WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
An intravenous (IN-truh-VEEN-us) pyelogram
(PIE-uh-lo-gram)--also called an IVP--is a test that uses
contrast dye to outline the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry
urine from the kidney to the bladder), and bladder on an x-ray.
The dye is administered through a vein.
Risks
The dye used in the test
sometimes causes an allergic type of reaction. However, if you
follow your doctor's directions, you are not likely to have
problems.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
-
The day before your test, drink extra
liquids.
-
Your doctor will tell you when you must stop eating
and drinking. DO NOT eat or drink after that
time.
-
You may be given a laxative to clean out your bowel.
It should be taken the night before your test. You may also
need an enema (EN-uh-muh) to clean out the
bowel.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay:
-
Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your
temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your
heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A
stethoscope (steth-uh-scope) is used to listen to your
heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a
cuff around your arm.
-
During the Intravenous
Pyelogram...
-
You will need to lie on your back. An x-ray of your
kidneys, ureters, and bladder may first be taken without
dye.
-
A needle will be put into a vein in your arm or
hand, and dye (also called contrast material) will be
injected. You may feel warm and notice a salty taste in
your mouth when the dye goes into your
vein.
-
The first x-ray will be taken about 1 minute after
the dye is injected. More x-rays will be taken after 5,
10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes. Sometimes ""moving'' pictures
called tomographs (TOME-o-graphs) are
taken.
-
A band may be put across your abdomen and pulled
tight. The pressure closes off the ureters. This helps
your doctor see how your kidneys are
working.
-
At the end of the test, you may be asked to
urinate. Another x-ray will be taken to see if urine has
stayed in your bladder.
-
The test usually takes about 45 minutes to 1
hour.
After You Leave
-
You should drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses a
day) and resume your normal diet.
-
You may resume your regular activities when you feel
up to it.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have specks of blood in your
urine.
-
You are urinating less than usual, have nausea, or
begin vomiting.
Return to top
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
