Today, kidney and urinary tract diseases are quite common. At the same time, not always the pathological processes make themselves felt at the early stages, so the importance is given to highly informative diagnostic research methods. One such technique is excretory urography.
Essence and varieties of excretory urography
A diagnostic and excretory urography can be used to diagnose urological diseases. Survey urography is actually an x-ray image of the body area at the level of the location of the kidneys. This method is not very informative and can only give a general idea of the location of the kidneys and the presence of large concrements in them.
More detailed information is provided by the method of excretory urography, which is also performed with the use of X-rays, but the patient is previously given an intravenous radiocontrast preparation. As such drugs use iodine-containing solutions:
- Urografine;
- Ultravist;
- Urotrast and others.
This study allows you to visualize and determine:
- location, contours, structure of the kidneys, pelvis, ureter, bladder;
- rate of filling of the bladder and pelvis with liquid;
- localization of neoplasms, foreign bodies, parasites, concrements;
- diverticula of the urinary tract, areas of narrowing and widening of the ureteral lumen;
- structural changes in the urinary tract, etc.
There are several types of excretory urography:
- Orthostatic - is carried out in the vertical position of the patient, often to determine the degree of mobility of the kidneys.
- Compression - is performed using a special device to squeeze the ureters through the anterior abdominal wall, thereby achieving a stasis of urine in the upper urinary tract and improving the contrast of the image.
- Infusion - is carried out with the drip of a large dose of radiocontrast substance, but in low concentration.
Indications for excretory urography
This diagnostic test is usually administered in the following cases:
- frequent infectious and inflammatory processes of the urinary system;
- painful sensations appearing in different parts of the urinary system;
- darkening of urine, appearance of blood in it;
- suspected development of ureteral blockage;
- symptoms of urolithiasis , etc.
Preparation for excretory urography of kidneys and urinary tract
Before the excretory urography special preparation is not required, it is recommended only the cleansing of the intestine from stool and gases, which can make it difficult to obtain high-quality images. To this end, for 2-3 days should begin to follow a diet with the use of easily digestible food, and the day before the study take a laxative drug or use an enema . Before the test for several hours you can not eat.
Also, before performing the urography, a biochemical blood test is performed to exclude renal failure, in which the excretory function of the kidneys is impaired. Before the procedure, it is important to find out if the patient is allergic to an X-ray contrast substance. For this, a sensitivity test is performed, at which a small amount of the drug is administered.
How is excretory urography performed?
The whole study takes about 45 minutes. Initially, the patient is given an intravenous injection with an X-ray drug, after
Contraindications to excretory urography:
- intolerance to X-ray contrast media;
- increased bleeding;
- kidney failure;
- pheochromocytoma;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- pregnancy, lactation.