Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your kidney transplant. Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. This procedure uses color to evaluate the blood flow to your kidney and to evaluate potential problems including loss of blood supply to a portion of your kidney or kidney rejection. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound radiology.
There is no preparation for this procedure.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
The vascular technologist will explain your exam and answer any questions you may have.
Your procedure will be performed with you lying on the examination table on your back with your hands at your sides.
The technologist will apply warm gel to your abdomen.
A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, will be placed over various locations on your abdomen.
You will not feel any pain; however you will feel mild pressure from the transducer.
Soundwaves will bounce off the muscle, tissue and organs in your body and the blood moving in your new kidney. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer.
A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electronic signals. These images may be viewed immediately, or photographed for further study.
You will hear unusual sounds as the technologist views and records the blood flowing through the veins and arteries in your transplanted kidney.
Your exam will take approximately 20 minutes.
There are no post-exam instructions.
Your study will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have any problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
