title: The upper urinary tract. Pyelography and interventional procedures.
abstract: Pyelography is superior to all other imaging techniques for the demonstration of fine detail in the pelveocalyceal system and the ureter. For almost 90 years it has been performed through a retrogradely inserted catheter, but during the recent 30 years antegrade injection via a transparenchymally inserted needle or catheter has become an accepted alternative, especially in case of a dilated upper urinary tract. Both methods have their advantages and their disadvantages. This article presents a review of indications, techniques, and complications. Furthermore, interventional procedures on the upper urinary tract--such as stent placement and balloon dilatation--are now handled by the radiologist, mainly through an antegrade approach. These therapeutic procedures are also reviewed.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D014567:Urography / Q000379:methods*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*