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Retrograde Pyelogram for Kidney Stones
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 intravenous pyelogram (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
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.
Credits
Current as of: February 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: February 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
