In an NABL & NABH-accredited diagnostic centre offering state-of-the-art support services in the field of Radiology and diagnostic imaging, advanced diagnostic investigations such as X-ray nephrostogram are provided at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy. A nephrostogram is a type of special type of contrast dye being given during an imaging study to check the flow out of the kidney via a kidney tube (nephrostomy). Assists the doctor in measuring the strength of the contrast (how much enters the bladder), in determining the location of any blockage, and in assessing if the urinary drainage is obstructed.

About X-Ray Nephrostogram

X-ray nephrostogram is a procedure used by X-rays to examine (view) the collecting system of a kidney and the drainage system of the urine from a kidney through an existing nephrostomy tube. The contrast is then given up the tube, and a series of X-ray pictures are taken to show the collecting system of the kidney and the expulsion of the contrast into the ureter and bladder, if present. The exam might be ordered to help evaluate a suspected obstruction, urinary drainage, the position of a nephrostomy tube, or its functioning, or to assist with a treatment or removal decision.

What is X-Ray Nephrostogram?

A radiologic (X-ray or fluoroscopy) procedure that is carried out using a nephrostomy tube to introduce the contrast dye into the renal collecting system. The contrast helps the radiologist visualize how the contrast moves down the urinary drainage pathway and whether it is obstructed or slowed down anywhere in the pathway. This is typically done after a nephrostomy insertion. The technique used will depend on the clinical condition, indication for the investigation, and the advice of the specialist.

Common Reasons for X-Ray Nephrostogram

• Assess Passage of Urinary Drainage: See how the contrast goes down the ureter from the kidney.
• Carrying out a suspected Urinary Obstruction: Support in the identification of narrowing or obstruction of the urinary drainage pathway.
• Nephrostomy Tube Evaluation: Evaluates a nephrostomy tube that is already inserted.
• Follow-up After Tube Placement: Assists in assessing the collecting system following a nephrostomy placement.
• Before Tube Removal Assessments: May be used to see if there is a normal urinary tract drain.
• Ureteric Narrowing: Helps to investigate narrowing/stricture of the urinary flow.
• Post-treatment assessment: May be used to diagnose the urinary drainage following some urological procedures.

Conditions Evaluated

Urinary Tract Obstruction

Sometimes a nephrostogram will reveal areas of slow or obstructed movement of the contrast – this means there is something that is preventing the contrast from flowing.

Ureteric Strictures

The examination might be able to show if the ureter is narrowed, and this may be blocking the flow of urine away from the kidneys to the bladder.

Nephrostomy Tube Patency

In contrast, the process enables better measurement of how such a nephrostomy tube can be passed, whether or not there is an obstruction, and whether or not the contrast can pass through the collecting system and further down the urinary tract.

Renal Collecting System Abnormalities

This contrast will also help to evaluate the appearance of the collecting system and notice some selected structural abnormalities, the kidneys' calyces and renal pelvis.

Urinary Leakage

A leak may be suspected, and the exam may demonstrate leakage of the contrast agent into tissues outside of the urinary tract that can be helpful for further clinical evaluation.

Urinary Drainage Following Treatment

It could be of help in evaluating the urinary tract after various procedures, as well as to inform continuing drainage of the nephrostomy and/or possible nephrostomy tube removal.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre where you can find services in the fields of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology. Our imaging services are centered on proper imaging protocols, expert interpretation of your imaging, patient-centric treatment, and reliable reports. Specialized contrast-based procedures need careful clinical evaluation and appropriate monitoring to ensure patient safety and diagnostic quality of the procedure.

Book Your X-Ray Nephrostogram

Please contact Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy to find out if they have it, when and how you can have your appointment with them, and what you need to do. Provide the history of the urological procedure and the referral together; this will assist with the protocol for the procedure.