What is an Antegrade Pyelogram?

An antegrade pyelogram is a medical test that uses x-rays to find a blockage in the upper part of your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The ureters are the small tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder.

X-rays are an imaging technique that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of your bones and internal organs. An antegrade pyelogram is a specific kind of x-ray test.

Sometimes, this test also uses fluoroscopy, like an x-ray or an ultrasound, to help the radiologist guide the needle. These tools allow the radiologist to see your kidneys and ureters clearly during the procedure.

During the test, a radiologist injects a special contrast dye through a needle placed in your back, near your side. Before this, your skin is cleaned with a sterile solution, and you receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. The radiologist then uses x-ray images to watch as the contrast dye moves from your kidney down into your ureter and then to your bladder.

Why might I need an antegrade pyelogram?

You might need this test if your doctor suspects you have a blockage in your urinary tract and other imaging tests weren't enough to make a precise diagnosis. You may have already had similar tests, such as a retrograde pyelogram, which also examines the kidneys and ureters, or an intravenous pyelogram, where the contrast dye is injected into a vein instead of directly into your kidney.

An antegrade pyelogram can help detect a blockage in the urinary tract caused by:

A stricture, or narrowing of the ureter.
A kidney stone.
A blood clot.
A tumor.

The radiologist can see the blockage on the x-ray images because the contrast dye will either stop moving or slow down significantly at that point in the kidney or ureter.

This test may also be used to check your kidneys or ureters before or after surgery. If a blockage is found, the surgeon might use a special tube called a ureteral stent to reroute the urine around the blockage or insert a nephrostomy catheter to drain the urine and relieve the blockage.

Your doctor might have other reasons for recommending an antegrade pyelogram based on your specific health situation.

What are the risks of an antegrade pyelogram?

Talk to your doctor about the amount of radiation used during the test and the specific risks for you.

You should record all the x-rays you've had in the past for any medical conditions and share this list with your doctor. The risks of radiation exposure are related to the total number of x-rays and treatments you receive over time.

Tell your doctor if you:

Are you pregnant or think you might be pregnant? Pregnancy-related radiation exposure can result in birth abnormalities.
Are sensitive or allergic to any medications, contrast dye, or iodine. Since contrast dye is used, an allergic reaction is possible.
Have kidney failure or other kidney problems. In rare cases, the contrast dye can lead to kidney failure. This risk is higher if you take certain diabetes medications.

Potential complications of an antegrade pyelogram include:

Bleeding.
Sepsis, which is a severe infection.
Urinoma, which is a cyst filled with urine.
Blood clots in the nephrostomy tube (if one is used) or in the bladder.

You will not be able to have this test if you have a blood-clotting disorder.

There may be other risks depending on your individual health. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure.

Benefits of an Antegrade Pyelogram

An antegrade pyelogram is a valuable diagnostic test for detecting blockages and issues in the upper urinary tract. Key benefits include:

Accurately identifies blockages in the kidneys or ureters caused by stones, strictures, tumors, or blood clots.
Helps guide treatment, such as placement of a ureteral stent or nephrostomy tube.
Provides detailed images of the urinary tract when other imaging tests are inconclusive.
Assists in planning or assessing surgery on the kidneys or ureters.
Minimally invasive compared to surgical exploration.

Results of an Antegrade Pyelogram

The results are reviewed by a radiologist and shared with your doctor. They can show:

Normal results: The urinary tract is clear, with no blockages or abnormalities.
Abnormal results: Presence of obstruction, narrowing, kidney stones, tumors, or blood clots.
Treatment guidance: Helps your doctor decide the best intervention, such as surgery, stenting, or drainage using a nephrostomy tube.

Overall, an antegrade pyelogram provides precise information about the upper urinary tract, helping doctors make informed decisions for treatment and management of urinary blockages.

How do I prepare for an antegrade pyelogram?

Your doctor will explain the test to you. Make sure you ask any questions you have.
You might be asked to sign a consent form giving permission for the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if you don't understand anything.
Follow any instructions you receive about not eating or drinking before the test. This might be for several hours or even overnight.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to contrast dye or iodine.
Please inform your doctor if you are allergic or sensitive to medications, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local or general).
Ensure your doctor knows every medication you use, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or if you take any blood-thinning medications (like anticoagulants, aspirin, or other drugs that affect blood clotting). You might need to stop taking these before the test.
You might be given a sedative to help you relax during the test, in which case you will need someone to drive you home afterwards.
You might also be given antibiotics before and after the procedure to prevent infection.
Follow any other specific instructions your doctor gives you to prepare.

How is an antegrade pyelogram performed?

An antegrade pyelogram can be performed as an outpatient procedure or while you are already in the hospital. The precise technique may differ significantly depending on your situation and your medical practitioner's standard practice.

Here's a typical rundown of how an antegrade pyelogram is done:

You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other items that might interfere with the test.
You will change into a hospital gown.
An iv (intravenous) line will be placed in your arm or hand. Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored throughout the procedure.
You will be asked to lie face down on the x-ray table. A radiology technician or nurse will clean an area of your lower back with a sterile solution, such as iodine. Sterile drapes will be placed around the area.
The radiologist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy, they will guide a needle into the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine) and inject the contrast dye. You might feel a slight pinch from the anesthetic and a temporary warm sensation from the contrast dye.
The radiologist will take a series of x-rays as the dye moves through your ureters.
Once the needle is in place, the radiologist can thread a thin wire through it. This allows them to insert a thin tube called a catheter, a nephrostomy tube, or other necessary equipment.
If a nephrostomy tube isn't needed, the needle will be removed.
A sterile bandage or dressing will be placed on the injection site.

What happens after an antegrade pyelogram?

After the test, you will be taken to a recovery room. A nurse will continue to monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. Once you are fully awake, you will either be taken to your hospital room or discharged to go home.

Your urine will be monitored to see how much you produce and whether any blood is in it. It's normal for your urine to look slightly red from a small amount of blood. You might be told to monitor your urine for a day or two after you go home.

You may feel some pain when you urinate. You can take pain medication as instructed by your doctor. It's important to only take the medications they recommend, as aspirin or certain other pain relievers could increase the risk of bleeding.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

A fever or chills.
Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other discharge from the insertion site.
Pain around the insertion site that gets worse.
Blood in your urine.
Difficulty urinating.

Your doctor will give you any additional instructions based on your specific situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or procedure, make sure you understand:

The name of the test or procedure.
Why you need to have it done.
What the results will tell you.
The benefits and risks.
The possible complications or side effects.
When and where the test will take place.
Who will perform the test and their qualifications.
What would happen if you didn't have the test.
Any other tests or procedures you should consider.
When and how you will get the results.
Who to contact with questions or issues after the test.
The cost of the procedure.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Antegrade pyelogram in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Antegrade pyelogram in Lucknow, India. Our expert urologists use advanced tools to give accurate results, quick diagnosis, and better long-term care. We offer the best evaluation and treatment support with effective and affordable pricing, making the Antegrade pyelogram cost suitable for patients seeking high-quality urology care in Lucknow, India.