IVU - Intravenous Urogram - TRG Group - Radiology Radiologists New Zealand

IVU - Intravenous Urogram

The IVU demonstrates the renal tract including size, placement and function of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. This examination provides diagnostic information which complements that derived from other modalties (eg ultrasound) . The particular strength of urography is to display the pelvicalyceal and ureteric anatomy with high spatial resolution.


			Pre Examination

	The patient requires an appointment. Patients who have had previous abdominal imaging should bring this with them to their appointment. The patient will be asked to be nil by mouth for 4 hours prior to the examination. The test takes between 45 and 60 minutes unless there is delayed function. Female patients Except in emergency circumstances, this examination is not performed on pregnant women. If there is concern that your patient may be pregnant please delay the IVU until after their period or following a negative pregnancy test. Contrast media This examination requires IV contrast medium. If your patient has had a previous contrast media reaction or has severe allergies, impaired renal function and / or asthma please let us know prior to the examination. The Radiologist may suggest steroid cover or we may use alternative imaging options. Please phone the Radiologist if you wish to discuss the best way to proceed with an at risk patient . Please read the contrast media section for more information.


			The Examination

	A Radiologist and a Radiographer will perfom this examination. After the injection of the contrast medium some patients report feeling a warm flush, and sometimes have a metallic taste in their mouth. This usually disappears within a minute or two but skin itchiness or shortness of breath may indicate a slight reaction to the contrast which may require antihistamine. A plain film xray is taken before contrast administration followed by several films as the contrast media is excreted rapidly by glomerular filtration.


			Post Examination

	You will receive a copy of the Radiologist's interpretation of the study There are no after effects from this examination assuming normal renal clearance. Unless there is delayed function the contrast media is excreted very quickly.

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Fluoroscopy & Interventional Procedures:

Barium Meal/Swallow

Barium Enema

Small Bowel Enema

IVU - Intravenous Urogram

Hysterosalpingogram

Radiology

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