About intravenous pyelogram :
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a type of X-ray that looks at your kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and the bladder (the organ that stores urine in the body). It can also take pictures of the prostate gland (a reproductive gland located below the bladder) in men.
In this test, a contrast dye is injected into a vein in the person's arm. When this dye passes through the urinary tract, the kidneys, ureters, and bladder appear bright white on X-rays. X-ray films help the doctor see the structure and function of these organs, as well as identify other urinary tract problems.
Who cannot have an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) ?
Generally X-ray IVP is not done in pregnant women.
Why is an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) done?
Doctors order X-ray IVP if you see the following problems related to the urinary tract:
foam in urine
pain while urinating
blood in urine
nausea and vomiting
fever
leg and foot swelling
stomach ache
side or back pain
How to prepare for IVP?
The doctor may ask you to sign a consent form, by signing which you give permission for them to perform IVP. You may be asked to fast from midnight the night before the test. Your doctor may ask you to take laxatives the day before the test.
Inform your doctor if you have any health problems or allergies (especially to contrast dye). Blood tests may also be done to evaluate your kidney function. (Read more - Why kidney function test is done )
If you are taking any medicine, then inform your doctor about it beforehand. Inform your doctor if you are a woman and pregnant or expect to be.
You may be asked to take off some of your clothes for the test, or you may be given a special gown called a hospital gown. Also take off all your jewelery and other metal items so that they do not affect the test results.
Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking any blood thinners.
How is IVP done?
This test is done as follows:
You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table. The technician will operate the machine behind a wall or from an adjacent room.
The doctor will take an X-ray of your urinary tract without the contrast dye.
They will then inject contrast dye into a vein in your arm.
A band may be wrapped around your abdomen to keep the dye in the urinary tract.
As the contrast dye passes through your urinary tract, several X-rays are taken to view your urinary tract.
You will need to lie still and hold your breath while the X-rays are being taken.
You will be asked to change position to take pictures from all sides.
The technician or your doctor will then ask you to empty your bladder by urinating in the restroom, bedpan, or urinal.
After the bladder is removed, pictures of the inside of your abdomen will be taken to make sure there is no dye left in the body.
What does an IVP feel like?
IVP is usually a comfortable procedure. As the dye enters your bloodstream, you may experience a momentary flushing sensation and a metallic or salty taste in your mouth. Apart from this, you may also have headache , nausea or vomiting.
What do IVP results mean?
With the help of X-ray IVP the following conditions in the urinary tract can be diagnosed:
kidney, ureter, or bladder stones
urinary tract scarring
Tumor or cyst (fluid-filled swelling ) in the urinary tract
urinary tract birth defects
enlarged prostate in men
trauma or injury to the urinary tract
What are the risks and benefits of IVP?
The following are the benefits associated with IVP:
It is a non invasive procedure.
No radiation of any kind remains in the body after the test.
X-rays do not have any side effects.
The risks associated with an IVP are:
You may be allergic to the contrast dye.
Exposure to X-rays during pregnancy may harm the fetus.
What happens after IVP?
You do not need special care after IVP. You can continue with your diet and activities as usual. You should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the dye from your body. Your doctor will ask you to monitor the amount of urine you make over the next 24 hours.
The following symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately:
blood in urine
Nausea
itching or rashes
redness or swelling at the injection site
fever
chills
What other tests can be done with IVP?
The doctor may also order some other tests to evaluate the urinary tract, such as:
computed tomography (CT) scan
CT urogram
magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI )
ultrasound