A VCUG (voiding cysto-urethrogram) is used to evaluate bladder size, shape, and capacity. It is also used to assess the urethra, the small tube that connects the bladder with the outside of the body.

In addition, a VCUG procedure may be ordered to diagnose or rule out a condition where urine from the bladder goes upward back to the kidneys.

A VCUG is uses fluoroscopy technology, an x-ray exam that produces moving images, and a contrast agent introduced through a catheter to the bladder.

An Inland Imaging staff technologist or nurse will ask the patient to lie on the x-ray table and administer a catheter into the bladder. Some pressure or the sensation to urinate is to be expected. The catheter will be connected to a bottle of contrast material that will be visualized on the x-ray screen.

The contrast material will flow through the urinary catheter into the bladder. Once the bladder is full, the patient will be asked to urinate while x-rays are taken. Several x-rays will be obtained to complete the study. The exam generally takes an average of 20 to 30 minutes.

Precautions