Urography, or a urogram, is an x-ray or CT scan of the urinary tract used to diagnose conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract cancers. Patients are injected with a contrast agent and may experience allergic reactions. Results may take days or weeks to obtain.
A urogram is an x-ray, or x-ray image, of the urinary tract, and the process of making one is known as urography. It is used in diagnostic tests for various conditions relating to the urinary tract and is also used to follow up on the treatment of conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract cancers. As a general rule, urography is an outpatient procedure.
When patients arrive at the radiology department for an urography procedure, they are injected with a contrast agent that will help define the urinary tract structures on the x-ray. Usually, it takes at least half an hour for the contrast agent to take effect, and the patient may feel slightly warm as the dye works its way to the kidneys. Next, the patient undergoes an X-ray and the resulting image is interpreted by a radiologist, pathologist or urologist.
Some people have allergic reactions to contrast medium and patients may be asked to stay a short time after the procedure to make sure that if an allergic reaction occurs, treatment can be offered promptly. The contrast medium can also make the urine feel a little peculiar for a day or two, which the patient should be aware of when urinating after a procedure.
In addition to using X-rays for urograms, computed tomography (CT) machines can also be used. A CT urogram is often better quality than one produced with X-rays and sometimes reduces radiation exposure for the patient. However, not all hospitals offer this option and it can be more expensive than a traditional one.
Urograms can reveal blockages such as kidney stones, congenital anomalies, and urinary tract cancers. If something unexpected or abnormal is identified, the patient may need follow-up tests, such as biopsies, to determine the nature of the condition and to help determine what the next step should be. After treatment for conditions such as kidney stones, it’s common to request a urogram to make sure all stones have cleared.
When this test is requested, patients should plan to set aside at least an hour and a half of time for the procedure. As a general rule, people are perfectly capable of driving or walking afterwards, so no escort is needed. It can take several days or weeks to get results, especially in a small facility where you may need to submit the image for interpretation. The doctor who ordered the test will usually call the patient as soon as the results are available to discuss them.
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