antegrade urography
Last reviewed 01/2018
Antegrade urography is used to investigate known or suspected ureteric obstruction in patients in whom:
- intravenous urography has failed to adequately define the pelvicalyceal system and ureter
- renal function is poor
- retrograde urography is impossible or carries a high risk
The pelvicalyceal system is entered percutaneously using a small-bore needle under ultrasound or CT guidance and contrast injected to opacify the collecting system.
Before injecting, urine can be aspirated for bacteriological or cytological examination.
Once the films are taken, the catheter may be left in situ:
- to drain the obstructed kidney
- for repeat studies