Intravenous Urography

Intravenous Urography

Intravenous Urography is a procedure involving the X-ray imaging of the urinary tract that allows the detection and diagnosis of several disorders affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra. Normally, the urinary tract can not be properly viewed by means of X-ray imaging, and as such this procedure involves the use of a contrast dye administered intravenously. The dye will be transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it will concentrate, and then it will pass into the ureters along with urine. The contrast dye will block the x-rays causing the structure of the urinary tract to appear on the X-ray pictures as a clear white image.

Intravenous Urography is employed to help diagnose a range of urinary tract disorders, including (but not being limited to) kidney stones, urinary tract infections, the presence of blood in the urine or urinary tract obstruction or damage. The X-ray pictures taken (called intravenous urograms or intravenous pyelograms) will allow the examining health care professional to see if there are any stones in the urinary tract, or if there is any blockage or abnormality caused by a recurring infection in any part of the urinary tract. The presence of blood in the patient’s urine may be caused by a number of conditions such as inflammations, infections or tumors along the urinary tract, and performing an Intravenous Urography may allow the examining health care specialist to rule out some of the causes or to place the correct diagnosis.

Such imaging procedures also allow the detection of other affections, such as prostate inflammations or the presence of lesions or cancers that affect the kidneys or any of the other components of the urinary tract. For example, a displacement of the kidneys or of the ureters may be an indication that the patient has a tumor that occupies the space in the abdomen and exerts pressure causing the reported symptoms. In such cases further examination may be required to fully assess the situation and to place the correct diagnosis before taking action in correcting the problem.

Intravenous Urography Description

In order to perform a proper Intravenous Urography, the physician needs to ensure that the patient’s kidneys are able to filter the dye. This procedure is rarely employed in the case of patients suffering from renal failure. Also, the physician will need to ensure that the patient is not allergic to contrast dyes. As the contrast dyes may interact with certain medicines (such as with Metformin), the doctor will need to check that the patient is not taking such medication and that he or she is not suffering from conditions that may require them to take such medicines. If they are, it is best that medication is discontinued for a few days before the procedure, in order to avoid any accidental interactions and the possible consequences. This situation is most common in the case of patients that are taking Metformin for the management of diabetes, and they should discuss with their personal health care specialists the alternative means of treatment that may be employed for the duration.

In order to obtain clearer pictures, the patients are required to avoid ingesting any food a few hours before the Intravenous Urography is performed. Also, they may be advised to take laxative medication the day before the procedure, in order to clear the intestines. It may not be safe to have an Intravenous Urography performed during pregnancy, as there is a small chance that the X-rays might affect the unborn baby causing abnormalities. As such, the patient needs to inform the specialized health care professional if she is or if she might be pregnant.

Due to the development of other techniques, this medical procedure is no longer as commonly used as it was in the past. Certain affections of the kidneys and of the urinary tract may now be assessed through ultrasound imaging, MRI and CT scans. However, in situations where these alternatives are not available, Intravenous Urography is still one of the most reliable forms of urinary tract assessment.

Intravenous Urography Related Medication

The patient undergoing the Intravenous Urography procedure will be asked to lie in a couch, while the contrast dye is injected intravenously into his or her arm. The most commonly used contrast dye used in such situations is Iodine. Once it enters the bloodstream, the contrast dye is transported to the kidneys and starts to filter into the ureters, allowing the physician to take X-ray photographs of the patient’s urinary tract. Every 5 to 10 minutes, an X-ray photograph is taken over the patient’s abdomen. Before taking the final picture, the health care specialist may request that the patient empties their bladder; the whole process lasts 30 to 60 minutes, however under certain circumstances it is possible that more X-ray pictures are taken after a few hours. After the procedure ends, the patient may resume eating normally, unless the health care professional instructs otherwise.

There are several side effects associated with undergoing an Intravenous Urography. In most cases, these are mild, such as flushing, sensations of warmth or metallic taste in the mouth, and will pass away quickly. However, other more severe complications may occur as well. Allergic reactions to the contrast dyes have been reported in a number of occasions, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In rare cases, extremely violent reactions have been encountered. However, as the procedure is only performed in a hospital or a clinic, the health care personnel will have access to any medication and instruments required to manage and relieve the hypersensitivity reaction.

Other severe consequences have also been encountered, such as acute renal failure. However, it is important to note that such complications are extremely rare and that the health care specialists performing the Intravenous Urography have immediate access to any medication that may be needed. Also, in most cases, there is access to an emergency room and the specialized health care professional are available to immediately handle the complications, ensuring the patient’s rapid recovery.