Voiding cystography, or voiding cystourethrography, is an examination of the bladder. Its implementation is recommended, among others in people who struggle with urinary incontinence and in children who wet at night. What are the other indications for voiding cystography? What is it about? What are the complications after the test?

Victory cystography , otherwiseVictory cystourethrographyor CUM, is an invasive examination of the bladder and urethra, using X-rays and contrast, which is performed at the time of urination. It allows you to assess the functioning of the bladder.

Voiding cystography - indications for the examination

The indication for the examination is the suspicion of congenital defects of the urinary system. They are also performed in the case of disorders in urination, which may be caused, among others, by by deposits in the urinary tract, diverticula or bladder tumors, and injuries of the bladder or urethra. The test should also be performed in people struggling with urinary incontinence, bedwetting (usually children), and recurrent urinary tract infections. Victory cystography is also performed in the case of suspected retrograde outflow of urine from the bladder to one or both ureters. The test is also recommended before the kidney transplant.

Victory cystography - contraindications for the examination

The main contraindication to the examination is acute urinary tract infections. Victory cystography cannot be performed also in pregnant women (it is better to do a pregnancy test before the examination) and in people who are allergic to the contrast agent (due to the risk of anaphylactic shock).

Victory cystography - preparation for the examination

About an hour before the examination, the patient should drink about half a liter of fluids (preferably mineral water), and empty the bladder immediately before starting the examination.

Victory cystography - what is it?

The patient is placed supine on the table of the X-ray machine. The first stage of the examination isurinary bladder catheterization , i.e. inserting a catheter into the bladder. Then a contrast agent is injected into the bladder, which is administered until the patient reports a feeling of a strong pressure on the bladder (this means that the bladder is full). Then the patientis instructed to empty the bladder (still lying on the examination table). During micturition, the doctor takes a series of X-ray pictures of the bladder (so-called cystograms). Upon completion of the examination, the catheter is removed.

Victory cystography - complications

After the examination for several days, the patient may complain of pollakiuria and a slight burning sensation during micturition. You may also notice a pinkish discoloration of your urine. These are the consequences of irritation of the urethra and bladder.

Important

Victory cystography - a complication may be urinary tract infections

Complications after the examination may be more serious. This is because the urethra or bladder can be injured, and the urinary tract can become infected. If you develop symptoms such as fever, severe urination problems, persistent hematuria, or urine clots after the test, you should see your doctor as soon as possible as these are indications of an ongoing infection.

Victory cystography - interpretation of results

If a contrast medium appears in the ureter while emptying the bladder, it means that urine is draining out of the bladder into one or both of the ureters (known as "reflux"). Conversely, the presence of a contrast agent in the post-voiding image means that urine does not flow freely through the urethra and the bladder does not empty completely.

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