What is a Cystogram?

A cystogram is a medical examination procedure in which the urinary bladder, located in the lower part of the pelvic area, is examined through x-ray. A cystogram shows the shape and position of the bladder, and through this test, a condition called reflux is diagnosed. Reflux is a condition in which, the urine from the bladder moves up the ureters. Ureters are the tubes that transport the urine from the kidney to the bladder. When reflux occurs in a person, it can lead to repeated urinary tract infections. A cystogram could also be done after a person gets a pelvis injury and the test is done to find out if the bladder is torn or not. This test procedure is also done to check for tumors or polyps in the bladder.

• Preparation: Before you go in for the procedure, a radiographer will explain this procedure to you and you can clear yourself of all the doubts and questions you have about the procedure. You would also need to inform him or her if you are pregnant or feel that you might be. The radiographer will also ask you if you have any allergies, and you must list them out. You must also disclose any history of asthma or hay fever. You would be given hospital gown to wear and would be asked to empty your bladder completely.
• The examination: Once you are on the x-ray table, your pubic area will be washed well and a flexible catheter will be inserted in your urethra. It might be taped to your inner thigh. Your bladder will be filled with a contrast agent to help the radiologist see the organs better. When this happens, you will feel a sort of a fullness and pressure in your bladder, and may get the urge to urinate.

When your bladder is full, the radiologist will take radiographs with a fluoroscopy. This is an x-ray unit which is attached to a television screen. You will be asked to turn a bit or sleep on your side while your bladder is being monitored. After this, the catheter will be removed and you can go to the restroom. Another x-ray will be taken to check if the contrast agent has been expelled from your bladder or not. If you have any contrast agent, you will expel it the next time you urinate. Also remember that the contrast agent will be odorless and clear.

Submitted by M T on May 8, 2013 at 01:55

What is a Retrograde Cystogram?

Retrograde cystography is primarily an x-ray examination of the bladder that incorporates the use of a contrast dye to help ascertain abnormalities within the organ. The contrast material serves to help highlight certain parts of the organ on the captured x-ray, thereby allowing the case doctor or medical professional to have a more detailed impression of the problem being faced by the bladder.

When performing a retrograde cystogram test, the patient is asked to lie on a table and a numbing medicine is then applied to the opening of the urethra. This is followed with the insertion of a flexible tube through the urethra which is guided up into the bladder. This tube is used to send the contrast dye into the bladder, filling it up. The tube is then removed and the doctor will ask you to lie in different positions on the table while x-rays from a variety of angles are taken. The total duration of the retrograde cystography will usually take between 30 minutes to an hour.

There are no serious preparations that one needs to perform when undergoing a retrograde cystography, although you should make it a point to empty your bladder before the test as well as inform your doctor about any allergies that you may suffer from.

Submitted by N on November 14, 2011 at 10:37

What is Micturating Cystogram?

A micturating cystogram is primarily a medical test that is performed in order to ascertain the reasons that a child is suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections.

The micturating cystogram is performed by first administering some kind of numbing medicine to the opening of the urethra before inserting a catheter through it and guiding this catheter into the bladder. Throughout the micturating cystogram procedure, the patient will be asked to lie down on the flatbed of the x-ray machine. Once the catheter has reached the bladder, a contrast dye, usually iodine, is passed through the catheter to fill up the bladder. This contrast dye helps show up detailed images of the bladder on the x-ray machine. When the child states that his or her bladder seems full, he or she will be asked to lie in certain positions on the flatbed while the machine starts to take images of the bladder in various positions. Sometime it is also required to look for the contrast in the kidneys in the event that a reflux appears to happen guiding the iodine back into the ureters. Once x-rays of the bladder in various positions have been captured, the catheter will be removed and the patient allowed to empty the bladder. The x-rays will be analyzed and then complied into a report containing all the micturating cystogram information.

Submitted by N on November 7, 2011 at 03:55

What is a radionuclide cystogram?

A radionuclide cystogram is a medical test that is performed in order to identify the efficiency of the bladder when it comes to factors like emptying as well as filling up. A radionuclide cystogram procedure may be performed also for checking for urine reflux as well as any obstruction in the urine flow. For the radionuclide procedure you would first need to lie down on the scanning table. The opening of the urethra will be cleaned and a catheter inserted through this opening and guided into the bladder.

The catheter is used to fill the bladder up with a radioisotope solution. Unlike most other cystograms, the radionuclide cystogram may need to be specifically timed according the suspected problem. Depending on this, the scans may be taken while urinating into a urinal or bedpan. In the event that the test is being performed to test incomplete bladder emptying, the bladder will be filled with the solution, before the doctor asks you to relieve yourself. As soon as you have done so, scans will be taken to identify the presence of incontinence immediately after you empty your bladder.

As far as radionuclide cystogram risks go, they are the same as with any other x-ray and catheterization of the bladder. The radiation effects are miniscule. The other risks include urinary tract infections as well as mechanical damage to the urethra or bladder.

Submitted by N on October 10, 2011 at 04:53

What is a voiding cystogram?

A voiding cystogram procedure is performed when an individual complains of urinary tract medical problems such as difficulty in emptying the bladder, urinary reflux or even congenital issues with the bladder or urethra. The voiding cystogram works on the same principles as any other x-ray and can be performed in a clinic or hospitals radiology department. The patient will be asked to lie down on the scanner and the opening of the urethra cleaned before a catheter is inserted through this opening and a contrast dye fed through this to fill up the bladder. Once the bladder has been filled, x-ray images are taken of the bladder while the patient is instructed to lie in various positions. The patient will then be asked to empty his or her bladder and more images taken to identify the presence of incontinence.

The entire voiding cystogram procedure should take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. While no significant preparation is required for the test, you are instructed to empty you bladder before commencement as well as informing your doctor about any allergies or medication that you might be taking. The voiding cystogram cpt code is 74430 and will reflect in your medical report.

Submitted by N on September 27, 2011 at 05:14