Urinary System: Medical, Surgical, and Diagnostic Procedures Overview

catheterization

A tube placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder.

cystectomy

Surgical removal of all or part of the bladder.

-ectomy

surgical removal

cyst/o

bladder; cyst; sac of fluid

cystoscopy

Procedure that allows a visual inspection of the bladder and urethra.

cystoscope

A tube with a small camera on the end. Used during cystoscopy.

-scope

instrument for examination

hemodialysis

A treatment where a machine removes waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning normally.

-lysis

break down, destruction, dissolving

hem/o

blood

dia-

across, through

lithotripsy

A medical procedure that uses high frequency sound (shock) waves or a laser to break up stones in your kidney, bladder, or ureter.

nephrectomy

To remove all or part of a kidney.

nephro/o

kidney; nephron

nephrolithotomy

Surgical removal of a kidney stone.

-otomy

to cut into

nephropexy

Surgical fixation of a floating kidney.

-pexy

surgical fixation

urethroplasty

Surgical repair of the urethra.

blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

A blood test that measures blood urea and nitrogen.

culture and sensitivity (C&S)

A culture is a tissue sample that is tested in a lab to see what microorganisms (germs) grow in it.

cystometry

A test used to measure the filling and emptying of the bladder and how much urine the bladder can hold.

Intravenous pyelography (IVP)

X Rays of the urinary tract. Dye is injected into the vein using an IV line.

kidneys, ureters, bladder x-ray (KUB)

X-Ray of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder. No contrast material is used.

retrograde pyelogram

A test completed to find out if a kidney stone or other blockage is interfering with the flow of the urinary tract.

urinalysis (UA)

A urine test. It is often done to check for urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or diabetes.

urography

An examination used to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

ultrasonography

The process of conducting an ultrasound, which is a procedure that takes pictures using sound.

voiding cystourethrography

Test that shows the size of the bladder and how well it can drain.