Kidneys, Ureter, Bladder (KUB) (Abdominal X-ray, Flat Plate of the Abdomen)
Posted July 1, 2008 8:21 PM
Posted in
(Abdominal X-ray, Flat Plate of the Abdomen)
Reasons for Procedure
- To help diagnose the source of nausea, vomiting, pain or other symptoms related to the abdomen
- To help detect and locate calcifications (ie, kidney stones )
- To identify suspected urinary system problems, such as a kidney stone
- To identify a blockage in the intestine
- To locate a foreign object that has been swallowed
- To assess whether there is air or fluid in the peritoneal space (the space surrounding the abdominal organs)
Abdominal Organs
digestive organs">
© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure
Women in early pregnancy should not be exposed to this procedure.
The following factors can interfere with the clarity of the x-rays:
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 hours before your exam.
You'll remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. You'll also need to remove all metal-containing items, including jewelry and watches.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have taken any bismuth medications (such as Pepto-Bismol) within the last four days
- Had a barium contrast media x-ray within the last four days
- Have an IUD currently inserted
- Are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant
During Procedure
There are no special interventions.
Anesthesia
None
Description of the Procedure
You will lie flat on your back underneath the x-ray machine, and remain still while the x-ray is taken. You may be asked to shift to other positions for more x-rays (eg, on your abdomen or even standing).
After Procedure
You can resume normal activity.
How Long Will It Take?
The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
Will It Hurt?
There is no pain associated with this procedure.
Possible Complications
There are no known complications for this procedure.
Average Hospital Stay
The procedure is done as an outpatient. There is no hospital stay required.
Postoperative Care
You may resume all normal activity after the procedure.
Outcome
The KUB may help your doctor identify the source of your pain. If these x-rays show a mass, blockage, or other abnormality, you may undergo further testing, which may include:
- Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
- Abdominal and pelvic CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
- Intravenous pyelography (IVP) —a series of x-rays of the urinary system taken after injection of a dye
RESOURCES:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/
American Urological Association
http://urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
kidney.ab.ca">http://www.kidney.ab.ca
References:
The Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmpe/index.html .
The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. Yale University School of Medicine; 1997.
Last reviewed March 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
Source: EBSCO
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