This is an examination of the bladder and urethra.
What does it involve?
A catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and a small balloon is inflated to hold it in place. Warmed liquid, containing contrast media (dye), is allowed to run into the bladder. This liquid outlines the walls of the bladder so it can be visualised on x-rays. The catheter is removed when the bladder is full. Once the catheter is removed, the patient is moved from the lying down position so they are standing up. They are then asked to urinate; males into a bottle and female into a pot held by the patient. Images are taken while the patient is urinating to try and identify any problem.
How long will it take?
This examination takes approximately 1 hour.
Is there any preparation?
There is no preparation for this examination.
Children:
What does it involve?
Babies and toddlers are placed into a special cradle placed on the x-ray table. This helps to keep them still during the examination. A catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and a small balloon is inflated to hold it in place. Warmed liquid, containing contrast media (dye), is allowed to run into the bladder. This liquid outlines the walls of the bladder so it can be visualised on x-rays. The catheter is removed when the bladder is full. Once the catheter is removed, the child and cradle are moved into different positions and images are taken while they are urinating.
How long will it take?
This examination takes approximately 1 hour.
Is there any preparation?
Babies are not sedated for MCUs, but toddlers generally require some sedation. More detailed preparation instructions will be sent out once an appointment has been made. Sedation is administered by our radiology nurse once the child is in the department. She will also be happy to answer any questions parents may have.
