The process whereby the KIDNEYS are rendered radio-opaque, and therefore visible on an X- ray ?lm. It constitutes a most important part of the examination of a patient with kidney disease. (See SODIUM DIATRIZOATE.)
n. X-ray examination of the renal pelvis using *radiopaque contrast material. Anterograde pyelography is performed by puncturing the renal pelvis directly with a needle through the skin and injecting contrast material. Intravenous pyelography is usually part of an examination of the whole urinary tract (see intravenous urography). Retrograde pyelography is performed after a tube has been inserted through the bladder and up the ureter at cystoscopy. Contrast material is injected up this tube as it is withdrawn and X-ray images taken. All techniques are used to show the anatomy of the renal pelvis and its drainage, as well as to demonstrate the presence of tumours and stones.
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