answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a special x-ray examination of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).

Alternative Names

Excretory urography; IVP

How the test is performed

An IVP is done in a hospital radiology department or a health care provider's office by an x-ray technician.

You will need to empty your bladder immediately before the procedure starts.

The health care provider will inject an iodine-based contrast (dye) into a vein in your arm. A series of x-ray images are taken at different times to see how the kidneys remove the dye and how it collects in your urine.

A compression device (a wide belt containing two balloons that can be inflated) may be used to keep the contrast material in the kidneys.

You will need to remain still during the procedure, which may take up to an hour.

Before the final image is taken, you will be asked to urinate again, to see how well the bladder has emptied.

You can resume your normal diet and medications after the procedure. You should drink plenty of fluids to help remove all the contrast dye from your body.

How to prepare for the test

As with all x-ray procedures, tell your health care provider if you:

  • Are allergic to contrast material
  • Are pregnant
  • Have any drug Allergies

Your health care provider will tell you whether you can eat or drink before this test. You may be given a laxative to take the afternoon before the procedure to clear the intestines so your kidneys can be clearly seen.

You must sign a consent form. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and to remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel

You may feel a burning or flushing sensation in the arm and body as the contrast dye is injected. You may also have a metallic taste in the mouth. This is normal and will quickly disappear.

Some people develop a headache, nausea, or vomiting after the dye is injected.

The belt across the kidneys may feel tight over your belly area.

Why the test is performed

An IVP can be used to evaluate:

  • Bladder and kidney infections
  • Blood in the urine
  • Flank pain(possibly due to kidney stones)
  • Tumors
  • The urinary tract for damage after an abdominal injury
What abnormal results mean

The test may reveal kidney diseases, birth abnormalities, tumors, kidney stones, and inflammation caused by infections.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

There is a chance of an allergic reaction to the dye, even if you have received contrast dye in the past without any problem. If you have a known allergy to iodine-based contrast, an alternate test should be performed. Alternatives include retrograde pyelography, MRI, or ultrasound.

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of radiation.

Special considerations

Computed tomography (CT) scans has replaced IVP as the main tool for checking the urinary system. CT takes less time to perform and provides additional views of the abdomen, which can help rule out other possible reasons for the patient's symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used to look at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

References

Norrby SR. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 306.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How much does a intravenous pyelogram cost?

at Stanford - $10,982


What should you watch after intravenous pyelogram?

kidney function


What type of pyelogram is the radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters using contrast medium injected into a vein?

IVP or intravenous pyelogramKUBPyelogram


Why is a retrograde ureteropyelogram performed?

performed to determine the exact location of a ureteral obstruction when it cannot be visualized on an intravenous pyelogram


What is an intravenous pyelogram?

Antegrade pyelography differentiates this procedure from "retrograde pyelography," which injects dye into the lower end of the system, therefore flowing backward or "retrograde." Retrograde pyelography is better able to.


What is the name of the record obtained when a contrast medium is injected into the vein at particular times and x-rays are taken to observe kidney function?

intravenous pyelogram


What is meant by an intravenous pyelogram?

An intravenous pyelogram is a procedure where an injection of x-ray contrast is given to a patient via a needle into the vein. The contrast is removed from the bloodstream via the kidneys, and thus the contrasts media becomes visible on x-rays almost immediately after injection. To attain optimal results the x-rays are given at specific time intervals to capture the contrast as it travels through the different parts of the urinary system. This will allow the doctor to see the functioning of the renal system.


What does the medical abbreviation IVP mean?

IVP stands for intravenous pyelogram. An alternative name for IVP is "intravenous urogram" (IVU).IVP is a type of radiography: An x-ray image of the urinary tract obtained after an iodine contrast medium has been injected into the bloodstream. The contrast passes through the kidney and may reveal an obstruction, evidence of trauma, etc. It's a test to evaluate the kidneys.Renal pelvis


What is an xray record of the renal pelvis made after the insertion of a dye through the urethra?

An intravenous pyelogram is a radiographic examination of the kidneys and urinary tract using a radiopaque dye injected into the circulation. It is often abbreviated IVP.


How is medullary sponge kidney diagnosed?

Recurring kidney infections, bleeding, or stones will prompt x rays of the kidneys. The appearance of medullary sponge kidney on an intravenous pyelogram (x rays of the upper urinary system) is characteristic.


What is the preparation for lithotripsy?

Prior to the lithotripsy procedure, a complete physical examination is done, followed by tests to determine the number, location, and size of the stone or stones. A test called an intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, is used to locate the stones.


An x-ray technique imaging the urinary bladder and ureters is an?

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray technique that images the urinary bladder and ureters. It involves injecting a contrast dye into a vein and then taking x-ray images as the dye moves through the urinary system.