23. Imagine and endoscopy of urinary tract Flashcards
What are the different types of imaging?
X-ray USS CT Nuclear medicine MRI
Very briefly, how do x-rays work and what is the problem with x-rays?
Electromagnetic wavelengths
When travelling through tissue, the more dense the object, the more x-rays are absorbed
BUT they damage DNA
Why are ultrasounds used commonly in urology?
Because urine is a liquid
Also, the kidneys are the easiest things to see in an ultrasound
Very briefly, how do ultrasounds work?
Sound waves enter the body
They are reflected at phase boundaries i.e. between air, organ, bone, abdominal wall
What is the role of MRI in urology?
Mainly used in prostate imaging
What can CT scans be used for in urology?
Renal tumour
Cysts
Kidney stones
What is the role of nuclear medicine in urology?
This provides dynamic imaging rather than static imaging like the previous ones
BUT should know that nuclear imaging can give both static and dynamic information
What is the role of endoscopy in urology?
Use of a camera to look inside of a patient
What is the difference between endoscopy and laparoscopy?
Endoscopy - insert camera through a natural orifice
Laparoscopy - have to make a new hole
What is endourology?
Involves flexible scopes rather than a rigid one - can attempt to control where it is going
Fibre optic
Allows access to look at the urethra, the bladder and the prostate
What are the different routes of entry in endoscopy?
Cystocopy to look into the bladder
Ureteroscopy to look into the kidneys
