What happens during a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)?
- You’ll lie flat on a radiography table. A bottle of contrast material and tubing are attached to the catheter after it’s placed. ...
- Your bladder is visualized using a fluoroscope (camera) as it fills. ...
- You’ll be given a bedpan or urinal because imaging continues during urination to image the urethra and to assess for reflux. ...
- The test takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Is VCUG test painful?
This test isn't painful, and you won't feel anything when the X-rays are taken. You may find it somewhat uncomfortable when the catheter is inserted and while it's in place. You will have a feeling of fullness in your bladder and an urge to urinate when the contrast liquid fills your bladder.
Does VCUG require sedation?
The main reason we do not sedate patients for a VCUG or nuclear cystogram is that any sedation, even “light sedation,” is associated with potential risks. The greatest risk with sedation medicine is that your child's breathing can slow down, even to the point of stopping.
What should I expect after a VCUG?
Your child may need to urinate more often for several days after the test. He or she may also notice some burning during and after urination. This usually goes away after 1 or 2 days. Your child's urine may look pink for several days.
How do I prepare my child for VCUG?
Help your child practice relaxing their body. Try blowing bubbles, taking slow breaths, and singing. Help your child pick out a few things to bring to the test, like a favorite blanket, doll, or stuffed animal. Your child can also bring a tablet or phone to play with during the text.
How long is a VCUG procedure?
A VCUG takes about 30–60 minutes. The test is done in a special room with either an X-ray or ultrasound machine. Parents usually can stay with their child during the VCUG.
How much radiation is in a VCUG?
The mean effective dose for a single VCUG study was calculated to be 4.3 mSv, of which 26% was from fluoroscopy (1.1 mSv).
Can you eat before a VCUG?
The VCUG is a video X-ray of the bladder and urinary tract. Your child may eat and drink as usual before the test. Your child will be awake at all times. The test takes about 30 minutes.
Who performs a VCUG?
The radiologist will check to see if any of the liquid contrast material goes backward into one or both ureters and kidneys and whether the shape and contour of the bladder and urethra are normal. You must hold very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds while the technologist takes the x-ray.
How is kidney reflux treated?
Treatment may include:Surgery to remove a blockage or correct an abnormal bladder or ureter.Antibiotics to prevent or treat a UTI.Intermittent catheterization (draining the bladder of urine by inserting a thin tube, called a catheter, through the urethra to the bladder).Bladder muscle medication.
Do kids grow out of VUR?
Many children grow out of VUR over time, often by age 5. Finding VUR early and monitoring it closely with your child's doctors--and getting treatment if needed--will help avoid any lasting problems.
Do children outgrow VUR?
Most children will outgrow their VUR on their own, and we give them a chance to do just that. Our main goal is to treat vesicoureteral reflux and prevent infections that might affect the kidneys and possibly cause kidney damage.
Does VUR require surgery?
This condition is called vesicoureteral reflux. Most children with reflux do not need surgery as they may eventually outgrow the reflux. While waiting to see if a child will outgrow reflux, they may receive daily antibiotics to try to prevent infections (prophylaxis).
Are you sedated for a cystogram?
You may or may not need a sedative or anesthetic. If you receive a sedative, you'll feel sleepy and relaxed during the cystoscopy, but you'll still be aware. If you receive a general anesthetic, you won't be aware during the procedure. Both types of medication may be given through a vein in your arm.
Do they put you to sleep for a cystogram?
For a rigid cystoscopy: you're given an injection of general anaesthetic (which makes you fall asleep) into your hand, or a spinal anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of your body) into your lower back. you will be lying on a special couch with your legs in supports.
Do you need general anesthesia for cystoscopy?
A rigid cystoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep) or a spinal anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of your body), so you will not have any pain while it's carried out. It's normal to have some discomfort when peeing after a cystoscopy, but this should pass in a few days.
What is the difference between a cystogram and a VCUG?
A cystogram (SIS-toe-gram) is done by taking X-ray pictures of the urinary bladder. ("Cysto" means bladder.) The letters VCUG stand for “voiding cystourethrogram.” This test shows the size of the bladder and how it is working.
What does a VCUG test tell you?
A VCUG can also help us determine whether your child has reflux — a condition where urine from the bladder goes upward back to the kidneys. Your doctor may ask for this exam if your child experiences frequent urinary tract infections.
What does a technologist ask about VCUG?
The technologist will ask why the VCUG is being performed and will explain the procedure to you and your child.
What is a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)?
A VCUG (Voiding Cysto-Urethrogram) use s x-rays and a contrasting agent to evaluate your child's urethra and bladder size, shape, and capacity. This procedure uses x-rays and a contrasting agent that is administered by catheter into your child’s bladder. A VCUG can also help us determine whether your child has reflux — a condition where urine from the bladder goes upward back to the kidneys.
