Download Intravenous Urogram - Bupa Cromwell Hospital

PATIENT
INFORMATION
Intravenous Urogram
Your doctor has recommended that you have an intravenous urogram. The reason for this will
depend on your condition; your doctor will talk to you about your options. This leaflet explains the
procedure and aims to answer the main questions you’re likely to have. If you have any additional
questions then please feel free to talk about them with your doctor, nurse or radiographer before the
procedure.
What is an intravenous urogram?
An intravenous urogram is a test that allows your doctor to look at your urinary system, using a
special dye (contrast medium) that shows up on X-ray. The contrast medium is injected into one of
your veins and travels through your blood stream, before being removed by your kidneys and
passing into your ureters and bladder. The contrast medium helps to show up these organs more
clearly on X-rays. The test can help find out the cause of urinary problems. It may help
diagnose:
kidney and bladder stones
tumours
blood clots
an enlarged prostate gland
narrowing in the ureters
What are the alternatives?
Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may suggest an alternative imaging test, such as
plain X-rays of your urinary system, an ultrasound or a CT (computed tomography) scan of your
bladder (not kidneys or ureters). You may be offered a more direct test called a cystoscopy, where a
tube-like telescopic camera called a cystoscope is inserted into your bladder.
Preparing for your intravenous urogram
You should tell the doctor in advance if:
you are, or think you could be, pregnant. This test isn’t recommended for pregnant women,
unless there is an urgent medical reason
you have any allergies
On the day of the test you should not eat or drink anything for six hours before having the urogram.
If you have diabetes, you should contact us before your appointment. If your diabetes is controlled by
your diet, make sure you book a morning appointment. If you take tablets or insulin for your diabetes,
contact us for more advice.
If you usually take medication (for example tablets for high blood pressure), continue to take these as
prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you not to. If you are unsure about your medication,
contact your doctor. Before your test you will be asked to empty your bladder. You’ll be shown
to a private cubicle where you can remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. You will then be
taken to the X-ray room and asked to lie down on the X-ray table.
About the procedure
The procedure will be carried out by a radiographer (a health professional trained to perform imaging
procedures). A radiologist (a doctor who specialises in using imaging methods to diagnose medical
conditions) will also be present and will look at the images. Your radiographer will explain the
procedure and make sure that you’re happy to go ahead with it. You will have a small plastic tube
(cannula) inserted into a vein on the back of your hand or on your arm. This will be used for injecting
the contrast medium.
The radiographer will take the first X-ray pictures of your abdomen (tummy) without the contrast
medium. He or she will then inject the contrast into your hand or arm through the cannula. You may
experience a flushing, hot sensation for about a minute after the injection and you may feel sick but
this will soon pass. The radiographer will then take more X-rays of your abdomen and pelvis. Each
image will be looked at by the radiologist before subsequent ones are taken. You may be asked to
move position and lie on your stomach, or hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-rays are
taken. To help improve images of the kidneys, a tight band may be placed across your abdomen. You
may also be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder and have another X-ray taken. The test
usually takes about an hour, but altogether you will be in the radiology department for one to two
hours.
What to expect afterwards
When you feel ready, you will be able to go home. You will be able to drive if you wish. You shouldn’t
have any problems passing urine or see any change in the colour of your urine after the test. If this
does happen ask your GP for advice.
Getting your results
A report will be sent to the doctor who requested your test. This can take several days. He or she will
discuss the results with you at your next appointment.
What are the risks?
Intravenous urograms are commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an
informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the
risk of complications. You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation but the amount you receive isn’t
considered to be harmful. The level of exposure will depend on the procedure. Talk to your doctor or
radiologist for more information. Pregnant women are advised not to have X-rays as there is a risk the
radiation may harm the unborn baby. If you are, or could be, pregnant then please tell your doctor or
radiographer.
It is possible you will get a hot flushing sensation, some mild itching or a metallic taste in your mouth
after having the contrast medium injected. This should last only a minute or two. It is also possible to
have an allergic reaction to the contrast medium. If you experience any itching or difficulty in
breathing, tell your radiographer immediately. Medicines are available to treat an allergic reaction.
Ask your doctor to explain how these risks apply to you. The exact risks will differ for each person.
Contact
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Diagnostic Imaging
department on +44 (0)20 7460 5746/7 or fax +44 (0)20 7835 2496. The department is open from
8.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday.
Please be punctual for your appointment. If you cannot keep your appointment then contact us
immediately.
Bupa Cromwell Hospital
162 – 174 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
+44 (0)20 7460 2000 (hospital switchboard)
[email protected]
bupacromwellhospital.com
Published: February 2014
Review: February 2016
Ref: RADPI-011
This information is published by Bupa Cromwell Hospital and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence and experience from over 30
years of treating patients. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa Cromwell Hospital doctors. The content is intended for general information
only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. If you have any feedback on the content of
this patient information document please email [email protected] or telephone 020 7460 5901.