A detailed description of the Pyelography test and their use in Urology

1. DEPARTMENT OF UROLOGY EDUCATION
Production Team
Dr Abraham Benjamin - Manager Medical Informatics
Mr. Naresh Kumar - Coordinator Medical Informatics
Antegrade Pyelography/Retrograde Pyelography

2. What is Antegrade Pyelography?
 Antegrade pyelography is a diagnostic test
that uses special contrast agent (dye) to
produce detailed X-ray pictures of the upper
urinary tract (kidney and ureter).

3. Anatomy of the Urinary Bladder

4. What is the use of Antegrade Pyelography?
 It is commonly used to diagnose the
following conditions hydronephrosis,
ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction
and obstruction of the ureters.

5. How is the test performed?
 The kidneys will initially be examined with an
ultrasound probe or a CT scan. After they are
located, the overlying skin will be anesthetized and
a needle will be passed directly into the kidney.
 This needle is used to inject dye to outline the
renal collection system (part of the urinary tract
draining urine between the kidney and bladder) on
X-ray images and detect any blockages or
obstructions.

6. What are the risk /complications of Antegrade
Pyelography ?
 The major risk involves a reaction to the iodine-
based dye.
 Minor reactions include hot flashes, nausea and
vomiting.
 In very rare circumstances, more severe
complications like breathing difficulties, low blood
pressure, swelling of the mouth can occur.

7. How does Antegrade Pyelography look like?
Normal Antegrade Pyelogram Obstructed Antegrade Pyelogram

8. What is Retrograde Pyelography?
Retrograde pyelography uses special contrast
agent (dye) to produce detailed X-ray pictures of
the ureters and kidneys. The difference is that in
retrograde pyelography the dye is injected
directly into the ureters rather than into a vein.
It is better suited to see the definition of the
upper urinary tract, particularly the ureter and
kidney

9. When is Retrograde Pyelography used ?
 Commonly performed when an IVP produces an
inadequate image, it also complements cystoscopy
while investigating a patient with hematuria or
recurrent or suspected cancer.

10. How is the test performed ?
This test is performed in a hospital radiology
department by a urologist and is typically carried
out under general anesthesia.
 Cystoscopy is performed and the small catheter
is inserted into the opening of the ureter in the
bladder. Dye is injected and fluoroscopy is
performed to visualize the ureters and kidneys.
The entire study can take 15 to 30 minutes and is
done on an outpatient basis.

11. What is the risk /complications for Retrograde Pyelography?
The complications of Retrograde Pyelography
are same as that of Antegrade Pyelography.
There may be additional problems such as a
urinary tract infections .

12. How does Retrograde Pyelogram look like ?
Normal Retrograde Pyelogram Obstructed Retrograde Pyelogram

13. Important Information
 If you need to get this test done or
meet our team of Urologists for
Consultation click on the link below.
 http://www.ramayyapramila.com/

14. Superior and Compassionate Care

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