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Cystogram

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Cystogram

(Cystography)

Definition

A cystogram uses contrast dye to create pictures of the:
  • Bladder
  • Ureters—tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
  • Urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body
The Urinary Tract
The Urinary Tract
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

A cystogram helps your doctor gain more information about the urinary system. For example, if you are having urine leakage, your doctor may be able to find the cause.
A cystogram can also be used to diagnose conditions like:
  • Vesicoureteral reflux—urine flows from the bladder back towards the kidneys
  • Bladder distention—enlargement of the bladder
  • Bladder irregularities, such as bladder cancer and incomplete voiding

Possible Complications

Problems from the test are rare. But all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
  • Urinary tract infection due to the catheter being inserted
  • Bleeding due to the catheter being inserted
  • Discomfort during urination, which may last several hours
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

There are no special steps to take before a cystogram. But it is important that you tell your doctor if you:
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a cold or the flu or have recently been around people who are sick
  • Are allergic to contrast dye
  • Take diabetes medicine

Description of the Procedure

You will be asked to lie on a table. A catheter will be inserted into the urethra and positioned into the bladder. A contrast dye will travel through the catheter and into the bladder to fill it. When your bladder is full, x-rays will be taken of the ureters, bladder, and urethra. You will be asked to remain still while the images are taken. You may also need to move into different positions.
If your doctor needs to see how your urethra is functioning, you may be asked to urinate into a bedpan while x-rays are taken. Additional images may be needed after you have emptied your bladder.
When all the images have been taken, the catheter will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1 hour

Will It Hurt?

You may have some discomfort when:
  • The catheter is placed into the urethra
  • The contrast dye goes into the bladder

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center
You will be able to go home after the test.
At Home
When you return home, take these steps:
  • Resume your normal activities.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush the contrast dye from your bladder.
You may notice a small amount of blood in your urine and have some discomfort during urination. These are common side effects after a cystogram. They will go away within a few hours.
Your doctor should have the results in a few days. Be sure to follow-up with your doctor.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:
  • Blood in the urine that lasts longer than expected
  • Discomfort during urination that lasts longer than expected
  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Inability to urinate
If you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov

Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Cystogram. Children’s Hospital of Chicago website. Available at: http://luriechildrens.org/en-us/care-services/conditions-treatments/medical-imaging-radiology/Pages/basics/nuclear-medicine-scans/cystogram/cystogram.aspx . Accessed May 9, 2013.

Cystogram. Hurley Medical Center website. Available at: http://hurleymc.com/services/services/radiology-services/diagnostic-radiology/fluoroscopy/cystogram . Accessed May 9, 2013.

Cystogram. PeaceHealth website. Available at: http://www.peacehealth.org/peace-harbor/services/imaging-services/radiology/Pages/cystogram.aspx . Accessed May 9, 2013.

Cystogram or voiding cystogram (VCUG). Conemaugh Health System website. Available at: http://www.conemaugh.org/template%5Farticle.aspx?id=8210 . Accessed May 9, 2013.

Radionuclide cystogram. American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=81 . Updated January 2011. Accessed May 9, 2013.

Schedule test: cystogram, voiding cystouretrhrogram or incontinence cystogram. PennMedicine website. Available at: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/radiology/patient/docs/Cystogram.pdf . Accessed May 9, 2013.

Your urinary system and how it works. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/Yoururinary/ . Updated June 29, 2012. Accessed May 9, 2013.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer:
  • Review Date: 05/2013 -
  • Update Date: 05/09/2013 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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