INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM (IVP) – RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE URINARY SYSTEM

 

This fact sheet is designed to give you general information about your exam. Any individual problems or questions should be directed to your physician.

 

IVP:

The purpose of this exam is to study your urinary system (kidneys, ureters, and bladder). This study involves the use of an iodinated contrast media (dye) injected into the bloodstream through a vein, normally in the arm. A mild to severe allergic reaction to contrast media is always a possibility. However, this rarely occurs with non-ionic contrast. An IVP exam helps to visualize kidney stones in the urinary system, rule out abnormalities, and to evaluate kidney function.

 

Preparation for the Exam:

1. Preparation for an IVP usually includes cleansing of the bowel to avoid gas and fecal shadows that could obscure structures of interest. NPO (nothing by mouth) orders are given to avoid nausea and to create a moderate degree of dehydration, resulting in a greater concentration of the contrast medium in the kidneys. Failure to follow the preparation instructions closely may reduce the diagnostic value of your examination. Follow your local radiology department’s instructions because each hospital’s preparation instructions may vary slightly. *Note: If you are allergic to contrast media inform your

physician, the radiologist, and technician before scheduling this exam.

2. Blood work (BUN and creatinine) should be obtained prior to the exam to check kidney function and to avoid possible renal failure during the exam.

3. If at any time during the preparation or the exam you feel ill, please notify the technician or your physician, and/or call the Diagnostic Imaging unit for assistance or further instructions.

 

The Examination:

1. An IVP involves a series of radiographs obtained at different intervals over a period of time while the urinary system is highlighted by the contrast media. Prior to having the radiographs taken, you will be dressed in a gown and asked a series of questions concerning past exams, allergies, allergies to iodine, medical history, and several other questions related to the exam. Once a complete history has been obtained, you will be placed on the x-ray table for preliminary radiographs called scout films. These are used to check kidney placement, bowel preparation, and for stones that may be obscured once contrast is injected. After preliminary films, contrast media will be injected intravenously, and radiographs will be obtained as the contrast filters through the kidneys and ureters. Often, radiographs are obtained using tomography to better visualize the structures of the kidneys. Tomography or tomograms are radiographs that blur out structures above and below the kidneys using motion, leaving an unobstructed view of the kidneys. Often five to ten radiographs will be accomplished to complete an exam.

2. You may feel a warm and/or rushing sensation when the contrast is injected. Also, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth. These are considered normal. Feelings such as nausea, difficulty breathing or itching should be mentioned to the technician immediately. These could be signs of a possible reaction.

3. The exam will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

4. After the exam is completed you may return to your normal diet. You also should be able to return to duty/work with little or no discomfort. The majority of the contrast will have passed from your blood and from your urinary system by the time you leave the radiology department.

 

Interpretation of Results:

The radiologist will interpret the results of the procedure and will report the information to your physician who, in turn, will discuss the report with you.

 

* If we can be of further assistance to make your visit in our department more comfortable, please do not hesitate to ask any staff member.