THEurographie intravenous is an X-ray examination that allows you to visualize the entireUrinary System (kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra) after injection of a product opaque to X-rays which concentrates in the urine.

Intravenous urography, also sometimes called excretory urography, allows, in addition to highlighting the morphology, to assess the kidney function.

This technique can be used in a variety of situations, including:

• If you have a blood in the urine (hematuria), to find the cause
• In case of’urinary tract infections or urinary stones (lithiases) repeat
• In case of’urinary obstruction, to find the site of the obstruction
• to do a pre-operative or post-operative assessment
• to compare the functioning of the two kidneys

However, this examination is used less and less, and it is often replaced by the uro-scanner or other imaging techniques (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging). Indeed, there is a risk of allergy to iodine which can lead to serious complications.

Before the exam, the doctor will ask you about your allergy history and medical history. Blood tests will be done to assess kidney function (serum creatinine).

Usually, you will be asked to be fasting for about 3 hours. You may be prescribed a special (“residue-free”) diet a few days before the test to limit the buildup of feces in the digestive system.

Just before the test, the staff will inject you intravenously, usually at the crease of the elbow, of an iodine-based contrast medium, which will be filtered by the kidneys and concentrated in the urine. It is this property that will specifically opacify the urinary tract and make it visible on radiography. The injection may be accompanied by a feeling of heat, a salty taste in the mouth or nausea.

A first shot is usually taken before the injection (while lying on your back). Then, a series of x-rays are taken at regular intervals to visualize the progression of the product in the urinary tract.

After a pause, allowing the bladder to fill, further images will be taken. Depending on the indications, images can also be taken during and after urination. The total time of the exam varies from 2 to 4 hours.

After the examination, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to facilitate the removal of the contrast medium.

After the urography, the analysis of the images can be done quickly. The examination allows you to clearly visualize the entire urinary tract and to follow the formation and progression of urine through the urinary tract. It therefore makes it possible to identify various anomalies, such as obstructions or deformities.

Depending on the results, the urologist will direct you to appropriate treatment or other medical imaging examinations.