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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 medicines
  • 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:

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 provider if bothersome bladder spasms occur.

You may see blood in your urine for a couple of days after this test.

Open References

References

Bellah RD, Tao TY. Pediatric genitourinary radiology. In: Torigian DA, Ramchandani P, eds. Radiology Secrets Plus. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 88.

Elder JS. Vesicoureteral reflux. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 554.

Stanasel I, Peters CA. Ectopic ureter, ureterocele, and ureteral anomalies. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 41.

  • Voiding cystourethrogram

    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

    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

    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

    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

Tests for Voiding cystourethrogram

 
 

Review Date: 1/1/2023

Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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