practice in this context. 56 patients with specific symptoms and signs from the urinary tract were seen by a general practitioner specially trained in diagnostic ultrasound. In 25 patients there were pathological ultrasonographic findings, dilatation of the collecting system and residual bladder volume above 100 ml being the most common. For 36% of the patients with positive findings, decision making was significantly influenced. We conclude that provided education is adequate, diagnostic ultrasound of the urinary tract in general practice may be of considerable advantage.