![]() The renal hilum is the entry to the renal sinus and lies vertically at the anteromedial aspect of the kidney. Each kidney normally has two or three major calyces, which unite to form the renal pelvis. Each renal lobe drains at a papilla into a minor calyx, four or five of these unite to form a major calyx. Urine is produced in the renal lobes, which consists of the renal pyramid with the associated overlying renal cortex and adjacent renal columns. The renal cortex lies peripherally under the capsule while the renal medulla consists of 10-14 renal pyramids, which are separated from each other by an inward extension of the renal cortex called renal columns. The renal parenchyma has two layers: cortex and medulla. The kidney itself can be divided into renal parenchyma, consisting of renal cortex and medulla, and the renal sinus containing renal pelvis, calyces, renal vessels, nerves, lymphatics and perirenal fat. The kidney has a fibrous capsule, which is surrounded by perirenal fat. ![]() The kidney is bean-shaped with a superior and an inferior pole, anterior and posterior surfaces, and lateral and medial borders. The midportion of the kidney is often called the midpole. In adults, the normal kidney is 10-14 cm long in males and 9-13 cm long in females, 3-5 cm wide, 3 cm in antero-posterior thickness and weighs 150-260 g. The left kidney is usually slightly larger than the right. The long axis of the kidney is parallel to the lateral border of the psoas muscle and it lies anterior to the quadratus lumborum muscle. Being parallel to the psoas muscle, the kidneys lie at an oblique angle, with its superior pole more medial and posterior than its inferior pole. Due to the right lobe of the liver, the right kidney usually lies slightly lower than the left kidney 16. A detailed report will be sent to your referring doctor.The kidneys are located to either side of the vertebral column in the perirenal space of the retroperitoneum, within the posterior abdominal wall. The Adelaide Women’s Imaging doctor will discuss the results of the scan with you on the day in the ultrasound room. This improves the accuracy of diagnosis and greater detail may be obtained of the fetal anatomy. It is disinfected, and a protective cover is placed over the transducer each time it is used, so there is no risk of infection. The transducer is lubricated with gel before insertion into the vagina. Transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a thin transducer (ultrasound probe slightly thicker than a tampon) into the vagina to get more detailed images as the transducer is closer to the pelvic organs. Occasionally, the scan may need to be performed through the vagina (transvaginal imaging). The sonographer will perform an ultrasound of the abdomen (transabdominal ultrasound) detailing the fetal anatomy and maternal pelvic anatomy. A sonographer will then collect you from the waiting room and take you to the ultrasound room. When you visit Adelaide Women’s Imaging for a 13 week anatomy scan you will be greeted by one of our friendly reception staff. Then slowly drink 600ml of water to fill your bladder and keep it full for your examination. Please empty your bladder 2 hours before the examination time. Two-piece clothing is ideal (separate upper/lower garments). If possible, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area that is being imaged. Ideally, please call to book your appointment as early in the pregnancy as possible, so that the procedure can be done during the suggested period. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations are safe at all stages of pregnancy. In most cases the scan will be performed transabdominally, but there are some situations where a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound may be necessary. The 13 week anatomy scan is often referred for when a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) blood test, commonly known as the Harmony Prenatal Test or NEST, has been undertaken for first trimester screening.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |