| 6.) What are the imaging options and advantages and disadvantages of each?
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Imaging options: - Plain flat film of the abdomen (KUB: kidneys-ureters-bladder): easy and quick, but will miss radiolucent stones and stones can be obscured by overlying stool, bowel gas and bone. Also provides no information on function or obstruction.
- Abdominal ultrasound: noninvasive and no radiation exposure and will show
hydronephrosis and renal stones that are at least 3-5 mm in size; ureteral stones are not well-visualized except at the ureteropelvic junction or in the distal ureter if the bladder is full.
- Non-contrast, thin-cut spiral CT scan: requires no preparation or contrast material, shows all types of stones, demonstrates alternative pathology; does not give information about function or anatomy of upper urinary tract.
- Intravenous pyelogram: defines anatomy and function of kidneys and shows any obstruction; requires preparation and contrast with associated risk.
CT scan is study of choice for flank pain in the emergency department.
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