Kidneys, Ureter, Bladder (KUB) (Abdominal X-ray, Flat Plate of the Abdomen)

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 the 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 air or fluid is in the peritoneal space (the space surrounding the abdominal organs)
• To assess the amount of fecal material in the colon and evaluate the presence of fecal impactions

Risk factors that may lead to complications:

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 before the procedure:

• You will probably be asked not to eat or drink anything for four 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 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 the procedure:

No special interventions.

Anesthesia:

None.

Description of the procedure:

You will lie flat 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 standing).

After the 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 may 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 and pelvic CT scan — A type of X-ray that uses a computer to take 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.