Cystogram

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department for a Cystogram. This is an x-ray examination of your bladder. There is no preparation for this except a urethral catheter must be inserted into your bladder prior to the exam.

For this exam you will be asked to wear a hospital gown. When you arrive in the Diagnostic Imaging Department you will be taken to one of the examination rooms. You will be assisted to the table and asked to lie on your back. The technologist will take a preliminary film of your abdomen and show it to a radiologist.

A bottle of contrast material will be connected to your urethral catheter by a tube. The contrast will then be allowed to flow into your bladder until you feel full. You may inform the technologist when you feel that your bladder is full and the flow of contrast will be stopped.

The technologist will then take x-ray pictures with you in several different positions. You will be asked to hold very still and hold your breath while the images are being taken.

Once all the images have been taken, they will be shown to a radiologist. If no further images are needed and the catheter was inserted just for the x-ray procedure, it will be removed and you will be assisted to the restroom. If your physician wants the catheter left in, the contrast will then be drained from your bladder. A final image of your empty bladder will be taken and your exam will be finished.

If your physician has ordered a "voiding" cystourethrogram, the procedure will be the same except that instead of going to the restroom to empty your bladder, the catheter will be removed after your bladder is filled and while you are lying on the table, you will be asked to urinate while the technologist takes an x-ray image. This is to visualize the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body).

LENGTH: Approximately 1 hour

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist BEFORE your exam.