Retrograde Pyelogram for Kidney Stones
The retrograde pyelogram uses a dye to find out whether a kidney stone or something else is blocking your urinary tract. During the test, your doctor will insert a thin, lighted tube (cystoscope) into the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The doctor will then put a catheter through the cystoscope and into a ureter, which is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Dye is injected through the catheter, and X-rays are taken.
You will probably need a local or regional anesthetic with this procedure.
Your doctor may do this test if an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) does not help with the diagnosis. In an IVP, the dye is injected through a vein in your arm.
Why It Is Done
You may have a retrograde pyelogram if:
- The intravenous pyelogram (IVP) does not show a reason for your urinary symptoms.
- The IVP cannot be done because of kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease.
- You are allergic to the iodine-based dye (contrast material) used in the IVP.
Pregnant women normally do not have this test, because the X-rays may harm the fetus.
Results
Normal
The kidneys, ureters, and bladder appear normal.
Abnormal
The flow of the dye (contrast material) is blocked, either by a stone or another urinary problem.
Credits
Current as of: April 9, 2025
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
