Intravenous Pyelogram

Kidney Stones

• Intravenous Pyelogram Introduction
• Risks
• Intravenous Pyelogram Preparation
• During the Procedure
• After the Procedure
• Next Steps
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors
• Pictures of Kidney Stones - Slideshow

Intravenous Pyelogram Introduction

Intravenous pyelography refers to a series of x-rays taken of the kidneys, their collecting or drainage system (the ureters), and the bladder. The ureters are the small tubelike structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

• An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) may be performed to detect a problem of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Most often, the IVP is done to locate a suspected obstruction to the flow of urine through the collecting system. The most common cause of blockage is a kidney stone. The IVP test also gives information about the functioning of the kidneys.

• In an IVP test, dye is injected via a catheter inserted in a person's vein, usually on the hand or the forearm. X-rays are then taken to follow the track of the dye through the system.