X-ray (prostatography) of the prostate

The prostatography procedure is one of the most difficult methods, it is rarely used today because of its cost.

What is the procedure, what are its features

We are talking about the study of the prostate by X-ray method. The principle of operation is based on the irradiation of a specific area with X-rays and further computer processing. The prostate is a small rounded organ located near the male urethra. Due to its location, it is not visible in plain images, so additional contrast is required.

Such a study allows you to determine the parameters of the gland. And the size of the glandular elements is an extremely important criterion for the objective state of the organ. The average volume of an organ is considered to be no higher than 36 cmXNUMX.³ in patients under 50 years of age. If it exceeds the allowable size, the doctor suspects prostatic hyperplasia. This indicator is extremely important for choosing an adequate therapy for the disease.

Pros and cons of this test

The technique is highly informative, allows you to clearly determine the size, structure and structure of the gland. It is used to clarify complex, confusing diagnoses. But due to its invasiveness, the duration of the execution, the technique is prescribed less and less. Prostatography was replaced by prostate ultrasound, which is distinguished by its simplicity, accessibility, safety and lack of contraindications. This is the most modern, most accessible, informative study that replaces prostatography.

Where is this kind of diagnostic performed, what are the indications for it?

Typically, this kind of research is performed in special centers equipped with appropriate equipment.

A technique is used to study the structure of the prostate. Be sure to be prescribed if there is a decrease in sexual desire – libido. This examination is also used when blood appears in the urine, soreness in the inguinal zone or in the perineum. This technique diagnoses the etiology of difficult urination. Prostatography helps to distinguish the main urological problems, to differentiate, to choose an adequate therapy. Mostly difficulties arise when making such diagnoses:

• BPH;
• prostatitis;
• oncological lesion;
• glandular abscess.

Contrasting technique

Contrasting is a mandatory point of this study. The technique of parenteral administration of a contrast agent is used to study tumor neoplasms. Contrast enhancement is applied according to a special scheme.

Contrast is a special substance based on iodine. It is necessary for maximum clarity of visualization of the examined elements. It is administered through a catheter a few minutes before the diagnosis. It has neutrality, low toxicity to the body, therefore it does not have a significant effect on the patient’s condition.

The function of the contrast medium is significant. Due to the fact that the contrast enters the blood and stains the vessels, further visualization of soft tissues with a well-developed vascular network improves. This greatly increases the information content of visualization; the use of contrast is justified primarily in neoplasms.

The dosage of the contrast element is always selected individually. It all depends on the age and weight of the patient. The substance is excreted throughout the day.

The contrast enters the body in different ways: directly into the gland, into the bladder, into the surrounding tissues.

Preparation for such an examination, features of the conduct

This kind of research does not require any special training. The patient gets rid of clothing below the waist and awaits the introduction of contrast.

The contrast is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body, so the images should be taken no later than 3-5 minutes after the injection. X-rays are taken in two positions: lying on the back and on the side.

During the examination, discomfort and soreness may be noted. Movements during the study worsen the information content of the images.

Prostatography must be performed by an experienced radiologist who owns the technique of working on this kind of equipment. To do this, the specialist will need to graduate from a medical university, complete a specialization in general radiology, and only then complete additional highly specialized courses in prostatography.

The patient is alone in the room. The X-ray technician who manages the process is in the adjacent room. Between the rooms there is a window that allows medical personnel, including a doctor, to directly monitor the process.

After diagnosis, the patient must necessarily drink plenty of fluids. This contributes to the removal of the contrast agent from the body in a shorter time.

When such a diagnosis is contraindicated, what kind of complications does it provoke?

The study is categorically not carried out on babies. There are no absolute contraindications for adults. A number of specialists attribute hematuria to relative contraindications.

Without exception, all complications directly relate to injury to the perivesical tissue. There is severe damage to vascular structures, intestinal elements. Therefore, serious bleeding and peritonitis are possible.

Interpretation of results

With adenomas, filling defects with regular edges are clearly visualized. Neoplasms significantly change the contour of organ elements.

Images are processed by a special program under the guidance of a doctor. Such processing often takes no more than an hour. Urgent cases are issued within half an hour.

The patient receives several large pictures and their detailed decoding according to the state of health of this organ. It is possible to send the results of the examination to the patient by e-mail.

It is important to show the results to the urologist, i.e., the specialist whose work is related to the identified pathology. Only by bringing together all the studies and evaluating the clinical picture, the doctor makes the final diagnosis.