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Voiding cystourethrogram

Cystourethrogram - voiding

 

A voiding cystourethrogram is an x-ray study of the bladder and urethra. It is done while the bladder is emptying.

How the Test is Performed

 

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in a health care provider's office.

You will lie on your back on the x-ray table. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and passed into the bladder.

Contrast dye flows through the catheter into the bladder. This dye helps the bladder show up better on x-ray images.

The x-rays are taken from various angles while the bladder is full of contrast dye. The catheter is removed so that you can urinate. Images are taken while you empty your bladder.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You must sign a consent form. You will be given a gown to wear.

Remove all jewelry before the test. Inform the provider if you are:

  • Allergic to any medications
  • Allergic to x-ray contrast material
  • Pregnant

 

How the Test Will Feel

 

You may feel some discomfort when the catheter is placed and while your bladder is full.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test may be done to diagnose the cause of urinary tract infections, especially in children who have had more than one urinary tract or bladder infection.

It is also used to diagnose and evaluate:

  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Birth defects with the bladder or urethra
  • Narrowing of the tube that carries urine out of the bladder ( urethral stricture ) in males
  • Urinary reflux from the bladder up into the kidney

 

Normal Results

 

The bladder and urethra will be normal in size and function.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results may indicate the following:

  • Bladder does not empty properly because of a brain or nerve problem (neurogenic bladder)
  • Large prostate gland
  • Narrowing or scarring of the urethra
  • Pouch-like sacs (diverticula) on the walls of the bladder or urethra
  • Ureterocele
  • Urinary reflux nephropathy

 

Risks

 

You may have some discomfort when urinating after this test because of irritation from the catheter.

You may have bladder spasms after this test, which may be a sign of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Contact your health care provider if bothersome bladder spasms occur.

 

 

References

Fulgham PF, Bishoff JT. Urinary tract imaging: Basic principles. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 4.

 
  • Voiding cystourethrogram - illustration

    One method of examining bladder function is by injecting dye that is visible on X-rays through a tube (catheter) to fill the bladder. X-rays are taken while the bladder is full and while the patient is urinating (voiding) to determine if fluid is forced out of the bladder through the urethra (normal) or up through the ureters into the kidney (vesicoureteral reflux). This study is usually done with the patient lying on an X-ray table.

    Voiding cystourethrogram

    illustration

  • Cystography - illustration

    Cystography is a detailed study of the bladder, which uses a dye and X-rays. A catheter is inserted into the bladder in which the dye flows. When the bladder is full, the catheter is removed and the X-rays are taken. X-rays are also taken when the bladder is empty. The test is performed to check for the integrity of the bladder, determine the cause of infections and check for tumors or stones.

    Cystography

    illustration

    • Voiding cystourethrogram - illustration

      One method of examining bladder function is by injecting dye that is visible on X-rays through a tube (catheter) to fill the bladder. X-rays are taken while the bladder is full and while the patient is urinating (voiding) to determine if fluid is forced out of the bladder through the urethra (normal) or up through the ureters into the kidney (vesicoureteral reflux). This study is usually done with the patient lying on an X-ray table.

      Voiding cystourethrogram

      illustration

    • Cystography - illustration

      Cystography is a detailed study of the bladder, which uses a dye and X-rays. A catheter is inserted into the bladder in which the dye flows. When the bladder is full, the catheter is removed and the X-rays are taken. X-rays are also taken when the bladder is empty. The test is performed to check for the integrity of the bladder, determine the cause of infections and check for tumors or stones.

      Cystography

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Voiding cystourethrogram

         

         

        Review Date: 1/21/2015

        Reviewed By: Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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