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In kidney disease, various tests are carried out to diagnose the disease and monitor the progress of treatment. One of the tests that assess the function of the kidneys and urinary tract is urography.
Urography is a radiological examination carried out using X-rays and an intravenous contrast agent. Urography allows to assess the functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract based on the observation of urine flow with the previously administered contrast agent, visible on the radiographic image.
Indications for urography
Urography is performed in the case of congenital defects of the urinary system, obstacles to urination (pain, burning, abdominal pain, hematuria, insufficient amount of urine, urinary retention), narrowing or widening of the urinary tract, suspected deposits in the urinary tract, bladder wall diverticula and also in the case of a history of trauma to the organs of the urinary system.
Urography – contraindications
Urographic examination should not be performed if you are allergic to the contrast agent (contrast agent) and if you have impaired kidney function. Pre-ordering is indicated for evidence of impaired renal function urografii laboratory diagnostic tests to determine the level of creatinine in the blood.
Urografii It is also not performed in pregnant women, due to the risk of damage to the fetus by strong X-rays directed to the patient’s abdominal area during urographic examination.
Urography – preparation and course of the study
Directing to urographic examination we usually get it from a nephrologist or urologist. After setting the date of the examination, we receive a number of recommendations aimed at preparing the body for the examination. So that the picture received during urografii was legible, it is necessary to empty the intestines – for this purpose, in the days preceding the examination, it is recommended to eat a small amount of easily digestible products, to stay on an empty stomach for a few hours before the examination urografiibefore the examination itself, it may be advisable to take a laxative.
The first stage urographic examination is to take an X-ray of the abdominal cavity. Then, a cannula is placed in the patient’s vein, a special puncture with a tube that allows intravenous administration of a substance with a contrast agent. When contrast is applied, there is often a feeling of a metallic taste in the mouth, caused by the composition of the preparation.
Contrast is picked up by the kidneys and released into the urinary tract. The contrast fluid is visible on the X-ray, which is taken again after the contrast injection, after 5-7 minutes. There may be several pictures taken – they are used to observe the distribution of fluid with contrast in the urinary tract – kidneys, bladder, kidney cup-and-pelvic systems and in the ureters).
After carried out urographic examination drink at least one and a half liters of water and other fluids a day for several days to remove the contrast medium from your body with urine.
Urography – interpretation of the result
Based on the result urographic examination with the use of x-rays it is possible to determine the structure of the urinary system and the location of the kidneys. The photo shows the shape and position of the kidneys and the way urine flows through the urinary system thanks to the administration of a contrast agent.
For example, the flow of urine seen in the photo from only one side of the urinary tract may indicate a dysfunction of a given kidney, while an accumulation of urine in a given section of the urinary tract indicates deposits in the urinary tract or, for example, a narrowing of the ureter in that section of the system.
Correct interpretation the result urografii we will get from specialist doctor, a nephrologist or urologist.
If any abnormalities in the functioning of any part of the urinary system are found, pharmacological, surgical or surgical treatment will be undertaken to restore the proper functioning of the urinary system and kidneys. Kidney dysfunction can lead to serious consequences and even death as a result of poisoning the body. In the case of injuries in the urinary system and abdominal cavity, pain in these areas, frequent inflammation of the bladder, hematuria or problems with urination, it is necessary to contact a general practitioner for referral to a urologist or nephrologist for a thorough diagnosis of the problem.