Cystography (X-ray of the bladder)

Cystography — is an X-ray examination of the urinary bladder with a contrast agent. The examination helps assess the shape, size and contours of the urinary bladder, as well as detect disorders of urine outflow, vesicoureteral reflux, traumatic injuries, diverticula and other pathological changes.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, an X-ray of the urinary bladder is performed on modern digital equipment. The examination is prescribed when it is necessary to clarify the condition of the urinary bladder and lower urinary tract. To make an appointment for diagnostics, contact the contact center or leave a callback request on the website.

Cystography may be performed in different ways — depending on the symptoms and on which changes in the urinary bladder or urinary tract need to be checked. Different types of the examination allow assessment of the shape and condition of the urinary bladder, its emptying, as well as a possible disorder of urine outflow.

Ascending, or retrograde cystography

During such an examination, the contrast agent is introduced directly into the urinary bladder through a thin catheter. After the bladder is filled, X-ray images are taken to assess its shape, contours, the integrity of the walls and possible pathological changes.

Ascending, or retrograde, cystography may be prescribed when trauma of the urinary bladder, diverticula, postoperative changes or other disorders that require additional clarification are suspected.

Descending cystography

Descending cystography is performed after intravenous administration of a contrast agent. The contrast enters the urinary bladder through the kidneys and ureters, after which X-ray images are taken.

Such a method is usually part of a comprehensive examination of the urinary system and may be combined with urography. The examination helps assess not only the urinary bladder, but also the passage of urine through the urinary tract.

Voiding cystography

Voiding cystography — is an examination during which images are taken not only after the urinary bladder is filled with contrast, but also during urination. This allows assessment of how the urinary bladder empties, whether there is reverse reflux of urine into the ureters and whether the lower urinary tract is working correctly.

Most often, voiding cystography is used when vesicoureteral reflux, recurrent infections of the urinary system, urination disorders or urinary incontinence are suspected.

The examination may be recommended if a person is troubled by frequent urges to urinate, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder or recurrent infections of the urinary system, in particular cystitis. Cystography may also be prescribed after injuries or urological operations, when it is necessary to assess the condition of the urinary bladder and lower urinary tract.

The main contraindications or restrictions include:

• acute urinary tract infections;

• a pronounced inflammatory process in the area of the urethra or urinary bladder;

• allergy to the contrast agent;

• pregnancy, if there is no urgent need for the examination.

In some cases, the procedure may be temporarily postponed — for example, in case of severe pain, elevated temperature or an active inflammatory process. This allows reducing discomfort during the examination and avoiding possible complications.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend informing about allergies, chronic diseases, pregnancy and medicines that you take regularly before the procedure. This helps to properly prepare for the examination and conduct it as safely as possible.

Preparation for cystography depends on the method of conducting the examination and the method of introducing the contrast agent. If descending cystography with intravenous contrast administration is planned, before the procedure the doctor may recommend a blood test for creatinine or an assessment of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to check kidney function.

Before the procedure, it is usually recommended to:

• not consume food for 4–6 hours before the examination, if intravenous contrast enhancement is planned;

• if possible, limit foods that may cause pronounced gas formation;

• choose comfortable clothing without metal elements in the abdominal and pelvic area;

• inform the doctor about allergy to contrast agents, bronchial asthma, kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus or medicines that you take regularly.

Immediately before the examination, the patient may be asked to empty the urinary bladder.

Before the start of the examination, the patient is asked to remove metal jewelry and other items that may affect the quality of X-ray images. After this, the person takes a position on the radiological table, and the doctor explains the stages of the procedure.

During retrograde cystography, the contrast agent is introduced into the urinary bladder through a thin sterile catheter. After the urinary bladder is filled, a series of X-ray images is taken in different projections. This allows assessment of the shape of the bladder, contours, condition of the walls and possible pathological changes.

If descending cystography is performed, the contrast agent is administered intravenously. After the contrast passes through the kidneys and accumulates in the urinary bladder, radiography is performed.

During voiding cystography, part of the images is taken at the moment of urination. Such an examination helps assess the emptying of the urinary bladder and detect vesicoureteral reflux.

The procedure usually lasts from 20 to 40 minutes — depending on the type of examination and the number of necessary images. After completion of cystography, the patient, as a rule, can immediately return to the usual way of life.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend drinking a sufficient amount of fluid after the examination, if there are no medical restrictions. This helps remove the contrast agent from the body faster.

In most cases, cystography is tolerated well and does not cause complications. After the examination, temporary discomfort during urination, slight burning or more frequent urges to urinate for several hours is possible.

Less often, the following may occur:

• irritation of the urethra after catheter insertion;

• urinary tract infections;

• an allergic reaction to the contrast agent;

• minor admixtures of blood in the urine after the procedure.

The risk of complications is higher in patients with an acute inflammatory process or pronounced disorders of urine outflow. That is why before the examination it is important to inform the doctor about existing symptoms, allergies and concomitant diseases.

Our doctors recommend seeking medical assistance if severe pain, an increase in temperature, pronounced burning during urination or a significant amount of blood in the urine appeared after the procedure.

You can find out the price of cystography here. At «Oxford Medical», the examination is performed on modern digital equipment, which allows obtaining clear X-ray images and assessing the condition of the urinary bladder and lower urinary tract in detail.

You can undergo an X-ray of the urinary bladder in Kyiv at the «Oxford Medical» departments on the right and left banks of the capital, as well as in Irpin. To make an appointment for the examination or clarify the cost of the procedure, contact the contact center or leave a callback request on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• RadiologyInfo.org
• NCBI Bookshelf
• PubMed