Bladder and prostate ultrasound, suprapubic or transrectal
Prostate and bladder ultrasound in Casablanca
This ultrasound examines the prostate and bladder using ultrasound, without X-rays, and measures the urine left after urinating. It is most often done through the lower abdomen, with a full bladder, and sometimes transrectally, depending on the indication. It provides information on the volume of the prostate, the thickness of the bladder wall and whether a stone may be present. The kidneys can be examined during the same exam, depending on the prescription.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Usual duration: 15 to 20 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Difficulty urinating or frequent urges, especially at night.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or blood in the urine.
- High PSA (blood test) or prostate volume to be measured.
- Weak urine stream or a feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied.
- Follow-up of a benign prostate enlargement under treatment.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back, and gel is applied above the pubic bone to see the bladder and prostate. After you urinate, the bladder is checked again to measure what remains. If the indication justifies it, the transrectal approach, with a thin covered probe, is explained to you and done only with your consent; it is a little uncomfortable but rarely painful.
During the exam, the doctor measures the volume of the prostate and looks at the bladder wall for any thickening or stone. For the transrectal approach, you lie on your side with your knees bent; the probe, covered with a protective cover and gel, is gently inserted and stays in place only as long as needed. At the end, you can resume your activities with no special precautions.
Preparation
- Drink about 500 ml of water in the hour before the exam, without urinating afterwards.
- Transrectal approach: a small enema is not routine; you will be given instructions if needed.
- If the urge to urinate becomes hard to hold in the waiting room, tell the team rather than emptying your bladder completely.
Fasting
No fasting, unless a gallbladder ultrasound is done at the same time: in that case, come after fasting for 4 hours.
Contrast injection
Nothing is injected during the exam.
Contraindications and precautions
- Suprapubic approach (through the lower abdomen): no contraindication.
- Transrectal approach: tell us about an anal fissure, painful hemorrhoids or recent rectal surgery.
- Latex allergy: please tell us.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the doctor or urologist
- Latest PSA and urine test results
- Previous prostate ultrasounds or MRIs
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why come with a full bladder?
When full, the bladder pushes the bowel aside and acts as a window onto the prostate. It also shows how well the bladder empties.
Is the transrectal approach mandatory?
No. It is more precise and is offered if the indication justifies it, explained to you, then done only with your consent.
What does post-void residual mean?
It is the urine left in the bladder after urinating. A large amount can signal difficulty in urine flow, often related to the prostate.
Is it enough if my PSA is high?
Not always. An MRI is often requested to analyze the gland better; your urologist decides on the next steps.
Do I need an enema before the exam?
Not necessarily. Through the abdomen, no enema is required. For the transrectal approach, a small enema is not routine: if needed, you will be given instructions when you book.
What does a prostate ultrasound measure?
Mainly the volume of the gland, which helps interpret the PSA and choose a treatment, as well as the bladder wall and residual urine. On its own, it is not enough to confirm or rule out cancer.