Fluoroscopy - Cystourethrogram (Bladder)VCUG

A cystourethrogram is a test that shows the urinary bladder. Commonly ordered by your physician to look for reflux of urine from the bladder back into the ureters, this test may also be done for urinary tract infections or other abnormalities. To do this test, a small catheter is placed into your bladder through the urethra. Once this catheter is in place, we will fill your bladder with x-ray contrast dye and take pictures using fluoroscopic imaging.

What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a special type of x-ray that allows the radiologist to examine different parts of your body, such as organs and tissues, in real time to determine how these systems look and function. Fluoroscopic images are viewed on a monitor similar to a TV screen. Most fluoroscopic exams require the use of contrast dye. This contrast may be injected or administered orally.

Patient Preparation

You should tell your technologist about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, as well as any allergies you might have to medications. Women should always inform SSR staff if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

Exam Information

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials to review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • You will be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You may also need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that could obscure the images.
  • A technologist positions the patient on their back on the fluoroscopy table. The genital area is cleansed and a small catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Sometimes a balloon is inflated to hold the catheter in place.
  • An iodine based contrast is instilled through the catheter to fill the bladder completely. Several x-ray images are then taken.
  • The catheter is then removed and the patient is asked to empty their bladder into a special urinal. This enables the radiologist to take pictures while the bladder is emptying.
  • The patient may feel discomfort or stinging as the catheter is inserted into the urethra and again when it is removed.  The rest of the procedure is typically painless and takes approximately 45 minutes.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Results

Results will be dictated by the Radiologist who performed your exam and a formal written report will be sent to your referring physician within 2 to 3 days. Your physician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your physician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about these and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.