Role of modern radiological investigations in obstructive uropathy

Obstructive uropathy in its various forms accounts for much of the work load in urological units and general hospitals. Until recently, laboratory tests and excretion urography were the only procedures available for its assessment. The past few years have seen the development and refinement of ultrasound, examination by computer tomography, nuclear medicine, antegrade pyelography, and perfusion pressure flow studies. This paper examines the particular qualities of these modern procedures and their role in the clinical assessment of the obstructed urinary tract.