Cystography, retrograde

Alternative names:

retrograde cystography

What the risks are:

There is some risk of infection from the catheter. Symptoms may include:

• burning during urination (after the 1st day)
• chills
• fever
• increased heart rate
• increased respiration (breathing) rate
• decreased blood pressure (hypotension)

Radiation exposure is similar to other X-rays. As with any radiation exposure, nursing or pregnant women are usually not recommended to have this test unless it is determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Special considerations:

Males: testicles are shielded during the X-rays.

This test is not performed very often any more. More frequently, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or cystoscopy are performed.