The nephrostogram determines if a kidney drains sufficiently into the ureters and bladder. This procedure is like a special kind of x-ray.

The nephrostogram is used in order to know the condition of the kidney. It is also utilized when placing a nephrostomy tube.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This procedure is used to check the patency of the nephrostomy tube in the kidney with the use of fluoroscopy.

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.

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.

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.