Voiding cystourethrogram

Definition

A voiding cystourethrogram is an x-ray image of the bladder and urethra during urination. The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Usually, the urinary bladder does not show up well on x-rays. In this examination, a special contrast dye fills the bladder, to allow for better x-ray images.

X-ray images are taken in various positions with the bladder full of contrast dye. Images are then taken while the bladder is being emptied.

Alternative Names

Why the Test is Performed

This test is performed to detect abnormalities of the bladder and the urethra. The test may also detect abnormal bladder emptying, or any congenital (present at birth) abnormality. In males, it may detect urethral stricture and the extent of narrowing in the prostatic urethra.

How the Test is Performed

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in a health care provider's office by an x-ray technician.

You will lie on your back on the x-ray table. A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be gently inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder. The contrast dye is injected through the catheter into the bladder and the catheter is clamped.

A number of x-ray pictures are then taken in various positions. The catheter is removed so that you can urinate. X-rays are taken of the bladder and urethra during urination.

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 health care provider if you are:

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

How the Test Will Feel

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

Risks

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

You may experience bladder spasms after this test, which may indicate an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Contact your health care provider if bothersome bladder spasms occur.

Normal Results

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

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may indicate the following:

• Urethral stricture (a narrowing of the urethra)
• Bladder or urethral diverticula (pouch-like sacs that develop and protrude from the walls of an organ)
• Ureterocele (the tube from the kidney to the bladder protrudes into the bladder)
• Prostatic enlargement
• Reflux nephropathy (urine is returning back into the bladder)
• Neurogenic bladder (bladder does not respond to feeling full)

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Alcoholic neuropathy
• Autonomic neuropathy
• Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy
• Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)
• Irritable bladder
• Acute pyelonephritis
• Reflux nephropathy