Kidneys, Ureter, Bladder (KUB)
(Abdominal x-ray, Flat Plate of the Abdomen)
Definition |
Body Parts Involved |
Reasons for Procedure |
Complications |
What to Expect |
Outcome |
Call Doctor If
Definition
An x-ray of the abdomen. An x-ray is a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body.
Parts of the Body Involved
Abdomen
Reasons for Procedure
- To help diagnose the source of nausea, vomiting, pain or other symptoms related to the abdomen
- To identify suspected urinary system problems, such as a kidney stone
- To identify a tumor or blockage in the intestine or kidneys
- 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)
Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure
The following factors can interfere with the clarity of the x-rays:
- Large amounts of gas or stool in the intestines
- Excessive peritoneal fluid (fluid from the sac that lines the abdomen)
- Obesity
- Large calcified uterine fibroids
- Dye or barium left from previous tests
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure - You will probably 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 –No special interventions
Anesthesia - None
Description of the Procedure - A lead shield is placed over you to protect your reproductive organs. You lie 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 (e.g., on your abdomen or even standing).
After Procedure -You can resume normal activity
How Long Will It Take? About 10 minutes
Will It Hurt? No
Possible Complications – None
Average Hospital Stay – None
Postoperative Care – you may resume all normal activity after the procedure
Outcome
The KUB should 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 can include:
- Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
- Abdominal 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
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs
There are usually no reported complications after this procedure
SOURCE:
The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests, Yale University School of Medicine, 1997.
The Merck Manual, online
Last reviewed July 2001 by Medical Review Board
