Ureteral Obstruction

Diagnosis of Ureteral Disorders

Frequently, ureteral obstruction disorders are diagnosed before birth during routine prenatal ultrasounds, which can show details of the developing fetus including the kidneys, ureters and bladder. To diagnose an adult or child, diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests. Samples of your blood and urine are tested for infection and the presence of creatinine that signal the kidneys are not working properly.
• Retroperitoneal ultrasound. An ultrasound of the area behind your abdominal organs is performed allowing doctors to view the kidneys and ureters.
• Voiding cystourethrogram. To test for abnormal flow of urine, a small tube (catheter) is inserted through the urethra, dye is injected into your bladder and several X-rays are taken of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra before and during urination.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or excretory urogram. Dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and X-rays are taken as the contrast moves into your kidneys, ureters and bladder.
• Renal nuclear scan. This test is similar to an IVP, except the dye contains a small amount of radioactive material, which is detected by a special camera. It can evaluate the urinary system, reveal a ureter disorder and view the kidneys for damage caused by a ureteral obstruction.
• Cystoscopy. A small tube with a camera and light is inserted into your urethra or through a small incision. The optical system allows the doctor to see inside the urethra and bladder.
• CT scan.
• Abdominal MRI.