Objective: To investigate the effect of volume of water intake on the length of time before the bladder is sufficiently full prior to undergoing transabdominal ultrasound.

 

Methods: Ninety-three patients scheduled for transabdominal ultrasound were enrolled between November 2007 and April 2008 and randomly allocated to 3 study groups by volume of water intake: 300, 400, and 500 mL. The total waiting time was recorded when the bladder was sufficiently full to undergo transabdominal ultrasound. The final bladder volume was measured using three-dimensional ultrasound.

 

Results: Mean waiting times were 68.65 ±30.12 min, 64.2 ± 26.18 min, and 54.38 ± 12.75 min for patients ingesting 300, 400, and 500 mL of water, respectively (P = 0.060). The final bladder volumes for the 3 groups were not statistically different (263.06 ±99.21 mL, 275.37 ± 113.05 ml, and 316.17 ± 101.31 mL; P = 0.113).

 

Conclusion: Differences in the volume of water ingested in the range of 300–500 mL did not affect the waiting time before undergoing transabdominal ultrasound.