Voiding Cystogram (VCUG)

If there is a possibility of pregnancy, please inform the technologist prior to the date of your examination. If you have a Latex allergy, please inform the technologist before your procedure.

What is a VCUG

Your practitioner has requested that you have a Voiding Cystogram (VCUG). This examination is an x-ray of the bladder and urethra. The urethra is a narrow outlet which allows urine to pass from the bladder to the outside of your body. A catheter is inserted into the urethra to allow a clear contrast fluid to fill the bladder. The contrast fluid allows images of the bladder and urethra to be visualized on the x-rays.

On the day of your exam

Please arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to allow for parking and registration. Please plan to spend approximately 1-2 hours in our department. If you bring friends or family to the appointment they will be asked to wait in a waiting room during your scan. Children cannot be left unattended during your scan. Please arrange for a caregiver.

A gown will be provided for you to wear. After images of your abdomen have been taken, a technologist, nurse or practitioner will insert a catheter through the urethra into the bladder. Some slight discomfort may be experienced as a result of this insertion. A clear contrast fluid will pass through this catheter until the bladder is full. Images will be taken while the contrast fluid is filling the bladder. The technologist will then remove the catheter and ask you to void while additional images are taken.

Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam. You may eat and drink according to your normal schedule. Please do not empty your bladder prior to exam.

Results

Our radiologist will study your examination and a report will be forwarded to your practitioner, from whom you may obtain the results. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact our department at at 608-342-4740.

Date of appointment _______________________________________ Time_____________________

Your procedure will be performed at Southwest Health at 1400 Eastside Road – Platteville, WI 53818. Please use the Main Hospital Entrance and check in at the Registration Desk prior to your scheduled procedure.

If you cannot keep your appointment please contact the radiology department at 608-342-4740 so that me may accommodate another patient.

NOTE: It may take 2-3 days to obtain verification from your insurance company for exams that require prior authorization, such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Stress, Injections, etc.