Cystography – retrograde; Cystogram
Retrograde cystography is a detailed x-ray of the bladder. Contrast dye is placed into the bladder through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Retrograde cystography is an imaging test that uses X-rays to see the bladder. X-rays are made of the bladder after it has been filled with a contrast dye. The dye lets the radiologist see your bladder and nearby tissues more clearly.
How the Test is Performed
You will lie on a table. Numbing medicine is applied to the opening of your urethra. A flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through your urethra into the bladder. Contrast dye flows through the tube until your bladder is full or you tell the technician that your bladder feels full.
When the bladder is full, you are placed in different positions so that x-rays can be taken. A final x-ray is taken once the catheter is removed and you have emptied your bladder. This reveals how well your bladder empties.
The test takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
How to Prepare for the Test
You must sign an informed consent form. You must empty your bladder before the test. You will be asked questions to determine if you may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, or if you have a current infection that could make inserting the catheter difficult.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel some pressure when the catheter is inserted. You will feel an urge to urinate when the contrast dye enters the bladder. The person performing the test will stop the flow when the pressure becomes uncomfortable. The urge to urinate will continue throughout the test.
After the test, the area where the catheter was placed may feel sore when you urinate.
Why the Test is Performed
You may need this test to examine your bladder for problems such as holes or tears, or to find out why you have repeated bladder infections. It is also used to look for problems such as:
- Abnormal connections between bladder tissue and a nearby structure (bladder fistulae)
- Bladder stones
- Pouch-like sacs called diverticula on the walls of the bladder or urethra
- Tumor of the bladder
- Urinary tract infection
- Vesicoureteric reflux
Normal Results
The bladder appears normal.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
- Bladder stones
- Blood clots
- Diverticula
- Infection or inflammation
- Lesions
- Vesicoureteric reflux
Risks
There is some risk of infection from the catheter. Symptoms may include:
- Burning during urination (after the first day)
- Chills
- Decreased blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Increased breathing rate
The amount of radiation exposure is similar to that of other x-rays. As with any radiation exposure, nursing or pregnant women should only have this test if it is determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Considerations
In males, testicles are shielded from the x-rays.
This test is not performed very often. It is most often done along with CT scan imaging for better resolution. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or cystoscopy is used more often.
FAQ
How is a retrograde urethrogram performed?
- A retrograde urethrogram is a procedure allowing the urethra to be x-rayed using a contrast dye. The dye is watched on the x-rays as it passes back through the urethra and into the bladder. Urethrograms are done by a radiologist with a radiographer and sometimes a nurse.
What is retrograde urine?
- This is the same muscle that holds urine in your bladder until you urinate. With retrograde ejaculation, the bladder neck muscle doesn’t tighten properly. As a result, sperm can enter the bladder instead of being ejected out of your body through the penis.
Are cystogram and cystography the same thing?
- A cystogram is obtained when a more detailed radiographic evaluation of the bladder is required. Voiding cystography is performed to identify ureteral reflux and to assess bladder function and urethral anatomy.
How is a cystogram performed?
- During cystography, the healthcare provider will insert a thin tube called a urinary catheter and inject contrast dye into your bladder. The contrast dye will let the healthcare provider see your bladder more clearly. He or she will take X-rays of the bladder. Cystography is sometimes combined with other procedures.
Does a retrograde urethrogram hurt?
- Some initial discomfort or stinging is usual after the test. If you do have an infection, you will feel a burning sensation when you pass urine. If this goes on for more than 36 hours, you will need to see your doctor who may prescribe antibiotics.
How long does a retrograde urethrogram take?
- The examination usually takes about 30 minutes.
