Exam Overview
The retrograde pyelogram uses a dye to
find out whether a
kidney stone or something else is blocking your
urinary tract. During the test, your doctor will insert a thin, lighted tube
(cystoscope) into the
urethra, which carries urine out of the body from the
bladder. He or she will then put a
catheter through the cystoscope and into a
ureter, which carries urine from the kidney to the
bladder. Dye is injected through the catheter, and X-rays are taken.
You will probably need a
local or regional anesthetic with this procedure.
Your doctor may do this test if an
intravenous pyelogram (IVP) does not help with the
diagnosis. In an IVP, the dye is injected through a vein in your arm.
Why It Is Done
You may have a retrograde pyelogram
if:
- The IVP does not show a reason for your urinary
symptoms.
- The IVP cannot be done because of kidney problems such as
chronic kidney disease.
- You are allergic
to the iodine-based dye (contrast material) used in the IVP.
Pregnant women normally do not have this test, because the
X-rays may harm the unborn baby.
Results
Findings of the retrograde pyelogram may
include the following.
Normal
The kidneys, ureters, and bladder appear normal.
Abnormal
The flow of the dye (contrast material) is blocked,
either by a stone or another urinary problem.
What To Think About
The retrograde pyelogram provides
the same information as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). But the retrograde
pyelogram can be used even if you are allergic to the dye. This test does not
risk making existing kidney damage worse.
Unlike the IVP, the
retrograde pyelogram requires an anesthetic and uses a catheter inserted
into the urinary tract.
Complete the medical test information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerCaroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine