Skinny needle pyelography. An advance in uroradiology.

Diagnostic puncture of the renal pelvis with a fine-gauge needle inserted under radiological and ultrasound control, has been performed in more than 100 cases. The method is safe, easy to perform for those trained in imaging modalities, and causes little discomfort. Pyelography and pressure flow studies can be made and urine specimens obtained from the upper urinary tract. Skinny needle pyelography is indicated in unilateral non-visualization of the ureter on intravenous pyelography, in acute oliguric renal failure when ultrasound reveals dilated ureters, and when retrograde pyelography is not feasible. The method is cost-effective, as it can be performed on outpatients as a follow-on procedure after intravenous pyelography or renal ultrasound scanning.