CONVENTIONAL X-RAY EXAMINATIONS OF URINARY TRACT

Overview

In spite of rapid progress in examination modalities, conventional methods, both non-interventional and interventional, still continue to be used in uroradiology. The leading non-interventional methods are skiagraphy of the urogenital tract and intravenous uro­graphy. These methods evaluate the position, size, shape of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, m. psoas, spine and pelvis. The kidney function and continuity of urotract is also evaluated. The other non-interventional methods include cystography, retrograde urethrocystography, voiding cystourethrography and the now rather obsolete chain urethrocystography. These methods provide information mainly on morphology of urinary bladder, urethra and partly also about ureters. Interventional methods include ascendent and descendent pyelography, using cystoscopic or percutaneous access (renal punction with subsequent application of a nephrostomic drain) respectively to administer a contrast agent to visualize the urinary collecting system.

KEY WORDS:
intravenous urography, cystography, ascendent urethrocystography, voiding cystourethrography, pyelography