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An X-ray of the kidneys is a diagnostic method that is performed using a contrast agent and an X-ray machine. Pyelography allows you to identify stones, problems in the urinary tract and adrenal glands, tumors and other pathological abnormalities.
The X-ray principle of examination of organs is based on the intravenous administration of a special contrasting substanceswhen with With the help of the impact of the device on the body, images are obtained, on which you can see the location of the renal calyces, the structure of the ureters.
Kidney diagnosis is the best way
Ascending ureteropyelography has earned recognition among Representatives medical community due to the local impact on the diagnosed areas. A contrast component is injected through the urethra, which allows you to see tumors and tissue damage, diverticula and strictures. X-rays show the anatomical features of the organs, reduce the time of the procedure and the amount of the drug administered.
Through the retrograde method, the load on the kidneys is reduced, the likelihood of allergic reactions. The procedure has a sparing effect on the body, helps to identify many diseases in the early stages.
Why is direct pyelography performed?
Depending on the characteristics of the human body and other factors (stones, poor patency of the ducts), sometimes a contrast solution is injected directly into the kidney using an injection or catheter. Due to this, the calyx and pelvis are better visualized.
In some cases, it is necessary to put pyelographic contrast against the outflow of urine. This method has limitations in hematuria and inflammatory processes.
Types of pyelography
Kidney disease requires an individual approach. This applies not only to treatment, but also to the examination of patients, which is confirmed by the recommendations of many doctors. X-ray diagnostic methods are divided into several types:
- pneumopyelography using carbon dioxide and oxygen (to detect kidney tuberculosis, froncal bleeding, etc.);
- double contrasting with the combined use of a contrast agent and gas;
- ascending or retrograde method using a catheter cystoscope and a dye;
- excretory urography with the introduction of a dye through a needle intravenously. It helps to determine the structure and structure of the ureters, urethra, kidneys;
- antegrade pyeloureterography with percutaneous puncture, nephropyelostomy or pelvicalyceal system.
Sometimes X-rays of organs can be performed in parallel with intraoperative intervention. In severe cases, when the functionality of the urinary system is impaired and it is impossible to get a general picture for making a diagnosis, alternative methods are resorted to. For example, if the excretory ability of the kidneys is reduced, and the contrast agent does not enter the cups due to the lack of process dynamics, the best solution would be to install a cystoscope (retrograde study).
Preparing for the procedure
To undergo X-ray diagnostics, you first need to consult with your doctor. Research is best done in a diagnostic medical center that specializes in the study of the urinary organs and kidneys. Such institutions are equipped with the necessary equipment. Pyelography provides for the preparatory process:
- bowel cleansing (laxative, enema);
- wear clothes made from natural fabrics;
- in the evening it is not recommended to eat heavy food;
- six hours before the diagnosis, you can not eat or drink anything;
- remove foreign objects that interfere with the procedure.
With these symptoms and specific health problems more often turn to surgeons, urologists, nephrologists and oncologists. To carry out any medical treatment for doctors pictures and tests are required. Pyelography helps to obtain images that will show stones and blood clots, problem areas of organs. This will help doctors plan further treatment or upcoming surgery.
Implementation of X-ray diagnostics
During the pyelography, a person is located on a couch with bent knees. The position of the patient is fixed with stirrups, after which anesthesia is administered. A catheter is inserted into the renal pelvis through the bladder. Next, the organ is filled with a contrast agent to the appropriate level. By means of an X-ray machine, radiographs are taken in the posterior, anterior, semi- and lateral projections.
For antegrade pyelography, the patient lies on the table with his stomach down. A needle with a tube of seven or eight centimeters is inserted into the region of the twelfth rib. A contrast agent is injected through them, then the calyx and pelvis are taken.
After appropriate manipulations, the received images are given by the radiologist along with a detailed transcript and description to the attending physician who sent for diagnosis. This procedure can take from one to one and a half hours.
What influences the interpretation of the results?
Only a specialist of the corresponding category can correctly decipher the received X-ray diagnostic images. Doctor– radiologist immediately determine the mobility of the kidneys by the dynamics of passage (at the entrance / exit) contrasting substances. If the patient has delayed urination after removal of the catheter, this indicates the presence of stones or neoplasms.
Insufficient mobility of the kidneys may be the result of paranephritis and pyelonephritis, i.e. inflammatory changes. The pictures, according to the direction, are given to the attending doctor, who takes further steps to eliminate the disease.