Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. A needle will be placed in the forearm for contrast injection. A control x-ray will be taken to look for calcifications. The contrast will be injected and x-rays taken at intervals. At the end you will be asked to empty your bladder and another x-ray will be taken standing up.
The needle placement is slightly uncomfortable. The injection of contrast may result in a metallic taste in the mouth and a hot feeling in the body. This is normal and quickly disappears.
You will need to arrange the study with the radiology department as blood tests may need to be ordered prior to the IVP. Special medication will also be given if you have an history of iodine allergy.
Indications
- Renal stones
- Obstruction
- Infection/inflammation
- Tumours
Voiding cystourethrogram (VCU)
This is a technique in which a person’s urethra and urinary bladder are observed while the person is urinating.
You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. In some instances the urethra may first be opacified in a male patient if there is a possibility of a stricture. The urethra is then anesthetised using local anaesthetic after which a catheter is passed into the bladder. The bladder is filled with contrast material until the patient needs to urinate. This is done while the radiologist observes for any reflux of contrast back up the ureters. Several x-rays are taken. You will than stand up and be asked to urinate while pictures are taken.
There will be some discomfort during the urethrogram and also a burning feeling during passing of the catheter.
Radiation is used so you must not be pregnant. Iodinated contrast is used with a small risk of an allergic reaction. There is a possibility of injury to the urethra or possible extravasation of contrast with increased pressure injection.
It is preferable to make a booking.
Indications
- Strictures
- Vesicoureteric reflux
- Tumours
- Irritable bladder
- Bladder rupture in the setting of trauma
- Follow-up for bladder rupture
- To evaluate the prostate
- In patients being considered for kidney transplant.
Sialogram
You will lie on your back. Control x-rays will be done to exclude duct stones. A catheter will be inserted into the opening and contrast injected to opacify the duct. Several x-rays from different positions will be taken. After the procedure you will be given lemon juice to determine if the stimulus results in clearance of contrast from the duct.
You may experience some discomfort during contrast injection as the duct dilates.
It is preferable to make a booking to alleviate any delay for the patient.
Speech Studies
Small quantities of barium are introduced via the nostrils and oral cavity. This is to ensure the nasal passages, nasopharynx and mouth are coated to enhance the study. The studies are performed in the basal and lateral projections. Static images with and without phonation are performed. Exposures are made during sustained speech to asses for velopharyngeal closure.
No. It is usually well tolerated by the children.
No. The radiation dose is low.