When is uroradiology used?

Whenever symptoms appear in the area of the kidneys, bladder, or male reproductive organs, a uroradiological examination can help. Typical examples include blood in the urine, pain in the lower abdomen or flank area, recurring urinary tract infections, or problems passing urine. Imaging techniques also provide important information when kidney stones, cysts, tumours, or congenital malformations are suspected. In some cases, these examinations are also used as part of routine check-ups or follow-up care after operations.

Which examinations are available?

The choice of the right imaging technique always depends on what needs to be investigated. Ultrasound is used particularly often because it is gentle, painless, and involves no radiation. It allows the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to be assessed well. For unclear findings or for more detailed imaging, CT or MRI is often used. CT is especially suited to looking for stones, bleeding, or tumours, whilst MRI offers particular advantages for soft tissue structures such as the prostate or testes. For specific questions, for example with blockages or to image the urethra, contrast agents are sometimes used alongside targeted X-ray images.

What does a uroradiological examination mean for you?

A referral to uroradiology is, first and foremost, a step towards finding the exact cause of your symptoms. The examinations are generally straightforward and well tolerated. No special preparation is needed for an ultrasound. For CT or MRI, a contrast agent may be given so that certain structures become more visible. This will always be discussed with you beforehand. Most examinations only take a few minutes. Afterwards, the radiologist analyses the images and sends a report to your treating doctor, who will then discuss the next steps with you.

Are there any risks or side effects?

The vast majority of uroradiological examinations carry very low risk. Ultrasound involves no radiation whatsoever. CT and some X-ray procedures use radiation, but in medicine this is always kept as low as necessary. Contrast agents can, in rare cases, trigger allergic reactions or cause problems in people with certain pre-existing conditions, such as reduced kidney function. This is why questions about your health are asked before the examination, and blood tests may be checked if needed. If you have any concerns or worries, it is worth raising them directly with the radiologist.

What happens after the examination?

After imaging, your treating doctor receives a detailed report. This states whether any abnormalities were found and what they are. Uroradiology thereby provides the basis for targeted treatment, should any be needed. In many cases, precise imaging can also offer reassurance when no abnormal changes are visible. The results are always assessed in the context of your symptoms and other examination findings.

When is a uroradiological examination worthwhile?

Uroradiology is used not only for acute symptoms, but also to monitor progress after operations, for follow-up care in certain tumour conditions, or to investigate unclear findings in urine. It is sometimes also used to determine the exact position of stones, tumours, or other changes before planned procedures. The decision about which examination is appropriate is always made by your treating doctor together with you.