[Technique, complications, possible misinterpretations and indications of retrograde renal phlebography (author's transl)].

A chronological survey is given of the gradual development of retrograde renal phlebography whereby the different techniques are contraste with each other in detail. Today's method of choice is the retrograde selective visualization of renal veins using the Seldinger procedure via the femoral vein, with or without pharmacological influence and applying larger doses of contrast medium (up to 30 ml) and higher injection pressures (up to 6 kg/cm2). Indications for simple and for pharmacophlebography are specified and exemplified by means of a scheme. Possible complications and misinterpretations are discussed.