Bedside Sonography in the Assessment of Suspected Nephrolitiasis
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Abstract
Background: Nephrolithiasis, commonly referred to as kidney stones, is a prevalent urological condition frequently encountered in emergency settings. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management. Bedside sonography has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing renal colic and detecting kidney stones due to its non-invasive nature and immediate availability.
Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and practicality of bedside sonography in suspected cases of nephrolithiasis, particularly in emergency department settings, and to assess its impact on patient management.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mahaban Medical and Research Hospital, Swabi, KP, Pakistan, including 72 patients with suspected nephrolithiasis. Bedside sonography was performed using a Toshiba prime ultrasound machine with convex (3.0-5.0 MHz) and linear (7.0-14.0 MHz) transducers. Clinical data, including patient history and symptomatology, were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The study focused on identifying the presence, location, and size of kidney stones and correlating these findings with clinical outcomes.
Results: Among the 72 participants, 42 (58.3%) had a history of kidney stones. Bedside sonography revealed stone locations as follows: bilateral in 5 (6.9%), left kidney in 27 (37.5%), right kidney in 36 (50.0%), and no stones in 4 (5.6%). The high prevalence of kidney stones, particularly in the right kidney, highlights the importance of BUS in initial evaluations.
Conclusion: Bedside sonography is an effective diagnostic tool for nephrolithiasis, providing immediate and detailed information without patient discomfort. Its implementation in emergency settings can enhance patient management, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment. Further research is warranted to explore the broader applications and long-term outcomes associated with BUS.
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