pielografía

Pielografía is a radiological examination that studies the urinary tract, specifically the renal pelvis and ureters. The procedure involves the injection of a contrast medium, typically a water-soluble iodine-based solution, into the urinary system. This contrast agent opacifies the structures of interest, allowing them to be visualized on X-ray images.

The contrast can be introduced through various routes, depending on the clinical indication. One common method is retrograde pyelography, where a catheter is inserted through the urethra and bladder, and the contrast is injected directly into the ureter and renal pelvis. Antegrade pyelography, on the other hand, involves percutaneous access, where a needle is passed through the skin and kidney into the renal pelvis to administer the contrast. Intravenous pyelography (IVP), though less common now due to the advent of CT scans, involved injecting the contrast intravenously, with the kidneys then filtering and excreting it, opacifying the urinary tract as it passed through.

Pielografía is used to diagnose and evaluate a range of conditions affecting the upper urinary tract, including kidney stones, tumors, strictures (narrowing), infections, and congenital abnormalities. It helps to assess the size, shape, and position of the renal pelvis and ureters, as well as to identify any blockages or structural defects. The information obtained from a pielografía aids clinicians in planning appropriate treatment strategies for patients with urinary tract issues. Potential risks include allergic reactions to the contrast medium and infection.