Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Intravenous pyelography (excremental urography) is a X-ray diagnostic method by which, with the help of x-rays, a picture of the kidneys and urinary tract (urinary tract and urinary bladder) is obtained. The recording lasts about 45 minutes and, if necessary, longer.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

• In order to detect the causes of various disorders (bloodshed in the urine-haematuria, pain during urination, lower back pain …).

• For the purpose of discovering and proving the existence of stone (calculus) in the kidney, urinary tract, or urinary bladder; cyst, benign or malignant tumors of the kidneys or urinary bladder; enlargement of the prostate; inborn urinary tract disorders; monitoring of kidney or bladder status after surgery.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• The review is simple and is performed by putting the patient on a radiological table. First, the so-called. native record of urinal tract (without contrast medium) is made.

• Then a contrast agent (in the vein-intravenous) is given. Iodine contrast agent is excreted via the kidney and urinary tract. With the help of a contrasting agent, insight into the structure and function of the kidneys and urinary tract is given.

• X-rays are made at different time intervals, depending on the phase of secretion of the contrast medium (the contrast medium is at different time intervals in different parts of the kidney and urinary tract).

• It may be necessary to make kidney and urinary tract marks after urinating.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• Intravenous pyelogram is a safe method, and complications occur very rarely.

• There is a risk of an allergic reaction.

• The radiation dose to be exposed during examination is minimal and does not lead to serious complications.

PREPARATION

• You must not eat and drink 3 hours before checking. It may be necessary to take a medication a day before the examination, that facilitates the discharge of the bowel (laxative).

• Report to your medical staff if you have an allergy to an iodine contrast agent.

• If you have renal impairment, this review can only be done with the permission of a physician (the results of the device and creatinine should not be older than 2 weeks).

• Take with you all previous medical records.

AFTER IVP

If you feel well, you can return to your usual daily activities.