Intravenous urography

| Intravenous urography (IVU) was until a few years ago the most important and frequently used radiological test in Urology, and, although it has been displaced by other techniques, it continues to retain its usefulness in multiple processes.

To perform intravenous urography, it is necessary to use contrast media and obtain serial plates.

It allows us to observe the urinary tract in its entirety since we distinguish the limit of the renal tissue, the pyelocalyceal system, both ureters and the bladder. If a voiding plate is performed, it can be visualized up to the urethra.

Intravenous urography provides us with both anatomical and functional data of the urinary system. The contrast media used are radiopaque compounds derived from iodine.

The most common adverse effects of this test are the presence of an allergic condition that can be highly variable, from and generalized redness to bronchospasm and laryngeal edema.

A metallic taste sensation in the mouth is typical, as is a feeling of warmth. It should be tried to be avoided in conditions of, because it can make it worse. In patients with diabetes mellitus being treated with metformin, this drug should be discontinued due to the risk of lactic acidosis it entails.

The test begins with an adequate intestinal preparation with enemas so that the intestines do not hide important images and a diet low in residues and with a lot of liquid is recommended.

Initially, a plain abdominal X-ray is taken and later contrast is injected intravenously. Subsequently, serial radiographs are performed between 5-20 minutes to identify distortions or defects of the urinary tract. It is even possible to perform, if necessary, very delayed plaques at 60 or 120 minutes, when the kidney is slow in its function.

Currently it is used in the diagnosis and in the planning of the treatment of the and / or ureterals, in the study of hematuria, malformations of the urinary tract and control of tumors of the upper urinary tract.

It is contraindicated in pregnant patients, and allergic to iodinated contrast.