Reasons, Preparation & Procedure For Conducting a Pyelography

Submitted on March 27, 2012

Pyelography is a procedure which goes by various other names such as intravenous pyelogram, intravenous pyelography, intravenous urogram, simply pyelogram and so on. Thus, there are multiple names for this particular radiological procedure which is ultimately employed when it comes to visualizing various abnormalities which might affect one’s urinary system. Thus it could be used on one’s kidneys, one’s bladder and so on. Since it is a radiological procedure, it is more about observation when it comes to diagnosis.

Reasons for Pyelography

This intravenous pyelogram is utilized so as to check on urinary system abnormalities. In emergency cases, it is usually done when blockages are suspected such that urine flow is interfered with.

Preparation

You would need to talk to your doctor about the pyelogram procedure that has been advised and for specific preparations, if necessary. In this case, it would take the form of the use of laxatives and refraining from eating prior to the time your intravenous pyelogram is scheduled. The thing to note about an intravenous pyelogram is that it is typically as an emergency procedure.

Procedure

The first thing your health care practitioner would need for the pyelogram is a contrast media for the x-ray which is administered via a needle or even cannula. This goes into your vein and it is typically done using one on your arm. You need not worry about this material since it is eliminated from the body via one’s kidneys such that you can see this on your x-rays nearly as soon as it goes into your veins. Your doctor would have advised x-rays after certain predetermined time intervals such that he or she can then see the media as it goes through your body.

Specifically, he or she would be interested in watching the progress of the contrast media as it goes through one’s urinary system. Thus, if there is a problem in any of the parts of this system, it would be observed via these x-rays. Such a procedure allows for a rather holistic view of one’s anatomy and it also gives us a better understanding of the manner in which the patient’s renal system actually functions. The retrograde pyelography is one which is one following the contrast medium being administered through one’s ureter. The antegrade pyelography is one wherein contrast medium goes into the body via a percutaneous needle puncture which goes into one’s renal pelvis.

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