VOIDING CYSTO-URETHROGRAM
Bladder and Urethra Imaging
A voiding cysto-urethrogram (VCUG) is a fluoroscopy exam that is used to evaluate the size, shape and capacity of your bladder. It is also used to take images of the urethra, the small tube that connects the bladder with the outside of the body.
A VCUG procedure may be ordered to diagnose or rule out a condition where urine from the bladder goes upward back to the kidneys.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You will lie on the X-ray table. A nurse will place a catheter into your bladder. You may feel some pressure or the sensation to urinate. The catheter will be connected to a bottle of contrast material, which will flow through the urinary catheter into the bladder.
Once the bladder is full, you will be asked to urinate while x-rays are taken.
The exam generally takes an average of 20 to 30 minutes.
Women who may possibly be pregnant should notify the technologist immediately.
A VCUG is primarily used to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux, a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys. It also helps evaluate bladder size, shape, capacity, and function, as well as detect blockages or abnormalities in the urethra.
There is typically minimal preparation required for a VCUG. You should arrive with a full bladder if possible, though you’ll also be filling your bladder with contrast material during the exam. Your doctor will provide specific instructions, including whether you need to take antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infection.
Most patients experience some discomfort rather than pain. You may feel pressure when the catheter is inserted and a strong urge to urinate when your bladder is filled with contrast material. The sensation of urinating while lying down during the X-rays can feel unusual, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
The exam typically takes 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. However, you should plan for additional time for check-in and preparation.