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Examination of the Kidneys

The physical examination is presented as a checklist with possible (pathological) results. Special important attention is given to important findings for urologists.

Examination of the Abdomen

Inspection:

Scars? Hernia? Tumor?

Palpation:

Liver size? Palpable spleen? Resistance or tenderness of the abdomen? Flank tenderness? Inguinal hernia?

Auscultation:

Bowel sounds? Abdominal systolic murmur?

Examination of the Kidneys

• Bimanual palpation: abdominal pain? tumor?
• Tender flanks?
• Systolic periumbilical or paravertebral murmur?

Examination of the bladder

• The size of the urinary bladder can be approximated with palpation and percussion
• Tenderness of the lower abdomen?
• Bimanual palpation of an advanced bladder tumor before cystectomy helps to assess the mobility and is best performed with general anesthesia.

References

  Deutsche Version: Untersuchung der Nieren und Harnblase