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Intravenous urogram

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.

This factsheet is for people who are planning to have an intravenous urogram (IVU), or who would like information about it. An intravenous urogram (also called an intravenous pyelogram) is a type of X-ray used to examine the urinary system (kidneys, ureters and bladder).

Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So, it's important that you follow your doctor's advice.

About intravenous urogram
What are the alternatives to an intravenous urogram?
Preparing for your intravenous urogram
About the procedure
What to expect afterwards
What are the risks?
Questions and answers
Related topics
Further information
Sources

About intravenous urogram

An intravenous urogram is a test that allows your doctor to look at your urinary system, using a special dye (contrast medium) that shows up on X-ray. The dye is injected into one of your veins and travels through your blood stream, before being removed by your kidneys and passing into your ureters and bladder. The dye helps to show up these organs more clearly on X-rays.

The test can help find out the cause of urinary problems. It may help diagnose kidney and bladder stones, tumours, blood clots, an enlarged prostate gland or narrowing in the ureters.

It's routinely done as an out-patient procedure in a hospital radiology department.

What are the alternatives to an intravenous urogram?

Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may suggest an alternative imaging test, such as plain X-rays of your urinary system, an ultrasound or a CT (computerised tomography) scan. You may be offered a more direct test called a cystoscopy.

Preparing for your intravenous urogram

You may be asked not to drink for a few hours before having a urogram. You may also be asked to take a laxative to make sure your bowel is clear of faeces. The hospital will give you detailed advice beforehand.

If you normally take medicines (eg tablets for high blood pressure), continue to take these as usual, unless your doctor specifically tells you not to. If you're unsure about taking your medicines, contact your hospital.

At the hospital, a radiographer (a health professional trained to perform imaging procedures) will operate the X-ray machine and produce images on film or in digital format. You should tell your radiographer if you're pregnant or if you might be pregnant. An intravenous urogram isn't recommended for pregnant women, unless there is an urgent medical reason.

You will be asked to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.

About the procedure

The procedure takes about 40 to 60 minutes. You will be asked to empty your bladder before the test.

In a private cubicle, you may be asked to remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. You will be taken to the X-ray room and asked to lie down on the X-ray table. Your radiographer will take the first X-ray pictures of your abdomen (tummy) without the dye.

Your radiographer will then inject the dye into a vein in your hand or arm, and take more X-rays of your abdomen and pelvis. You may be asked to move position and lie on your stomach, or hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-rays are taken.

To help improve images of the kidneys, a tight band may be placed across your abdomen. You may also be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder and have another X-ray taken.

What to expect afterwards

When you feel ready, you will be able to go home. You will be able to drive if you wish.

You shouldn't have any problems passing urine or see any change in the colour of your urine after the test. If this does happen ask your GP for advice.

A radiologist (a doctor specialised in using imaging methods to diagnose medical conditions) will examine the images and send a report to the doctor who requested your test. The report can take a few days to reach your doctor. Before you go home, the radiographer may tell you when you can expect to get your results.

If you haven't been told the results of your test within two weeks, call the doctor who requested your test.

What are the risks?

Intravenous urograms are commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications.

You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation. The level of radiation you receive during the urogram is about the same as the background radiation that you would get naturally from the environment over about 14 months.

If you're pregnant you should not have X-rays, as there is a risk that the radiation may cause some damage to your unborn child. If you are, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before your appointment.

Side-effects

These are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure. Very rarely, you may get a warm feeling, some mild itching or a metallic taste in your mouth after having the dye injected. This should last only a minute or two.

Complications

This is when problems occur during or after the procedure. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to the dye. If you experience any itching or difficulty in breathing, tell your radiographer immediately. Medicines are available to treat an allergic reaction.

The exact risks are specific to you and will differ for every person, so we haven't included statistics here. Ask your doctor to explain how these risks apply to you.