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Nephrostogram
What is
Nephrostogram?
The
nephrostogram determines if a kidney drains
sufficiently into the ureters and bladder. This
procedure is like a special kind of x-ray.
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Effects
of Nephrostogram
The
nephrostogram is used in order to know the
condition of the kidney. It is also utilized
when placing a nephrostomy tube.
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Candidates for Nephrostogram
Candidates for this procedure are patients who
are suspecting a blockage in the kidney and
those who have undergone removal of the kidney
stones to determine if the stone and/or the
blockage disappeared.
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Your Consultation
For
this examination, there are no restrictions in
terms of diet, fluids, or medications. However,
it is important to inform your physician and
radiologist if you are pregnant or if you are
taking blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin,
or arthritis medications.
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The
Nephrostogram Procedure
A dye
will be placed into the nephrostomy tube by the
radiologist and then x-rays will be taken in
order to help answer any questions. This
procedure is painless although there is a
possibility for the kidney to ache a little. The
dye placed through the kidney tube goes directly
into the kidney. The x-rays that will be taken
are done in various positions. Depending on the
condition of the patient and the reason the
tubes were placed, the nephrostomy tube may be
removed after the procedure.
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Recovery
During
recovery, it is important to watch out for the
following:
-
Development of a fever
-
Urine has stopped draining through the
catheter
-
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you
develop any of the above, make sure that you
make this known to your physician.
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Risks
One of
the risks in this procedure is the exposure to
small amounts of radiation. There is also a
slight chance of infection to occur after the
test. It is important to inform your physician
for any development of fever, chills, redness,
or swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is a nephrostogram?
A:
This procedure is used to check the patency of
the nephrostomy tube in the kidney with the use
of fluoroscopy.
Q:
What happens during a nephrostogram?
A:
During a nephrostogram, contrast medium (x-ray
dye) is injected into the nephrostomy tube. The
contrast medium gives a sensation of pressure in
the kidney but will go away once the contrast is
removed.
Q:
Who administers a nephrostogram?
A:
A radiologist administers the procedure. They
are physicians who are dedicated in reading
x-ray films and other radiology procedures.
They are board certified and have undergone a
number of years of advanced training upon
completion of their medical degrees. Radiologic
technologists are registered health care
professionals are trained and are specialized in
radiology procedures.
Q:
What is to be expected before undergoing
nephrostogram?
A:
When undergoing this procedure, one is asked to
remove necklaces, brassieres, or any metallic
objects found in the chest and abdominal
region. Prior to the exam, the radiologic
technologist may take a preliminary film.
Breathing instructions will also be taught if
needed. Once a thorough history is obtained,
the technologist will then confer with the
radiologist. To check for patency, the
radiologist will then inject a contrast through
the nephrostomy tube.
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The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
please click the links to find out more:
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