Intravenous Pyelogram

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray of your urinary system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Ureters carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. The urethra carries urine out of your bladder when you urinate.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
• An IV is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

During your procedure:

Contrast liquid will be injected into your IV. A band may be put around your stomach. This band can be tightened to help keep the liquid in your kidneys for a short time. Several x-rays will taken. Your healthcare provider may push on your stomach and ask you to change positions. You will be asked to go to the bathroom and empty your bladder. More x-rays will then be taken.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

After your procedure:

You may need to drink liquids to help your body get rid of the contrast liquid. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be able to go home. If you are staying in the hospital, you will be taken to your hospital room.

RISKS:

The contrast liquid may cause a headache, upset stomach, or vomiting. It can also cause you to feel itchy or hot. The liquid can damage your kidneys.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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