Cystogram, Micturating Cysto-urethrogram (MCU) & Urethrogram

Why have a Cystogram?

A Cystogram is a procedure which demonstrates the urinary bladder. With the use of contrast (radiology dye) it shows the shape and position of the bladder. 

Often this examination is performed following surgery to the bladder to check for any leaks from the surgical area prior to removal of the urinary catheter.

Preparing for the test:

There is no preparation needed prior to an Cystogram.

There is a consent form for this examination outlining the preparation, procedure, possible complications and aftercare. You will be asked to read through this, asked questions to ensure you are happy to continue with the procedure and lastly to sign the consent form.

Immediately before the procedure the Medical Imaging Technologist will direct you to the rest room so that you may completely empty your bladder.

The procedure:

There are two different methods for conducting this procedure. Both are conducted under strict aseptic technique in order to avoid introducing an infection into the renal tract. 

1. No Catheter in place

• The catheter is a small tube which the Radiologist uses to introduce a mixture of contrast media and saline into the bladder.
• The Radiologist will first cleanse the urethral area with Savlon, a numbing gel will be used and then pass a small tube through the urethra into the bladder. This may sting a little. 
• The contrast media is then introduced and the Radiologist will watch on the x-ray screen as the bladder fills. More images may be taken in different positions.
• The catheter will now be removed. You will be sent to the rest room to empty your bladder. 

2. Catheter already in place

• If you have a catheter in place, the Radiologist will use this to administer the contrast media. The contrast media is introduced and the Radiologist will watch on the x-ray screen as the bladder fills. More images may be taken in different positions.
• On completion of the examination they catheter may be removed or may stay in place. The referring specialist will communicate with the Radiologist about this. The outcome is often dependent on the result. The contrast may be removed either by syringe or by draining into your catheter bag. 

A variation of this procedure is the voiding or micturating  cystourethrogram (MCU). 

Micturating Cysto-urethrogram (MCU)

The difference between the cystogram and a urethrogram is that towards the end of the procedure, once the catheter is removed, you will be asked to pass urine into a pan or bottle. The Radiologist will watch on the x-ray screen to see how the size and shape of the bladder changes during urination and image the urethra also. The upper urinary tract (Ureter and kidneys) are imaged to assess for any reflux of contrast back up the ureters into the kidneys.

At the completion of the examination:

The tiny tube is removed and you may go home. The Radiologist may be able to give you a verbal result at the end of the examination. You can eat and drink normally. The contrast media will not be noticeable in your urine. You may notice spotting when you urinate; this may be due to the tiny tube scratching the inside wall of your urethra, and this should only last a short time. If you are concerned, contact your referring doctor.

At the completion of the examination

Once the Radiologist has acquired the necessary images, you may go home. 

The Radiologist may be able to give you a verbal result at the end of the examination. 

You can eat and drink normally. 

The contrast media is clear so it will not be noticeable in your urine. You may notice spotting when you urinate; this may be due to the small tube scratching/irritating inside wall of your urethra. This should only last a small time, but if you are concerned please contact your referring doctor.

After the examination

The radiologist will review the pictures and provide a written report to your referring doctor. The digital images will be available online (internet) for your doctor to view.

Please settle your account on the day of the examination. 

Please contact Mokoia Radiology for an appointment on 0800 466 564.

Urethrogram

Why have an Urethrogram?

A Urethrogam is a procedure which demonstrates the capacity of the bladder and its emptying ability and the urethra (the narrow tube which connects the bladder to the genitals through which urine passes before leaving the body).

Preparing for the test

There is no preparation needed prior to an urethrogram.

There is a consent form for this examination outlining the preparation, procedure, possible complications and aftercare. You will be asked to read through this, asked questions to ensure you are happy to continue with the procedure and lastly to sign the consent form.

The procedure

The procedure is conducted under strict aseptic technique in order to avoid introducing an infection into the renal tract. 

The Radiologist will first cleanse the genital area with Savlon solution, a numbing gel is administered into the tip of the urethra. A small tube will be inserted into the end of the urethra (tip of the penis). A small balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated, you will feel pressure inside the penis. The balloon prevents the tube from coming out and enables the urethra to be filled with the contrast. This part of the procedure may sting a little. 
Following this the contrast media is introduced into the bladder through the urethra. Real time x-rays (Fluoroscopy) are taken by the Radiologist as the urethra and bladder fill. Once the bladder is full, the small tube will be removed from the penis. You will be required to pass the urine/contrast into a urinary bottle. X-rays will be taken during the passing of the contrast, showing the urethra. 

At the completion of the examination

Once the Radiologist has acquired the necessary images, you may go home. 

The Radiologist may be able to give you a verbal result at the end of the examination. 
You can eat and drink normally. 

The contrast media is clear so it will not be noticeable in your urine. You may notice spotting (small amount of blood) when you urinate; this may be due to the small tube scratching inside wall of your urethra. This should only last a short time, but if you are concerned please contact your referring doctor.

After the examination

The radiologist will review the pictures and provide a written report to your referring doctor. The digital images will be available online (internet) for your doctor to view.

Please settle your account on the day of the examination.

Please contact Mokoia Radiology for an appointment on 0800 466 564.