Retrograde Pyelogram for Kidney Stones
The retrograde pyelogram uses a dye to
determine whether a
kidney stone or something else is blocking your
urinary tract 
. During the test, your doctor will insert a thin, lighted tube
(cystoscope) into the
urethra, which carries urine out of the body from the
bladder. He or she will then put a
catheter through the cystoscope and into a
ureter, which carries urine from the kidney to the
bladder. Dye is injected through the catheter and X-rays are taken.
You will probably need a local or regional anesthetic with this procedure.
Understanding Kidney Stones -- Treatment
If you've had a kidney stone once, you're at an increased risk for another one. A urologist is frequently involved in deciding whether you'll need an extensive medical evaluation, including testing the amounts of various minerals in your urine, to assess further risks of stone formation. If your kidney stone is small, it may pass out of your body on its own within a few days or weeks. Your doctor may prescribe plenty of water at first -- 2 to 3 quarts a day -- and a pain medication. You may be...
Read the Understanding Kidney Stones -- Treatment article > >
Your doctor may do this test if an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) does not help with the diagnosis. In an IVP, the dye is injected through a vein in your arm.
Why It Is Done
You may have a retrograde pyelogram if:
- The IVP does not show a reason for your urinary symptoms.
- The IVP cannot be done because of kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease.
- You are allergic to the iodine-based dye (contrast material) used in the IVP.
Pregnant women normally do not have this test, because the X-rays may harm the unborn baby.
Results
Findings of the retrograde pyelogram may include the following.
Normal
The kidneys, ureters, and bladder appear normal.
Abnormal
The flow of the dye (contrast material) is blocked, either by a stone or another urinary problem.
What To Think About
The retrograde pyelogram provides the same information as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). However, the retrograde pyelogram can be used even if you are allergic to the dye. This test does not risk making existing kidney damage worse.
Unlike the IVP, the retrograde pyelogram requires an anesthetic and that a catheter be inserted into the urinary tract.
Complete the medical test information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.
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