What to expect from an abdominal ultrasound for kidney stones

You may lie on your back or side while the sonographer views the kidneys and bladder. Changing position or holding your breath briefly can improve the images. The scan uses sound waves and does not involve an internal instrument.

Ultrasound can show some stones, swelling of the kidney, or a change suggesting urine is not draining normally. Small stones or stones along the ureter may be difficult to see, so a scan cannot always locate the cause of pain.

Your clinician combines the report with urine findings, kidney-function tests, pain pattern, and examination. Further imaging may be considered when symptoms continue or the first scan does not answer the clinical question.

Check whether you should drink water before the appointment or avoid food beforehand; instructions depend on the areas being examined. Take regular medicines as directed unless the imaging team tells you otherwise.

After the scan, ask how and when the result will be reviewed. Keep track of pain, urine colour, fever, vomiting, and your ability to drink or pass urine, because these details help guide the next step.

Seek urgent assessment for severe or escalating side pain, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or difficulty passing urine. A blocked urinary system with infection can become serious and needs prompt treatment.

Ask whether a stone or blockage was seen, whether your kidney function and urine need checking, how to manage pain safely, and which symptoms mean you should return urgently.