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What Is an Intravenous Urogram?

Also known as an intravenous pyelogram or excretory urogram, an intravenous urogram is a diagnostic exam urologists use to create a picture of the organs of the urinary system and check them for potential problems.

  1. The Facts

    • An intravenous urogram is an exam a doctor may perform in order to discover the size and placement of the kidneys and bladder, as well as check the ureters, the calyces and the pelvis for anatomical abnormalities. A dye, or contrast medium, is injected into the body. X-rays are taken to map the progress of the dye through the urinary tract, allowing the doctor to see the urinary system and look for problems. An intravenous urogram can often be performed as an outpatient procedure. It can be performed on adults and children.

    Preparation

    • To obtain the best quality images from the intravenous urogram, a doctor may give a laxative to a patient who is constipated. Adults who are undergoing the exam should fast for at least three hours before it begins. Emptying the bladder before beginning the exam is imperative, otherwise the dye may dilute too much in the full bladder to be useful for imaging.

    The Procedure

    • The intravenous urogram takes about an hour to perform. The patient lies down in an X-ray room. The dye is injected into the patient, usually through the arm. The dye moves through the bloodstream and into the kidneys, where it begins its journey through the urinary system. An X-ray technician will take X-rays throughout the procedure, mapping the internal organs.

    Possible Reactions

    • As with any medical procedure, there are some risks to undergoing an intravenous urogram. The dye used in the examination is usually iodine-based, so there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Whenever an intravenous injection is given, there is a danger that the vein may be damaged. If a patient is experiencing renal failure, the intravenous urogram may make the failure worse on a temporary basis.

    Considerations

    • In the past, doctors relied on the intravenous urogram as their preferred method for imaging the urinary tract. It remains the best option for closer examination of the ureters and the calyces. For trauma evaluation, polycystic kidney disease, renal cancer and other issues, MRIs and CT-scan can provide more detailed information about the condition of the urinary system.

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