By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med.

Voiding Cystourethrogram

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is fluoroscopic examination of the bladder and urethra. It is most often used in the pediatric population for the diagnostic process of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This is a medical condition where urine flows in a retrograde fashion from the bladder to the ureters and can give rise to serious complications like renal scaring and kidney failure. VCUGs are useful diagnostic tools because they can help to detect almost any structural abnormality of the bladder and lower urinary tract, like ureteral strictures (i.e. narrowing).

What to expect

The entire procedure may last up to an hour and is more or less painless, but children may be scared. Therefore, parents are encouraged to be present for much of the process to assure their children that it will be ok and there is nothing to be worried about. It is important that any allergies to medications or X-ray contrast material are communicated to the physician before beginning. Any jewelry of accessories that may disturb the image are removed from the body. To start the procedure, the patient is placed on an examination table and a catheter is inserted into the urethra under sterile conditions to avoid iatrogenic infection. …show more content…
The contrast agent is used in order to visualize the bladder. Once filled, the catheter is removed and the patient urinates, while pictures of the emptying bladder, at different angles, are simultaneously being taken. These images are taken during both the emptying and filling of the bladder, because if the patient has VUR, then there may be reflux during either process. The test is complete when the bladder is emptied and a final image is