Urography

Urography is an X-ray examination that is used to assess the kidneys and urinary tract. The examination helps detect disorders of urine outflow, stones in the ureter, inflammatory changes, congenital anomalies and other pathologies of the urinary system. Depending on the type of urography, the examination may be performed with a contrast agent or without it.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, the examination is performed on modern digital equipment. This allows clear images to be obtained and the condition of the urinary system to be assessed. To make an appointment for urography, contact the contact center or use the feedback form on the website — the administrator will help choose a convenient time for the examination.

Urography is performed in two main ways: without a contrast agent or with its administration.

Plain urography

Plain urography is an X-ray examination without the use of a contrast agent. During it, a general image of the area of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder is obtained. This method helps assess the location of the kidneys, see some calculi and pronounced anatomical changes.

Plain urography may be prescribed for lower back pain, after trauma or when urolithiasis is suspected. At the same time, this examination does not allow assessment of the excretory function of the kidneys and the patency of the urinary tract.

Excretory, or intravenous urography

Excretory urography is an examination with a contrast agent that is injected into a vein. The contrast passes through the bloodstream, is filtered by the kidneys and gradually fills the calyceal-pelvic system, the ureters and the urinary bladder. At this time, a series of X-ray images is performed to assess how the contrast passes through the urinary tract.

IV urography helps assess not only the anatomy, but also the function of the urinary system: how the kidneys accumulate and excrete fluid, whether there is narrowing of the ureters, impaired urine outflow, signs of hydronephrosis or congenital structural features.

Urography with contrast may be recommended when impaired urine outflow, developmental anomalies, chronic pyelonephritis, narrowing of the ureters or other pathologies of the urinary system are suspected.

Separately, there are specialized methods of contrast examination of the urinary tract. For example, retrograde urography is performed when it is necessary to assess a specific section of the ureter or the calyceal-pelvic system in detail. During such an examination, the contrast agent is injected not into a vein, but directly into the urinary tract through a catheter.

Kidney urography may also be prescribed when narrowing of the ureters, hydronephrosis or chronic pyelonephritis is suspected. In some cases, the examination helps clarify the cause of pain that is accompanied by fever, nausea or changes in urination.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend not postponing diagnostics if lower back pain is combined with fever, blood in the urine or difficult urination. Timely examination helps establish the cause of symptoms faster and start treatment.

There are few absolute contraindications to plain urography, however examinations with a contrast agent require a preliminary assessment of the patient’s condition. Before urography is performed, the doctor takes into account kidney function, the presence of concomitant diseases and possible allergic reactions.

The main contraindications to urography with contrast may be:

• pregnancy, especially the first trimester;
• severe renal failure;
• allergy to iodine-containing contrast agents;
• decompensated thyroid diseases or severe general condition of the patient.

Our doctors recommend informing about all chronic diseases, allergies and medications that you take regularly before urography is performed. This helps to properly prepare for the examination and reduce the risk of unwanted reactions to the contrast agent.

Preparation for urography depends on whether a contrast agent will be used. If an examination with contrast is planned, before the procedure the doctor may prescribe a blood test for creatinine to assess kidney function.

Before urography, it is usually recommended to:

• not eat food for 4–6 hours before the examination if contrast enhancement is planned;
• if possible, limit foods that cause pronounced gas formation;
• wear comfortable clothing without metal elements in the examination area;
• inform the doctor about allergies, bronchial asthma, kidney diseases, thyroid gland diseases or diabetes mellitus.

Following these recommendations helps obtain higher-quality images and perform the examination as informatively and safely as possible.

The features of urography depend on the type of examination. Plain urography is performed without a contrast agent and takes only a few minutes. Urography with contrast takes longer, since after the administration of the medication it is necessary to take a series of X-ray images at different intervals of time.

During the examination, the patient usually lies on the X-ray table. Before the procedure, the specialist may ask to remove metal objects in the examination area, which may affect image quality.

During intravenous urography, the contrast agent is injected into a vein, after which a series of images is taken to assess the passage of contrast through the kidneys and urinary tract. In some patients, after the administration of contrast, a short-term sensation of warmth in the body or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur — this is a normal reaction that quickly passes.

During the procedure, it is important to remain still and follow the specialist’s instructions. This helps obtain clear and informative images.

After the examination is completed, the radiologist describes the obtained images and provides a conclusion. With the results, it is recommended to contact the doctor who prescribed the examination for further assessment and determination of treatment tactics.

The price of urography can be viewed on the clinic’s website. At the Oxford Medical clinic, examinations are performed on modern digital equipment, which allows high-quality X-ray images to be obtained and the condition of the kidneys and urinary tract to be accurately assessed.

You can undergo an X-ray of the urinary tract in Kyiv on the right bank — near Dorohozhychi metro station, on the left bank — at Berezniaky and Pozniaky, as well as in Irpin. To make an appointment for urography, contact the contact center or leave a request on the website for a callback.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

RadiologyInfo.org / American College of Radiology

US National Library of Medicine, NCBI Bookshelf

MedlinePlus / Intravenous Pyelogram