Cystourethrogram

A cystogram is a study of the lower urinary tract, more specifically the bladder. Contrast is injected through a catheter and shows the appearance of the bladder and how it fills. The procedure uses a type of x-ray, called fluoroscopic imaging, to view images in real time.
Your doctor may have ordered this scan to:

• Identify the cause for repeated urinary tract infections,
• Look for trauma/injuries to the urethra or bladder,
• Identify a cause for urinary incontinence,
• Identify any structural problems of the urethra or bladder,
• Diagnose an enlargement of the prostate or narrowing of the urethra in men,
• Identify if the urine is flowing the wrong way (from the bladder to the kidneys) called vesicoureteral reflux,
• examine any abnormalities seen on an intravenous pyelography

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken.

You will be required to arrive to you appointment 10 minutes early to fill in the necessary paperwork such as a questionnaire and consent form. Children under the age of 16 will require consent from a guardian.

Contrast will be introduced into the bladder through this catheter. The doctor will clamp the catheter on the tubing and visualise the contrast in the bladder.

After the examination these clamps will need to be removed in order to release the contrast and urine into the urine bag.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the procedure and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.