• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Inside the bladder
  • Anatomy and physiology of the bladder
    • Anatomy of the bladder
    • Physiology of the bladder
  • Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    • Urodynamic study
    • Cystoscopy
    • Sphincterotomy
    • Cystolitholapaxy
    • Bladder augmentation
    • Urethral dilatation
  • Medications and other products you may be prescribed
    • Alpha blockers
    • Anticholinergics
    • Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
    • Hiprex and vitamin C
    • Cranberry
    • E. Coli
  • Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    • Urine specimen
    • Fluid balance diary
    • Renal ultrasound
    • CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Renal ultrasound

    An ultrasound is a scan that shows a picture of the inside of your body using soundwaves. A probe is placed against the skin in the area that needs to be scanned. The probe generates sound waves and the echo is then picked up and displayed on a screen as a picture.

    A urinary tract ultrasound (also known as a renal ultrasound) shows a general picture of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It is also able to show blood flow through the kidneys. The scan will give information about any abnormalities in the urinary system which cannot be picked up by assessing signs and symptoms alone.

    Preparation for the test

    You can eat and drink prior to this test.

    It is recommended you have a full bladder prior to the test. A full bladder provides a better picture of the bladder wall.

    If you have an IDC or SPC, there is no need to clamp your bladder unless the doctor has asked for you to do it specifically.

    If you perform ICs, aim to have the test in between catheter times.

    How often should I have the test?

    It is recommended that you have a urinary tract ultrasound at least once a year and more frequently if there are problems with your bladder management, or if there are changes in your routine such as different medications

    Fluid balance diary
    CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Before Footer

    Quick links

    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
    • Life hacks
    • Inside the bladder
    • Equipment

    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

    Submit your feedback

    Thumbs Up Bladder Man

    Footer

    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
    WorkSafe

    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

    Copyright © 2023 · My Bladder My Life on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in