What is a Voiding Cystourethrogram?

A voiding cystourethrogram is an x-ray examination of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside).

Procedure

You will be asked to lie on your back on an x-ray table. A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be gently inserted into the urethra and passed through into the bladder. A contrast medium or dye will be injected through the catheter until the bladder is full. The contrast will make the bladder visible on x-ray film. Several x-ray films are then taken in various positions. The catheter is removed and you are repositioned and expected to urinate. A high-speed film is taken of the bladder and urethra during voiding.

Precautions

Please inform the nurse or technologist if you have any allergy to iodine or shellfish. Also, let us know if you think you may be pregnant.

Post Exam

The radiologist will interpret the study and will dictate a report for your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.