Excretory urography
Key points
- An intravenous pyelogram is a type of X-ray examination specifically designed to study the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
- As with other studies, the test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician.
- You may be given a laxative to take the afternoon before the procedure to remove intestinal gas and feces that could obscure the view of the kidneys.
- The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
Intravenous pyelogram; IVP
Definition
An intravenous pyelogram is a type of X-ray examination specifically designed to study the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
After iodine-based contrast dye is injected intravenously (into a vein), a series of images are taken at timed intervals. The kidneys are responsible for removing contrast dye from the blood and collecting it in urine.
Abnormalities in the appearance of the kidneys or ureters, distribution of contrast within a kidney, asymmetry in the amount of contrast in each kidney, or defects in the collecting systems can be identified and are suggestive of particular diseases and conditions.
How the test is performed
As with other studies, the test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. The patient will need to urinate immediately prior the procedure to ensure the bladder is empty, and intravenous access will be placed in a vein of an arm. An initial "scout" image will be taken with the patient lying on his/her back.
Once the injection of contrast is complete, it is necessary to remain still during the procedure, which may take up to one hour. A compression device (a wide belt containing two balloons that can be inflated) may be used to keep the contrast material in the kidneys.
At the end of the procedure, the patient will again be asked to void for a final image to see how well the bladder has emptied. Usual diet and medications should be resumed after the exam, and adequate hydration is recommended to ensure complete removal of contrast from the blood.
How to prepare for the test
As with all X-ray procedures, inform the health care provider if you:
- are pregnant
- are allergic to contrast material
- have any drug allergies
You must sign a consent form. You need to eat a very light dinner or no food the night before the test and should not eat or drink ANYTHING until the test is over (including morning coffee!) You may be given a laxative to take the afternoon before the procedure to remove intestinal gas and feces that could obscure the view of the kidneys. You will be given a gown to put on, and you must remove all jewelry.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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