Introduction

Intravenous Pyelography(IVP) can show the size, shape, position of the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and it can demonstrate the obstructive abnormalities including stones, tumors, and congenital urinary tract obstruction.

Indication

This procedure is usually performed when you experience low back pain, blood in the urine, kidney stones, tumor, or injury.

Physical Preparation

To get the best images of your urinary system, your colon must be clean. This means taking a laxative preparation, usually the evening before exam. You will be asked to drink clear liquids and not to intake anything  after midnight.

Procedure

A radiograph is taken over the area of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder before the examination to exclude the presence of calcification or calculi.

Following the injection of contrast agent, an early film of the kidneys ( at about 5 minutes ) is obtained to demonstrate the contrast within the kidney ( the nephrogram phase ). Another film is taken at 10 to 15 minutes to demonstrate the detail structures. Then a later film to demonstrate contrast within the bladder is often obtained.

Complication

The only serious complication of IVP is an allergic-type reaction to iodine contained in contrast medium. If this occurs, it usually begins as a difficulty in breathing with urticaria within minutes of the injection. Serious reactions to contrast medium are rare, but sometimes it requires emergency treatment.