Urethrography, Retrograde

General

Synonym/Acronym:
Pyelography, retrograde.

Rationale
To assess urethral patency in order to evaluate the success of surgical interventions on patients who have urethral structures or other anomalies that interfere with urination.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, or activity restrictions unless by medical direction.

Regarding the patient’s risk for bleeding, the patient should be instructed to avoid taking natural products and medications with known anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic properties or to reduce dosage, as ordered, prior to the procedure. Number of days to withhold medication is dependent on the type of anticoagulant. Note the last time and dose of medication taken. Protocols may vary among facilities.Normal Findings

  • Normal size, shape, and course of the membranous, bulbar, and penile portions of the urethra in male patients.
  • If the prostatic portion can be visualized, it also should appear normal.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

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