There is a relatively long list of reasons, but the commonest condition would be the suspected presence of stones in the urinary tract. Your doctor would like to know how the urine is draining from the kidney to the bladder and how the stones have affected your urinary system.

This may be used complementing the ultrasound of the kidneys and vice versa. It is also used in the investigation of other suspected causes of urine “obstruction” or blood in the urine.

Fasting instructions
If the procedure is in the afternoon, you can take a light breakfast. Up until 4-6 hours of the procedure, you can take a small cup of clear fluids per hour.( e.g. Water, fruit juice, black tea or black coffee). It is preferable that nothing be taken for at least 4 hours prior to the procedure. Water is allowed in diabetics, myeloma patients, renal failure and for other conditions where dehydration is contraindicated (should not be allowed).                                              

Medication instructions
None (other than, see below) are required unless you have asthma or known allergies. In which case, the indication for the examination is reviewed, since you can develop a reaction to the contrast media used. If your doctor feels the benefits of this procedure will outweigh the risks, then, you may be prescribed prednisolone (a type of steroid medication) tablets prior to the examination. This would be 40 mg 12 hours and then, 40mg 2 hours prior to the procedure. Sometimes in an urgent examination, you may be “unprepared” and have a known allergy; you may be given an injection of Hydrocortisone 100 mg (another type of steroid) just prior to the examination.

Bowel preparation
Low residue vegetable-free diet for 1 day prior to the examination. Water to be taken freely during this period before fasting begins (see above). You may be given laxatives such as 2 tablets of Dulcolax at 9 pm the night before the examination.

What actually happens during an IVU examination?

1. You will change into a gown for this examination and asked to empty your bladder (pass urine). You will lie on the special table and radiographs of your abdomen will be done at certain intervals.

2. Contrast will be given (via a needle through a vein in your forearm/arm) after a preliminary radiograph.

3. In the early stages, some compression (only for a few minutes) may be applied to the lower abdomen by means of pads and a belt or there may only be a head down tilt of the table.

4. In normal flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder, this procedure will take at least 30 minutes to complete. You will be asked to pass urine before the final film is taken. However, depending on your condition, there may be more films and delayed views as well.

This examination is always tailored to your urinary system function and may involve modifications and even additional drugs (e.g. diuretic) to further evaluate your condition. It may also take several hours to complete. At the end of the examination, the radiologist should be able to answer the questions that prompted your doctor to send you for an IVU!

Will there be complications?

1. The only significant potential complications usually arise from the contrast media.

2. These would be minor (generalised warmth, to rashes) to moderate, asthma and difficulty breathing, a drop in the blood pressure (usually transient) or rarely, severe and life threatening (anaphylaxis).

3. Rarely, there may be severe discomfort/pain when compression is applied, but usually, the compression will be released the moment you notify the radiographer in charge of your examination.

Are there any special instructions after an IVU?

There is usually no special instructions post IVU. You may eat and drink unless your referring doctor has another examination or procedure for you after the IVU examination .

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Last Updated:
Thursday, 21 August, 2003