What is excretory urography, how it is made and prepared

Excretory urography is a diagnostic test that serves to assess the structure and functioning of the urinary system, when there is a suspicion of renal masses, such as tumors, stones or genetic abnormalities, for example.

Generally, excretory urography is done by the urologist, in the case of men, or by the gynecologist, in the case of women, especially when there are symptoms such as blood in the urine, pain in the urinary tract or frequent urinary infections.

Excretory urography uses a contrast of iodine injected into the vein that reaches the urinary tract and facilitates its observation through x-ray.

Urinary tract

X-ray: excretory urography

Price

The price of excretory urography is about 450 reais, however it can be done within the health plan at around 300 reais.

Preparation for excretory urography

The preparation for excretory urography must include fasting for 8 hours and intestinal cleaning with oral laxatives or enemas, according to the doctor's recommendation.

How excretory urography is done

Excretory urography is performed with the individual lying on their backs and without anesthesia, and an abdominal x-ray is performed before the exam begins. Then, an iodinated contrast is injected into the vein which is quickly eliminated by the urine, allowing to observe the entire urinary tract from the kidneys to the urethra. For this, other x-rays are taken, one just after the injection of the contrast, another 5 minutes later and another two, 10 and 15 minutes later.

In addition, the doctor, depending on the problem being studied, may order an x-ray before and after emptying the bladder.

During excretory urography, the patient may experience body heat, a good metallic taste, nausea, vomiting or allergy due to the use of contrast.

Risks of excretory urography

The risks of excretory urography are mainly related to allergic skin reactions caused by the injection of contrast. Thus, it is recommended to drink plenty of water to help quickly eliminate the contrast from the body and be aware of symptoms such as itching, hives, headache, coughing and stuffy nose, for example.

Contraindications to excretory urography include patients with renal failure or with contrast hypersensitivity.