IV urography is an X-ray test of the kidneys and urinary tract. An iodine-based dye goes into a vein. The kidneys filter it into the urine. A series of X-rays shows the dye filling the collecting system, the ureters and the bladder. The doctor sees both structure and function. The second test in this group, cystography, shows the bladder and urethra. At Oberig Clinic both run in the X-ray room of the Diagnostic Department. Our radiologists write the report.
What kidney urography shows
The test shows stones and where they are stuck. It shows a swollen kidney pelvis or ureter when urine cannot drain. It reveals birth defects: a duplex or horseshoe kidney, or a narrowing where the renal pelvis meets the ureter. It shows tumors that distort the kidney cups and damage after an injury. Function shows too. If one kidney releases the dye later than the other, that alone is a finding.
Today ultrasound and CT have taken over part of this work. Still, urologists order urography to map the urinary tract before surgery, when they suspect a birth defect, and when they need to see the dye move step by step.
Plain film and contrast images
The test starts with a plain X-ray, no dye. It shows the outline of the kidneys, stones that block X-rays, the course of the ureters and the bones. Then the dye goes in, and more images follow at set times, usually at 5 to 7, 15 and 25 minutes, later if needed. That is why many people simply call it a kidney X-ray with contrast. A plain abdominal X-ray is also available as a separate test.
Reading the result
The radiologist describes the size and outline of each kidney, when the dye appears on each side, the shape of the kidney cups and pelvis, how well the ureters drain, and any stones or filling defects. The urologist then puts it together with your symptoms and lab tests.
Voiding cystourethrography
Cystography works another way. The dye does not go into a vein. It goes through a thin catheter straight into the bladder, which is why it is also called retrograde cystography. When the bladder is full, X-rays are taken, then more while you pee. Those voiding images give the test its name. A plain bladder X-ray cannot show this.
Adults have it after injuries, with a suspected fistula or bladder pouch (diverticulum), and after surgery. In children the main reason is vesicoureteral reflux. Urine flows back from the bladder up into the ureter and kidney.
A pediatric urologist or nephrologist usually orders it after repeat urinary infections with fever, or when ultrasound shows a widened kidney pelvis. The test shows whether there is reflux and how severe it is. That decides if your child needs preventive antibiotics or surgery. A parent can stay close during the procedure.
How to prepare
Clear images need a bowel free of gas. For adults:
- for three days, skip milk, dark bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, juice, sweet pastries, spicy and smoked food,
- on the same three days, take simethicone as directed, or drink chamomile or dill tea, half a glass three times a day before meals,
- the day before, have a light dinner by 6 pm and clear your bowel with an enema or a bowel prep product as directed. Do it in the evening for a morning test, or in the morning for an afternoon test,
- on the day, a light breakfast is fine. You can also come with an empty stomach,
- bring your kidney ultrasound and urine test results, and tell the doctor about any allergies.
Babies under one can have formula or breast milk on the day. Children aged 2 to 5 need a cleansing enema 12 hours before, 50 ml of fluid per year of age. Children over 5 need two enemas, 12 and 2 hours before. Cystography needs no special diet. The doctor will explain the prep when you book.
What happens during the tests
For urography you lie on the X-ray table, and the plain film comes first. Then the nurse injects the dye. You may feel warm or notice a metallic taste. It passes in a minute. The next images follow on schedule, and you wait nearby in between. Drink plenty of water afterwards to flush out the dye.
For cystography the nurse cleans the area and passes a thin catheter into the bladder. The bladder slowly fills with dye. When you feel a strong urge, the catheter comes out and you pee on the table while the doctor takes images. It may sting a little the first time you pee afterwards. That is normal.
Common questions
Does cystography hurt?
The catheter is unpleasant but quick. We use a numbing gel. Urography is just an injection and some waiting.
How long does it take?
Urography with all images takes 30 to 60 minutes, longer if a kidney releases the dye slowly. Cystography usually takes up to 30 minutes.
Who should not have it?
Pregnant women, people allergic to iodine dye and people with severe kidney failure. Cystography is not done during an active urinary infection.
Prices
| Test | Price |
|---|
| IV (excretory) urography | UAH 3,495 |
| Voiding cystourethrography, adults | UAH 3,365 |
| Voiding cystourethrography, children | UAH 3,285 |
| Plain abdominal X-ray | UAH 1,605 |
Prices are from the clinic price list as of 01.10.2026 and may change. Please check the current price with our contact center before your visit.
Why choose Oberig Clinic
- Experienced radiologists. Doctors of the Diagnostic Department, led by Taras Matsiievskyi, read the images.
- Adults and children. Children have their own price items and prep. A pediatric surgery and urology center works next door.
- Full kidney workup.
Kidney ultrasound, CT, urography and lab tests are all in one clinic.
- Treatment nearby. A urologist or pediatric urologist will explain your results.
Address: 3 Zoolohichna St, buildings "G" and "V", Kyiv. Book online at https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/ or call +38 044 521 30 03.
