Cystography is the radiological examination of the bladder and cystourethrography in the radiological evaluation of the bladder and urethra. The technique involves the introduction of contrast into the bladder through the urethra with the help of a catheter, helping the doctor visualize anatomic defects and other pathologies. Cystourethrography may be advised to any patient with any type of voiding (urinating) problems, even if the trauma is suspected, to help diagnose the cause, plan treatment, and/or surgical intervention. Cystourethrography can be done for all ages, including children.
Why is a cystography test done?
Cystography provides information on the bladder and detects any abnormalities such as diverticula, fistulas, or traumatic bladder rupture. In case of trauma, cystography is done in the presence of hematuria (blood in the urine) or hip fracture with microscopic hematuria (there is no visible blood in the urine, but red blood cells are seen in a microscopic examination of urine). Cystography may be indicated in the following conditions:
- Vesicocourethral reflux (VUR): It is indicated for the evaluation of VUR.
- Hydronephrosis: It is swelling of the kidney due to accumulation of urine, which occurs due to obstruction of the flow of urine out of the kidney.
- Enuresis: It is the inability to control urination despite being old enough to be able to exercise bladder control, resulting in involuntary urination. This is called urinary incontinence.
- Incontinence: It is a loss of bladder control.
- Voiding (urinating) dysfunction: The voiding dysfunction term is used to describe conditions associated with inconsistent coordination within the urinary tract between the muscles of the bladder and urethra, resulting in incomplete relaxation or overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles during urination.
- Congenital genitourinary malformations: These are present since birth.
How is a cystography test performed?
The procedure may be performed in a clinic or hospital set up under strict aseptic conditions. An image of the abdomen and pelvis (kidneys–ureters–bladder [KUB]) is first obtained. After this, the patient’s bladder is catheterized (a tube is inserted from the urinary opening), and the stored urine in the bladder is drained. The urine sample may be sent for analysis. The contrast agent that is non-reactive is then introduced through the catheter into the bladder. The amount of the contrast agent introduced into the bladder depends on the capacity of the patient’s bladder, which is usually 300-400 mL in adults and 30 mL in children. Once the contrast is introduced, radiological images of the bladder and urethra are obtained from all angles, after which the contrast is drained out. There is minimal discomfort during the procedure. Non-cooperative patients, especially children, may receive a short-acting sedative to reduce discomfort and anxiety. The patient can usually go home right after the procedure and resume all their regular activities.
What are the complications of a cystography test?
Cystography is a safe procedure, but rarely, complications may occur that include:
- Urinary tract infection, mainly due to the catheter being introduced
- Injury caused by the catheter being inserted, resulting in frank bleeding or blood-stained urging
- Discomfort during urination, which usually resolves in a few hours after the procedure
- Allergic reaction to the contrast agent
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top What Is a Cystography Test? Related Articles
Bladder Cancer
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the grade of the tumor, and the type of bladder cancer. Options for treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.
Bladder Cancer Slides
Bladder cancer occurs when cancerous cells, often from the lining of the bladder, begin to multiply. Find more information about bladder cancer, the stages of bladder cancer, and available treatment options.
Bladder Infection (Cystitis)
Bladder infection is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria or, rarely, by Candida. Certain people, including females, the elderly, men with enlarged prostates, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for bladder infection. Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics, but cranberry products and adequate hydration may help prevent bladder infections.
Bladder Picture
The urinary bladder is a muscular sac in the pelvis, just above and behind the pubic bone. See a picture of the Bladder and learn more about the health topic.
Bladder Spasms
People who have bladder spasms, the sensation occurs suddenly and often severely. A spasm itself is the sudden, involuntary squeezing of a muscle. A bladder spasm, or "detrusor contraction," occurs when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an urgent need to release urine. The spasm can force urine from the bladder, causing leakage. When this happens, the condition is called urge incontinence or overactive bladder.
Cystocele
A cystocele is also known as a fallen or prolapsed bladder. Heavy lifting and straining may cause a cystocele, which causes urine leakage and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Mild cystoceles may require no treatment, while large cystoceles may require surgery.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare form of cancer with symptoms that include jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal lumps, and bloating. Risk factors include being female and Native American. Treatment of gallbladder cancer depends upon the stage of the cancer, the type of gallbladder cancer, and whether the cancer can be removed by surgery.
Gallbladder Pain: Relief, Causes, and Diet
Gallbladder pain (often misspelled "gall bladder") is generally produced by of five problems, biliary colic, cholecystitis, gallstones, and pancreatitis. Causes of gallbladder pain include intermittent blockage of ducts by gallstones or gallstone inflammation and/or sludge that also may involve irritation or infection of surrounding tissues, or when a bile duct is completely blocked. Treatment of gallbladder depends on the cause, which may include surgery.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder's lining and can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may vary among individuals and may even vary with time in the same individual.
Is Gallbladder Cancer Aggressive?
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the aggressive cancers of the biliary tract. The gallbladder generates and concentrates bile that aids in the digestion of fats. GBC is a rare, yet deadly cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Nerve Disease and Bladder Control
A nerve problem might affect your bladder control if the nerves that are supposed to carry messages between the brain and the bladder do not work properly. Such problems include urine retention, poor control of sphincter muscles, and overactive bladder. Treatment depends upon the cause of the nerve damage and resulting type of bladder control problem.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder is a sudden involuntary contraction of the muscle wall of the bladder causing urinary urgency (an immediate unstoppable need to urinate). Overactive bladder is is a form of urinary incontinence. Treatment options may include Kegel exercises, biofeedback, vaginal weight training, pelvic floor electrical stimulation, behavioral therapy, and medications.
Sex, Urinary, and Bladder Problems of Diabetes
Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of bladder symptoms (urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections) and changes in sexual function. Men may have erectile dysfunction; and women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Keep your diabetes under control, and you can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems.
Foods that Make You Go
What causes overactive bladder (OAB)? A natural remedy is to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and these foods. Learn the foods and drinks to avoid. Urinary incontinence can be stimulated by soda and fizzy drinks. These are foods and beverages that irritate your bladder.
Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and kidney infections in women, infants, and men.