What should you do prior to the exam?
There are no special preparations for your child to follow prior to the exam.
What should you do after the exam?
There are no special instructions for your child to follow when the procedure is over.
What is the X-ray machine called for a child's urinary catheter?
The contrast material will flow through the urinary catheter into your child's bladder. The radiologist will pull the x-ray machine, called the “fluoro tower, ” over your child and take several x-rays.
How to dress a child for a sex test?
Dress your child comfortably, in clothes that are easily removed. Your child will be given a gown to change into for the procedure.
What is a Voiding Cystogram?
A voiding cystogram, or VCUG, is a type of study used to determine ureteral reflux. Ureteral reflux is described as urine in the bladder flowing back into the ureters. The main indications for doing this study are: evaluation of persistent urinary tract infections, assessment of vesicoureteral reflux after medical intervention, or having a family history of reflux.
Why do you need to take pictures during a bladder filling and voiding phase?
Pictures need to be obtained during both filling and voiding phases because reflux can occur at either stage. After the bladder has been emptied a 60 second image will be obtained and the test is complete. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
How soon will the scan results be available?
A radiologist will interpret the images, write a report, and deliver the results to your doctor via the internal computer system.
Where is the VCUG done?
The test is done in a special room with either an X-ray or ultrasound machine. Parents usually can stay with their child during the VCUG. A doctor also will be there, as well as either an ultrasound or X-ray technician.
How to prepare for a VCUG?
You can help your child prepare for a VCUG by explaining the test in simple terms. If your child is old enough to understand, be honest about the brief discomfort they may feel, but reassure your child that you'll be there for support. A mild sedative can make the catheter placement easier for toddlers and preschoolers (and some older children). Ask your doctor about sedation if you think it might help your child.
What Is a Voiding Cystourethrogram?
A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an exam that takes images of the urinary system.
When Are the Results Ready?
The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
Why do you need a vcug after a UTI?
That's one reason why the VCUG must include taking images while the bladder is being emptied. Because VUR can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), this test is sometimes recommended after a child has had a UTI.
How does ultrasound work?
The sonographer places warm gel on the belly and an ultrasound probe on the patient's skin to get images. The bladder and kidneys are watched with the ultrasound and images are taken as the bladder is filled with contrast. Ultrasound is different from X-rays because it does not use radiation.
How long does it take for a VCUG to be ready?
In an emergency, the results of a VCUG can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1–2 days. In most cases, results can't be given to the patient or family at the time of the test because the images need to be reviewed in detail.
How long does a VCUG take?
A VCUG takes about 30–60 minutes.
What Is a Voiding Cystourethrogram?
A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an exam that takes images of the urinary system.
When Are the Results Ready?
The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
What do kids need during a test?
Some kids need a distraction (toys, books, bubbles, etc.) during the test, while some want to watch what's going on. Others may cry and might need more reassurance.
Do you need to change into a hospital gown for a VCUG?
Otherwise, a VCUG doesn't need any other special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove clothing and jewelry and change into a hospital gown because buttons, zippers, clasps, or jewelry might interfere with the images.
How does having a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) feel?
This test isn't painful, and you won't feel anything when the X-rays are taken.
Why is this test done?
Find the cause of urinary problems. These include repeated urinary tract infections and not being able to control when you urinate (urinary incontinence).
What happens after the test?
You may get some results right after the test. You should get final results in 1 to 2 days.
How long does it take for a urine test to show pinkish tinge?
A pinkish tinge to the urine is common for several days after this test.
What Is a Voiding Cystourethrogram?
A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an exam that takes images of the urinary system.
How Is a Voiding Cystourethrogram Done?
The images for a voiding cystourethrogram (siss-toe-yuh-REE-thruh-gram) can be taken two ways: with an X-ray or an ultrasound.
Why Are Voiding Cystourethrograms Done?
A VCUG can check for problems in the structure or function of the urinary system. It can check the bladder's size and shape and look for problems, such as a blockage along the path of the urine.
How Do We Prepare for a Voiding Cystourethrogram?
Some children over 1 year old may get sedation for the test. If your child has sedation, they must not eat or drink before the test. Talk to your doctor about whether sedation is needed.
When Are the Results Ready?
A radiologist (a doctor trained in reading and interpreting X-ray and ultrasound images) will review the images. The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
What Are the Risks of Voiding Cystourethrogram?
In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there is some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a VCUG is small and not considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the lowest amount of radiation needed to do the test.
How Can Parents Help?
You can help your child prepare for a VCUG by explaining the test in simple terms. If your child is old enough to understand, be honest about the brief discomfort they may feel, but reassure your child that you'll be there for support. A mild sedative can make the catheter placement easier for toddlers and preschoolers (and some older children).
