Cystography, retrograde
Alternative names:
retrograde cystography
How the test is performed:
You are positioned lying down on the table. A urinary catheter is inserted into your bladder after an anesthetic jelly has been applied. The dye flows through the catheter until your bladder is full (you inform the technician when your bladder feels full).
When the bladder is full, the catheter is removed and the X-rays are taken. You are placed in different positions during the X-rays (front and back). After the X-rays, depending on the findings, air may be instilled through the catheter.
After urinating, one more X-ray is taken. The total test time is 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 (normal urination). A history will be taken to determine if you may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye or if there is a current infection that could make the catheter insertion difficult.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
When the catheter is inserted, there may be some pressure along the urethra. When the dye first begins to enter the bladder, an urge to urinate occurs. The technologist will stop the flow when the pressure becomes uncomfortable. The urge to urinate will continue throughout the test.
After the test, the urethra may be tender during urination.
Why the test is performed:
- to examine the integrity of the bladder
- to verify the existence of:
- to determine the cause of recurring infections
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