THEuroscanner, or uro-CT or uro-CT, is an exam that allows you to observe thewhole urinary tract (kidneys, excretory tract, bladder, prostate). This is the reference imaging test to explore the urinary tract, especially in cases of renal pathology. It replaces more and more frequently theurographie intravenous (see sheet).

Le scanner, or computed tomography, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses X-rays to “scan” a region of the body and produce cross-sectional images. The term “scanner” is actually the name of the medical device, but the term is often used to refer to the exam. We also talk about computed tomography or computed tomography.

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

• If you have a blood in the urine (gross hematuria above all, that is to say visible to the naked eye), to look for the cause
• For an assessment in the event of urinary stones (lithiases)
• In case of suspicion of urothelial tumor (tumor of the lining of the bladder, ureters or kidney cavities)
• For an assessment in the event ofhydronéphrose (abnormal increase in the volume of the pelvis, part of the kidney) or to study the morphology of the kidneys
• For an assessment in the event of trauma to the urinary tract or kidneys (shock, accident, etc.)
• In case of’complex urinary tract infections (recurrent pyelonephritis or cystitis)
• For viewing blood vessels

The uroscanner protocol depends on the context, the symptoms and the indication.

The course of the examination may therefore vary from one patient to another. This is not a painful exam and no preparation is necessary. If a contrast medium is used, you will be asked to present on an empty stomach.

The examination can consist of several phases:

• taking pictures without injection of contrast product
• taking pictures of the urinary tract, after the administration of a diuretic medicine, which increases the excretion of urine by the kidneys (hyperdiuresis)
• the use of an iodinated contrast medium, which concentrates in the urine. Several injections can be given in succession via the infusion (a few minutes apart from each other, to visualize the progression of the urine).

The patient lies on his back and is placed on a table capable of sliding through a ring-shaped device. This contains an X-ray tube that rotates around the area to be explored (here, the abdominopelvic area).

The patient must be still during the examination and may even have to hold his breath for a short time to ensure good image quality. The medical staff, placed behind a protective glass against X-rays, monitor the progress of the examination on a computer screen and can communicate with the patient via a microphone.

After the uroscan, the analysis of the images can be done quickly. If an injection of contrast medium has been given, you will be advised to drink plenty of water to facilitate its elimination. The examination can clearly visualize the entire urinary tract and identify various abnormalities. Among others:

• urinary stones (lithiasis)
• a kidney tumor, bladder, prostatic, etc.
• “gaps” in the urinary tract (clots, obstructions, etc.)

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