General

Synonym/Acronym:
Retrograde pyelography.

Rationale
To assess the urinary tract for trauma, obstruction, stones, infection, and abscess that can interfere with genitourinary function.

Patient Preparation
There are no activity restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to fast and restrict fluids for 8 hr, or as ordered, prior to the procedure. Fasting may be ordered as a precaution against aspiration related to possible nausea and vomiting. The American Society of Anesthesiologists has fasting guidelines for risk levels according to patient status. More information can be located at www.asahq.org.

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 outline and opacification of renal pelvis and calyces
• Normal size and uniform filling of the ureters
• Symmetrical and bilateral outline of structures

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A