Beyond the Ultrasound: How Advanced Diagnostics Confirm Ureteric Stricture

For patients in Bihar dealing with nagging kidney pain or recurrent UTIs, an ultrasound is often the first test. While useful, an ultrasound only confirms kidney swelling (hydronephrosis); it cannot reliably tell the urologist the most critical details: the stricture's exact length, density, and location. To truly diagnose a ureteric stricture and plan the right procedure, advanced diagnostics are absolutely essential. At Ashirvad ( Dr Binod Healthcare), under critical conditions, we rely on specialized imaging to ensure surgical success:

1. CT Urography (CT Scan): This is considered the modern gold standard. A CT scan performed with contrast dye provides detailed 3D images of the entire urinary tract. Crucially, it clearly visualizes the flow of urine, showing the tightest segment of the ureteric stricture and how much healthy ureter remains. This is the surgeon's roadmap.

   
   

2. DTPA / MAG3 Renal Scan (Kidney Function Test): This test is paramount. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer to measure how well each kidney is functionally draining urine. If the kidney above the stricture has lost a significant amount of function (e.g., less than 10%), the treatment decision changes completely. We treat the kidney, not just the blockage.

   
   

3. Retrograde Ureteropyelography (RGU): This test is often performed just before or during the initial phase of surgery. It involves injecting dye directly into the ureter from the bladder below, providing a sharp, clear, and immediate image of the stricture segment and its surrounding healthy tissue.

Why Precision Matters at Ashirvad (Dr Binod Healthcare):

The difference between successful repair and failure is determined by the quality of the initial diagnosis. Simply attempting to dilate a long, dense stricture (when complex reconstruction is needed) guarantees recurrence. Our commitment at Ashirvad (Dr Binod Healthcare) to utilizing advanced diagnostic tools ensures that every patient receives a procedure precisely tailored to the stricture’s characteristics, maximizing the chance of a permanent cure and saving valuable kidney function.