Measurement of residual urine in outpatient clinics with a small ultrasound device

Abstract

Serial controls of residual urine are necessary in the case of patients with such chronic diseases as multiple sclerosis, in which there are neurogenic bladder disorders. They can be done free of risk by ultrasound technique. A special, relatively cheap and battery-powered ultrasound scanner (Uroson) has been developed. Transducer, electronic circuitry and videoscreen together are the size of a book. Bladder volumes were measured with Uroson in 30 healthy persons with control of micturition and in 78 patients with residual urine due to neurogenic bladder disorders, with subsequent bladder catheterization. A total of 58 measurements in the range of 20-200 ml residual volume gave a correlation coefficient of 0.87 for the normal controls and 0.86 for patients, with a scatter of +/- 20%. These results agree with those reported earlier with the customary abdominal ultrasound apparatus. In 24 patients with residual volumes of less than 20 ml the Uroson gave correct result. Because of its simplified construction and single-button control Uroson does not require any special knowledge and, after instruction, can be used by non-medical personnel.